Fuel filter change interval
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 212
Likes: 16
Fuel filter change interval
I currently have a 2019 F450 with the 6.7 power stroke. It is mainly used to haul my fifth wheel camper during the camping season. I have had the truck for 1 year and only has 4,000 miles on it. Should I change the fuel filter annually or every 15,000 miles as recommended. Just don’t want any issues when 1,000 miles from home. Thank you in advance
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 322
Likes: 100
Personally, I feel more frequent is a great way to hedge off problems. I had my fuel filter change at the same time as my last oil and filter, which was at about 7500 miles. To the dealers credit he did try to talk me out of it. I tend to think it might be a better idea to do more frequently is you truck is not driven often. I have always heard that moisture builds up quicker in diesel fuel. Just my opinion.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
Likes: 575
From: Brentwood,CA
Changing filters more than required isn't a benefit. The filters do need time to reach initial loading and perform at the rated nominal efficiency. You also don't want to open a fuel system more than needed because it's a prime chance you will get dirt on the clean side of the filter and you also are dry pumping the CP4 every time you change.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
Likes: 575
From: Brentwood,CA
If you clog a filter in 15k miles you need to find better fuel.
Here is what 40k on a filter looks like with clean fuel going in. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ss-or-not.html
Here is what 40k on a filter looks like with clean fuel going in. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ss-or-not.html
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 1,592
Likes: 204
Changing filters more than required isn't a benefit. The filters do need time to reach initial loading and perform at the rated nominal efficiency. You also don't want to open a fuel system more than needed because it's a prime chance you will get dirt on the clean side of the filter and you also are dry pumping the CP4 every time you change.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2020
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I still don't understand how the fuel filters are affected so much differently by towing vs normal service to warrant 6 month change intervals.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2017
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From: Tupelo, MS
My only contribution is that I changed my first fuel filter in my 18 250 at 5k miles. It was by far the dirtiest filter I would ever see as I steadily increased the mileage intervals up to 20k. Fuel stops and locations weren't varied at any point. If anything the last two fuel filters have seen the most diversity of stops as we were towing our camper all over the Western states.
I will probably do the same change on my 450 at 5k and will be interested to see what it looks like. My 18 had 200 miles on it when I picked it up and those are the only miles not put on by me. The 450 had 7. But they filled the tank each time so basically the first tank of fuel for each truck I have no record of.
I will probably do the same change on my 450 at 5k and will be interested to see what it looks like. My 18 had 200 miles on it when I picked it up and those are the only miles not put on by me. The 450 had 7. But they filled the tank each time so basically the first tank of fuel for each truck I have no record of.
Cross-Country
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 75
Likes: 55
I change mine every 15K as I had the filter fail and leave me stranded twice. The plastic lid is a bad design, and when it goes you stand to spray diesel everywhere. Mine failed at 20K then again at 40K. The dealer fixed it both times under warranty, but why chance it and deal with the mess. I do have video of the last fail. You can even use the aluminum kit and not deal with it failing. I just got permission from my dealer to install the aluminum kit and not hurt any warranty.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 1,765
Likes: 502
I plan to keep up an annual change which is roughly 20k miles for me. I mostly fill up at the same fuel stop and the fuel seems to be in good shape. If I were driving cross country, I'd keep a spare set of filters in the truck, they can be changed on the road in a pinch.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2020
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Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,424
Likes: 12
From: BC Canada
Absolutely clogged filters, low pressure to the high pressure fuel pump and there is going to be damage. What miles you get them at is the question, how far past that 15,000 do you make it and do you have issues. How consistent is your fuel supply, do you pull all over or only get fuel from one fuel purchaser 99% of the time, how clogged are they at 15,000 miles? I mostly get mine from a new Costco or when on the road a Commercial Fuel Station at Chevron. Filters are always still clean at 15,000 in my experience with previous trucks. If you find yourself getting fuel in the middle of nowhere at less than reputable places, have water light issues, or check and find a really dirty filter, I would change where I get fuel and watch closely.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 219
Likes: 27
From: MD
Great thread,
Just passing 10,000 and coming up on an oil change (2nd). Was wondering what everyone was doing for fuel filters. I unfortunately live where there aren't a lot of high volume truck stations, so I think I'm going to drain separator and take a peek here at 10,000 then base my interval on what I see there. More than likely start stretching to the 15,000 towing interval if possible.....30k sounds really nice
.
Just passing 10,000 and coming up on an oil change (2nd). Was wondering what everyone was doing for fuel filters. I unfortunately live where there aren't a lot of high volume truck stations, so I think I'm going to drain separator and take a peek here at 10,000 then base my interval on what I see there. More than likely start stretching to the 15,000 towing interval if possible.....30k sounds really nice
.