I should of oiled the oring but didn't. the truck runs fine & doesn't leak. Is it ok to leave this gap or should I reinstall the filter with a new oring and if I do reinstall the filter where could i get a oem oring if needed? Just had the fuel pump & 3 injectors relaced from the dealer and they said nothing about the gap.

 

Donzi, see my last posts in the "Changing Fuel Filters" thread that is current still. I just did mine last night, had about that same gap you describe, thought it was normal, but my engine started and promplty ran out of fuel after a coupld mins. I rechecked both filters and discovered that cap was not tight enough, was letting air in so the fuel lines were not re-priming.

How long did you run your truck? I guess if it's running OK you could leave it until your next change, but after my experience last night I'd be afraid it could suck air and die on you anytime. Since you mention oiling the o-ring, I'm curious if people are doing this? I considered oiling mine, but did not since it doesn't say to in the instructions like for oil filters. Anyone have feeback there?

 

When I changed my fuel filter the last time the HVCM filter cap goes in very hard.


When removing old filter and o-ring, make sure all is clean and no o-ring material is left behind. Some people have damaged o-rings.

Lube the o-ring very well with oil and clean all surfaces. If not lubed well, it may not seat properly or it may "tear" as it becomes compressed upon tightening.

Screw in by hand to get filter cap started.

Keep tightening until the cap and the HFCM housing mate up... it takes a bit and you may feel like it is "overtight"... but it is not.

The filter cap and housing should mate up nice and smooth and create an air-tight fit.

No "gaps" have been reported as normal or allowed by Ford or anyone on this site since day one of the 6.0L... so just give it a "tug" with a 36mm socket and you shouldbe fine.

 

Makes sense about oiling the o-ring, I didn't either but will next time. Since I took mine back out and inspected before tightening fully I know it got a fair amount if diesel on it, so I figure that's better than dry. I'll know for sure in another 15k...

Another related question about these o-rings: When I removed the cap for the smaller filter (engine mounted), the o-ring on that one that was original from Ford was coated in red "goop" that had dried (looked like the liquid electrical tape kinda). The goop was dried and a lot if it stuck in the groove in the cap when I pulled the o-ring. Even a couple small pieces fell down in the housing, but I got them when I turkey basted the fuel out. I cleaned it out of the cap groove pretty well, but wonder if they were having problems with that sealing so added the goop? Am I alone here, or is this normal for the first filter r/r? My replacement sealed fine.

 

thanks everyone. I tightened it up with a 1 3/16 3/4 drive. now the cap mates up to the housing, did sqeek a little when tightening up, but no leaks.