Fuel Filter questions
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Jasper, IN
Fuel Filter questions
Got another novice question for you all. Yesterday, my fuel filter idiot light came on in my 97 F250 PSD. I read in the manual on how to replace it and went to the dealership to buy a new one. Is the filter immediately behind the windshield washer tank? All I can see is a black cylinder with similar dimensions to the filter I bought. There is a solid black cap on top of it and a black **** coming out the front of it. I assume this is a fuel drain ****, but the manual describes a lever that needs to be pushed to the rear of the vehicle to drain it. If this is the filter, it isn't at all what is described in my manual. I tried to pry of the black cap with a screwdriver, but gave up when it wouldn't budge. I also tried to turn the black **** to see what it would do. No luck by hand, I suppose I could try using a pair of pliers, but didn't want to break anything in the dark. Is this an aftermarket fuel filter that the previous owner installed or am I not looking in the right area? The truck is still running fine, but I don't want to chance causing any problems with the fuel system.
Joe
Joe
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: whitney
yes the fuel filter sit in the ''fuel bowl'' its an fuel warmer/water seperator and filter
housing. Yes do use a pair of pliers to turn it counter clockwise (the cap has right
hand threads) & that cap is xtremely hard, you won't break it. There is a yellow
drain on my 99 fuel bowl, that you turn at a 90 degree from its present position to
allow the fuel to drain out. The drain tube runs out close to the passenger's side
exhaust manifold.
housing. Yes do use a pair of pliers to turn it counter clockwise (the cap has right
hand threads) & that cap is xtremely hard, you won't break it. There is a yellow
drain on my 99 fuel bowl, that you turn at a 90 degree from its present position to
allow the fuel to drain out. The drain tube runs out close to the passenger's side
exhaust manifold.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 849
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From: Leesburg , Fl.
On my '96 the fuel drain runs down the right-front of the motor , you may need to put a rubber hose on it to extend it far enough to drain the fuel into a catch can . The fuel filter drain lever is yellow and faces forward when closed and turns counter-clock wise to open ( drain ) I use a 1/2" ratchet or breakerbar to loosen the fuel filter , then just turn it out by hand .The filter is located in the valley between the cylinderheads , under the cover on top of the motor . Don't forget to "lube" the O ring on the new filter with diesel fuel before you install it .
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Helotes, Texas
The fuel filter is in the separator beneath the cover on top of the engine. It is not behind the washer reservoir, that is the accumulator for the A/C. Just pop open the cover and you will see what the manual describes.
Max
Max
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Junior User
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From: Jasper, IN
Thanks for all the replies. I'll tackle it again after work. I guess I was messing with the AC condensor last night! Do I have to remove the black plastic cover on the engine to get to the filter, and if so, how do I do that? Sorry for all the stupid questions, I don't have my truck with me at work today, so I can't go take a look at it until tonight, and it will probably be dark by then. Oh, by the way, $34 for a fuel filter from the stealership! I guess I will go order some spares off of ebay this weekend. Much cheaper. Thanks again. I'll let you all know how it goes.
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Elder User
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From: Leesburg , Fl.
Originally Posted by palajoe
Thanks for all the replies. I'll tackle it again after work. I guess I was messing with the AC condensor last night! Do I have to remove the black plastic cover on the engine to get to the filter, and if so, how do I do that? Sorry for all the stupid questions, I don't have my truck with me at work today, so I can't go take a look at it until tonight, and it will probably be dark by then. Oh, by the way, $34 for a fuel filter from the stealership! I guess I will go order some spares off of ebay this weekend. Much cheaper. Thanks again. I'll let you all know how it goes.
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Jasper, IN
Well, just wanted to let you all know that I just finished installing the new fuel filter. It wasn't too bad as soon as I found something to break the seal on the filter cap. I broke off one of the ears of the cap, but it still works fine. Also made quite a mess when draining the fuel(couldn't find where the fuel was draining from underneath), but I have that under control with some degreaser on the driveway. I filled the fuel bowl half way up with some DK (white bottle) and the truck fired right up. I don't know if it is my imagination, but I feel a little more power in the seat of the pants and it seems quieter to boot. Thanks to everyone for helping.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Leesburg , Fl.
Originally Posted by palajoe
Well, just wanted to let you all know that I just finished installing the new fuel filter. It wasn't too bad as soon as I found something to break the seal on the filter cap. I broke off one of the ears of the cap, but it still works fine. Also made quite a mess when draining the fuel(couldn't find where the fuel was draining from underneath), but I have that under control with some degreaser on the driveway. I filled the fuel bowl half way up with some DK (white bottle) and the truck fired right up. I don't know if it is my imagination, but I feel a little more power in the seat of the pants and it seems quieter to boot. Thanks to everyone for helping.
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Jasper, IN
Yeah, it does feel pretty good! Other than the reaming I took from the dealer (which won't happen again, if I can help it) on the price of the fuel filter, it is really nice to be able to figure out a problem (with help from my friends, of course!) and solve it. I've always been the guy who bought new cars, had the maintenance done at the dealer, then traded it before it really needed anything too intense. My plan is to keep this truck as long as it still rolls, so I want to learn how to do all possible maintenace that I can. Having the resources of these forums sure make things a lot easier.
Joe
Joe