Fuel filter changing
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,303
Likes: 576
From: Amarillo, TEXAS!
Its pretty straightforward. Unscrew the cover, yank old filter, replace gaskets/o-rings, replace cover. Cycle the ignition a couple times to fill the fuel bowl, then start it. Might run rough and smoke, but should clear up in a minute or two.
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 63
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Make sure the bevel on the cover gasket is set in the correct direction. Observe it carefully as you remove the old one and replace with a new one in like direction. Make sure the O ring on the filter does not come out of it's groove as you slide it into the bowl. A little diesel on it will lubricate it sufficiently to insure that does not happen.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,355
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From: Western NC
Might want to drain the fuel filter bowl beofre opening it up. Might be less messy that way. There are a variety of ways to remove that lid. A strap wrench might work, but I know a pair of channel locks works pretty well, or they even make a special wrench to fit it that can be purchased, it you so desire. Also, some filters come with the cover and the filter itself made together. If you have one of those, you'll need to get another one just like it, or get yourself a replacement lid, if you don't already have one......... 
Last edited by RedTaurus94; Oct 24, 2004 at 03:27 PM.
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 50
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From: Sula, MT
Don't do what I did once and forget to allow the fuel bowl to fill before checking for leaks. I looked for leaks immediately after starting the engine and everything looked good. But 70 miles later when we stopped at Costco I noticed I was leaving a substantial trail of diesel. Embarrassing! Removed the cover and put it back on again and everything was fine.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 368
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From: Las Vegas, Nevada
[QUOTE=DALPILOT]Make sure the bevel on the cover gasket is set in the correct direction. Observe it carefully as you remove the old one and replace with a new one in like direction. QUOTE]
In case you don't notice which direction the beveled O ring was in, the sharp point of the bevel is UP! It looks backwards this way, but that's the way it goes. The directions I've seen don't seem to tell you which direction to put it, but it will leak if installed upside down.
In case you don't notice which direction the beveled O ring was in, the sharp point of the bevel is UP! It looks backwards this way, but that's the way it goes. The directions I've seen don't seem to tell you which direction to put it, but it will leak if installed upside down.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,355
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From: Western NC
The Motorcraft and Racor filters have pretty clear instuctions as to how to install the O-ring.........
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Posting Guru
Joined: May 2004
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From: China Grove, TX
if there is a Baldwin filter dealer near you just go there and ask for the respective fuel filter for your truck and it comes with the cap on it and all. just get the old one out and stick the new one in. tightens down with a spot on top and center for a 1/2 in. socket. took me like 3 minutes 
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Posting Guru
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Originally Posted by RedStroker6
if there is a Baldwin filter dealer near you just go there and ask for the respective fuel filter for your truck and it comes with the cap on it and all. just get the old one out and stick the new one in. tightens down with a spot on top and center for a 1/2 in. socket. took me like 3 minutes
Duncan