I have a 1997 f350 7.3 and replacing fuel filter. I noticed there is grime and what looks like some kind of gel in the very bottom of the fuel bowl. Is there some kind of trick to remove the long plastic pickup tube so I can get to the bottom of the fuel bowl? I see a nut at the base but even my deep well sockets are not long enough to reach it and I'm afraid I'm going to break it with pliers. I've also heard its a reverse thread but it won't budge

 

You should be able to twist it out, I had mine out to clean the bowl awhile ago. If I remember correctly it was pretty snug. I am pretty sure it is reverse threads though.

 

Use a crow foot wrench and extension.

 

This /\ /\ /\ and it is left hand threads.

 

thanks got it out and everything replaced but now something wierd is happening. Truck takes long time to start and has basically no throttle. Will idle at about 600 and little rough put pedal to floor and will rev to about 800 and that's it. Let off pedal and very rough idle and tries to die. I'm about at my wits end here

 

did you put the regulator back in right?

possible the wiring harness has a break in it over the drivers VC and only running on one bank

ohm it all out

 

Regulator? There was just a pickup tube, a plate, and a heating element

 

Regulator is on the side of the bowl.

 

put a tire pressure gauge on bowl Schrader valve while running to test for pressure

 

I saved these links for the fuel filter housing:

7.3L Power Stroke Fuel Filter Housing Removal & Installation Procedures

7.3L Power Stroke Fuel Filter Housing Rebuild Procedures

I might buy a new one if mine looks too crappy. So far it looks good.

 

 

I was going to ask that. The regulator is the fuel pressure regulator = FPR.
Is the new fuel filter OEM? The filter has to press the valve in the stand pipe when you put the cap of the fuel bowl. If it is a little longer wont do that.