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Issue with using new fuel filter

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Old May 25, 2016 | 09:37 AM
  #1  
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Issue with using new fuel filter

Changed fuel filters in my 07 6.0L PSD and realized that the old filter was different from the new. Old filter was flat on the end opposite the end that fits in the cap. New filter had an extension on the bottom with an "O" ring. Called the vendor that I purchased the filter from and was told the design was changed in 2010. Got the new filter in but the cap does not seat flush against the housing and had to use a lot more torque to get it there. Gap is small but noticeable. Don't think it will leak but has anyone else run across this?
 
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Old May 25, 2016 | 09:44 AM
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As I recall, the flat spot allows for the filter to rotate when installed, to stop with its proper orientation to the top as designed.
Maybe the newer models don't need to be aligned or turned for proper orientation?
 
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Old May 25, 2016 | 09:51 AM
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Forgot to mention that the filter in question is the one underneath the frame. Didn't know there was an orientation associated with the cap. Thanks for the reply.


Bryan
 
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Old May 25, 2016 | 10:01 AM
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Yep, talking about the larger, pre filter. Once you click the new filter in the cannister, the filter will only rotate so far when turning clockwise to tighten, hence the proper alignment.
 
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Old May 25, 2016 | 10:33 AM
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First off: what brand filter did you use? 2nd: my lower filter clicks into the cap not the base and the bottom was flat -- I think there is a valve that gets actuated only if the filter seats correctly in the HFCM. It doesn't sound like you have the right filter. There should be a new o-ring for the cap and it does get tougher to tighten once the o-ring contacts the HFCM body, but that is one reason you are supposed to lube the o-ring 1st. Then the cap will bottom out on the HFCM.

I'd verify you got the right filter -- most here only use Racor (OEM to Ford) or the Motorcraft filters and nothing else...
 
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Old May 25, 2016 | 10:45 AM
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So I went and looked at some pictures and sure enough, see the o-ring bottom on the big filter. I don't recall that on mine, but I had bought a number of Racor filters some years back and this was my last set. I could be losing it (well, let's say I AM losing it), but I don't remember that o-ring on the bottom part, so it must be an updated part (or my memory is now that bad ).

Still, I think for the cap o-ring to seal it would still bottom out on the HFCM...
 
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Old May 25, 2016 | 11:19 AM
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Should bottom out yes. You are not getting 100% seal if not.
I can't imagine why any vendor would change a design that is not prone to problems in the first place.
 
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Old May 25, 2016 | 11:48 AM
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First off, the OP hasn't confirmed yet wether he is using an OEM filter and cap. Till then everything is just guessing.
 
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Old May 25, 2016 | 12:13 PM
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Originally Posted by 69cj
First off, the OP hasn't confirmed yet wether he is using an OEM filter and cap. Till then everything is just guessing.
Is there the same kind of aftermarket problem on HFCM caps and filters as there are with the oil filters/caps?
 
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Old May 25, 2016 | 04:22 PM
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This is the correct filter. There is an Oring that faces foreward, toward the front of the truck. Click the filter into the cap, then screw the whole thing into the housing. Once it screws in far enough, the small tab in the second picture catches inside the housing, causing the small hole to be oriented at the top. This allows air to escape and the whole filter area can flow fuel.



 
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Old May 25, 2016 | 05:07 PM
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Originally Posted by diesel_dan
Is there the same kind of aftermarket problem on HFCM caps and filters as there are with the oil filters/caps?
Don't know but doesn't hurt to ask.
 
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Old May 25, 2016 | 05:16 PM
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Maybe the OP can post a photo of the one he has.



Sean <BR>

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Old May 25, 2016 | 06:23 PM
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that oring was an update


if your old filter didn't have it its way Old my records show my truck got one in 2010 march not sure when the release date was but the part guy commented on it when he pulled it at FORD dealer parts for me


prevents unfiltered fuel (Dirt and Water contamination) from making it past the HFCM
 
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Old May 25, 2016 | 08:43 PM
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Originally Posted by BLADE35
that oring was an update


if your old filter didn't have it its way Old my records show my truck got one in 2010 march not sure when the release date was but the part guy commented on it when he pulled it at FORD dealer parts for me


prevents unfiltered fuel (Dirt and Water contamination) from making it past the HFCM
Benny's on it (again)... Here's what I found:

SKU: FD-4616

* Manufacturer: Motorcraft
* Ford number: 3C34-9N074-BA/3C3Z9N184CA
* Part Type: Fuel Filter/Water Seperator
* Fits Year(s): 2003-07
* Engine Type: 4.5 & 6.0 Liter
* Make: Ford


Ford 6.0 Liter Turbo Diesel Motorcraft FD-4616 Fuel/Water Seperator Filters(FD4616): Pick Up & Excursion-REPLACES MOTORCRAFT FD-4604-NEW UPDATED

* Model(s): All Pick up trucks
* Shipping Details Details
* Specials & Discounts: Details
* Country Of Origin: USA

And link to FTE thread that discusses the change:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...fd-4616-a.html

Bottom line if you don't want to read through the thread is even though the new filter is a tad longer, the HFCM cap will still and should still be fully seated when tight. Sounds like putting filter in and seating it fully seems to work. I'll find out next change!

Thanks Rusty for the pic's....!
 
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Old May 27, 2016 | 09:17 AM
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The filter in question was the FD 4616 that Rusty had pics of. I had the old style in the truck and when I was installing the new one it felt like it bottomed out and no threads were making contact. Not knowing about the design change I didn't want to force it and the location of the housing makes that difficult to do in the first place. Still curious as to why the cap isn't seating. Don't want to over torque. With the amount of fuel that leaked all over the place I know the large O ring was lubricated. Used the truck today and no leakage.
 
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