Trying to get a fuel filter and the local auto store sells a fram for the 99 PSD 7.3 for $37.99 ..and I read on here you can get the Racor one (F4596) for $16.00 at ShopDiesel.com. I also was surprised that they had the Motocraft filter (FD4596) for $35.00 ..why are these other filters twice as expensive?
Are they basically the same? or EXACTLY the same?
any input would clear up the confusion. I want to put the right stuff in my truck, even if it costs a few dollars more, but if it's all the same then I don't want to throw away money. Also, any issue with the Fram filters? oil, fuel, air?
thanks.

 

Racor = International = Motorcraft on the fuel filters. Racor makes them, and then each sales path adds their own desired level of profit. I guess that red and black ink on the Motorcraft box is expensive? Except that WalMart sells the Motorcraft-boxed FL1995 oil filters for less than half of what a Ford dealer gets for the exact same filter in the exact same box, so who knows.

Duncan

 

does Wal-Mart carry the Racor fuel filters? if so, do you know what they're going for?

 

I don't think Walmart carries fuel filters for our trucks. You can get them from a number of outlets. I typically get mine from Diesel Injection Service.

 

I might just get the Fram fuel filter at the Autozone. I don't want to wait another 9 days for an online order to get here via UPS ground. Is the Fram just as good as the Racor/Motocraft??

 

I don't know about the Fram, but you should be able to pick up competetively priced filters from your nearest International dealer.

http://www.navistar.com/site_layout/dealers/locator.asp

I just buy 'em by the case from DIS so I always have some on hand.

Duncan

 

ok then, I'll see what I can find out. ..by the way, how often do you change the fuel filter in the 7.3?

thanks again.

 

I change mine every 10K miles, but if I remember correctly the manual says 15K and says to drain the water out every 5K.

 

I've read posts on how to change out the filter, but how do you drain just the water?

 

I bought a case of 50 on E-Bay. Averaged about $6.00 each.
Same company that makes Fram filters. Made offshore.
So cheap that I change them every other oil change, about 6K.
No problems, no leaks, etc.

 

Just turn the valve to open. You might have to loosen the cap a little bit to get it moving. The valve should be towards the left/front of the fuel bowl when you are facing the engine.

 

Baldwin filter and cap was $11.99 installed at Speedco Truck Lube center.....

 

I purchase mine from ShopDiesel.com. I get 3 at a time, change them every 15K. Motorcrafts are made by Racor, like anything else from Ford it costs alot more.

 

To answer the question about Fram being comparable to Racor or Motorcraft. The answer is NO, they are inferior. IMO the only good fuel filter companies are Racor, Motorcraft, Donaldson, Luberfiner, Mobil 1, Amsoil, Baldwin, I.H.. I change my fuel filter once a year, but I am very particular on where I buy my fuel, it makes all the difference in the world.

 

In my opinion Fram filters are junk. They used to make a good product but I've seen the quality decline in the last 10 yrs or so. Based on my own observations & reports from others I will not use Fram in anything anymore. I don't have an ax to grind with Fram personally, but I want to use a product that won't cause/ contibute to the early demise of my trucks.
Check out this website, a lot of you probably already know about this site. The guy does a good job of analyzing filters and providing info on construction. You can draw your own conclusions from his data.
http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/oilfilterstudy.html