TLDR

Will my 7.3 diesel run just fine without the “edge filter” inside the HPOP?
Will running without the “edge filter” cause any damage?
(Ya, I know, "filter you dummy, it's there for a reason" )
Where can I buy one?



The story, driving home from work the truck gave me about 30 seconds notice that something was wrong, it lost power then soon died, I noticed a big puddle of oil dripping from the engine, towed home and tore into it to find the “non serviceable plug” under the HPOP was missing. Apparently this is not unusual as the threads are too short on the plug and if the O Ring is bad they can leak then blow out. I will replace the plug with the improved longer threaded model, during my homework I also realized there are two other parts, a check ball that IS required for proper function of the pump/engine, and a small squared tube looking thing called the “edge filter” (NOT the one inside the IPR) while I can order the plug and check ball (already done), it seems I can’t locate the edge filter, and there is very little info online about it at all.

Does anybody have any info on what it does, is it necessary, or better yet, where I can get one?

Pic from the ‘net
Edge Filter ???? - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

Item 19 below.





Thanks for your input and advice!





2001 F350, 7.3 Diesel, manual trans, stock engine, about 110,000 miles.

 

Will it run? Probably, but don't think I would recommend it. That piece goes over the internal discharge port, which happens to be right in line with one of the discharges going to a head. I'm guessing that piece is there to catch anything that makes it through the pump that isn't oil from having a straight shot to a cylinder head and injector. It also probably acts as a kind of diversion dam too. Also right there is the junction of the port for the other head discharge and the IPR valve. So rather than shooting straight through the single discharge, oil runs into that guy disturbing flow letting some oil go here there and everywhere else it is supposed to.

Edit: Just had another thought. I can't imagine that a machine shop would have much trouble making a new one for you provided they had some dimensions to go from. If you want to give that option a go let me know and I'll take some measurements for you to work with.

 

Thanks for the reply, you make some valid points about this thing acting as a diversion dam as well as catching crud that made it into the pump, I’m really trying to avoid buying a new pump just because I’m missing a small part, but that’s also an option. I’m going to call my local International dealer/shop and see if they’ve got the filter or can suggest an option. Maybe the rebuilders have a box of Edge Filters and would be willing to sell me one.

I also appreciate your offer to measure one up to get made, but the juice may not be worth the squeeze if you know what I mean.

 

I do indeed. Great movie btw, and bravo on the quote usage. If you don't have any luck w/ International let me know, I can possibly/probably find something.

 

I would think it would be hiding in the valley somewhere. Maybe go magnet fishing?

 

The only thing that was in the valley was a ton of oil, 90% of which ended up on the road and underbody of the truck, once home I was able to blot up what was in the valley and feel around for anything that may have gotten stuck there, 3 out of 3 missing parts were nowhere to be found. I will however go back for another more detailed look around. It wouldn’t be the first time that I found something “waaay back in there, hung up on something”
It also seems that all the parts houses have taken today off of work as well, so...what else have I got to do.

 

It wouldn't surprise me if these small parts got flowed out onto the road, but at the same time, I have hosed down the engine and valley with degreaser and pressure washed and still found hardware hiding in there.
..and I simply have no better suggestions.

 

I FOUND IT!!! a big thanks to @callforfire for telling me to go back and look again. I was digging around and just about to give up when I thought "ok, what direction would that thing have blown when the plug blew out under pressure?" shone a strong focused light around (just like a CSI) and there it was hung up just below the alternator mount by a hard line.
And to think I was moments away from ordering a new pump.

You guys are awesome and thanks for all the advice and offers of personal assistance, if you’re ever in Central Oregon beer’s on me.

 

If you really want a treasure hunt drop the transmission. You'll likely find tools you forgot you ever owned. I did anyway.

 

Freakin Sweet.

 

Somewhere in there is a (you guessed it) 10mm socket and a turbo clamp bolt.

 

Yep, I found mystery hardware and a 10mm wrench on top of my trans... where did that come from? where does go? how much of the 380k has it been there?
A deep well 7/16 snap on socket when I pulled the windshield washer bottle. I was confused for a bit because my expensive tools are always accounted for so I was sure mine was still in the toolbox.
Gifts from the previous owners.