Fuel Filter
Elder User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 637
Likes: 0
From: Forest Hill, MD
Real easy. Remove the plastic cover in top of the motor that says Powerstroke ( two 13 mm nuts if I remember correctly ). Underneath the cover will be a round plastic cover that screws into the top of the fuel bowl. Remove the round cover and there is the fuel filter. It's easier to remove the filter if the motor is cold.
Post Fiend
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 5,324
Likes: 1
From: Denton,TX
In addition to what psdpower said, make sure if you get a replacement fuel filter that has the cap attached that you save the cap in case you go back to the original style filters. It's also a good idea to drain the fuel bowl when you change the filter. The drain should be on the right side towards the front of the fuel bowl. I also like to fill the fuel bowl up about 1/2 way with a diesel additive when I change the filter to give the system a good shot of cleaner. Make sure when you reinstall the fuel filter that you coat the new gasket with diesel fuel and install it according to the directions (to ge get the beveled edge the correct direction).
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,011
Likes: 0
What they said, plus the fun part about the draining procedure: unless you like diesel splattered all over your front suspension and axle and the ground, you really need to extend Ford's short metal drain tube with some rubber hose. I just jam a piece of 5/16" heater hose up there and it gets pinched between the metal tube and the mounting bracket and holds itself. Put the other end in your drain pain, drain it by opening the lever, and when you're done just yank it off again. Some people permanently install a piece of fuel-rated hose and plug the open end so dirt and spiders don't get up in it. If you do that you'll need to find the right size of hose.
Finding the pipe is fun - you really need to wriggle under the truck and peer up with a flashlight. It's slightly off to the right (passenger) side of the truck, just in front of the engine. I always find it drains better if I open up (but don't remove) the cap/filter to let air in. If you drain before removing the filter, there's less diesel to drip while you're pulling out the old filter, and no need to slowly insert the new filter to let the diesel soak in so it doesn't slosh over the side of the housing.
Duncan
Finding the pipe is fun - you really need to wriggle under the truck and peer up with a flashlight. It's slightly off to the right (passenger) side of the truck, just in front of the engine. I always find it drains better if I open up (but don't remove) the cap/filter to let air in. If you drain before removing the filter, there's less diesel to drip while you're pulling out the old filter, and no need to slowly insert the new filter to let the diesel soak in so it doesn't slosh over the side of the housing.
Duncan
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 255
Likes: 0
This may sound complicated but it's actually fairly simple. When I drain the filter I use a 1" PVC pipe about 2 1/2 feet long. From underneath the motor, raise it until it extends over the fuel filter/water drain. I then place a large maple syrup container under the pipe. The pipe and container are then wedged together for a good press fit. Drain... and remove.
Overtime, I accumulate enough diesel to light my brush fires...
Overtime, I accumulate enough diesel to light my brush fires...
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,011
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by qtrhors1
Soooo draining the fuel bowl is mandatory when changing the filter I take it. What is the best fuel filter to buy? Thanx for all the info so far. It really helps
My strategy is to buy the actual Racor filter (without the cap attached) but never from Ford. Either from one of the many online dealers, or from the International dealer. You'll save a ton of money over Ford's $50-$60 price for it (last time I checked.)
Duncan
