Air Filter Question
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New User
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Air Filter Question
Leaving on Thursday for a 4 week, approx. 6000 mile trip towing a 10,000lb. fifth wheel camper with an '03 F250 CC, 6.0L, 4x4. Right now my air filter indicator is showing about 3/4 of the yellow indicator. Should I go ahead and change it out, or just take one with me? I bought the truck used, so I don't have an owners manual.
Thanks,
Bill
Thanks,
Bill
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: New Glarus, Wisconsin
Change it before U leave! You will get better fuel economy for one. I've changed my air filter when the indicator didn't show any yellow and I knocked out about 1/2 cup of sand, dirt, etc. out of the filter.
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I agree...go ahead and change it.
Speaking of, you are going to find out that your local auto store wants an arm and a leg for just the standard filter. I would recommend getting a higher quality one online. Not only will you pay less but you get a better product.
I put an Airaid replacement in. Shipped, it was only 60 bucks or so.
Speaking of, you are going to find out that your local auto store wants an arm and a leg for just the standard filter. I would recommend getting a higher quality one online. Not only will you pay less but you get a better product.
I put an Airaid replacement in. Shipped, it was only 60 bucks or so.
Got Diesel?
Joined: Jan 2004
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Change it... for it to start to appear it is doing its job... but you will be happy with the clean fresh air your'll need when towing 6,000 miles. No need to push it!!.
Here is the TSB from Ford on what you are noticing on the "mis-alignment issue".
6.0 Air Cleaner Housing Appears Warped/Misaligned:
The appearance of a misaligned sealing surface between the air cleaner and mass air flow sensor is due to the design of the air induction system and the positioning of the clamps. The air cleaner should be sealed providing the gap is not greater than 16mm (5/8"). If the gap is greater than these measurments, attempt to reseat the air cleaner to the mass air flow sensor. If the gap is still too wide, replace the air filter element only.
Broadcast Message 0925, 1581, 3388
Enjoy your trip!!!
Here is the TSB from Ford on what you are noticing on the "mis-alignment issue".
6.0 Air Cleaner Housing Appears Warped/Misaligned:
The appearance of a misaligned sealing surface between the air cleaner and mass air flow sensor is due to the design of the air induction system and the positioning of the clamps. The air cleaner should be sealed providing the gap is not greater than 16mm (5/8"). If the gap is greater than these measurments, attempt to reseat the air cleaner to the mass air flow sensor. If the gap is still too wide, replace the air filter element only.
Broadcast Message 0925, 1581, 3388
Enjoy your trip!!!
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So the cause of the misalignment is the air filter element? I looked at it pretty closely and the only thing I could discern was a poor engineering job on the clamps and not an interference with the element. I took the truck in this afternoon for other issues and the dealer rep told me there were no issues from FORD regarding the air box. No surprise though.
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Thanks for the quick replys. I picked one up at my local dealer. The parts guy must have been feeling generous today, got it for $61.00.
Bill
Bill
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Oh man, I've got something for you. I saw something to forever distroy my confidence in that little air filter blockage indicator. A 2000ish super duty with a powerstroke came into the shop for an oil change. Just as a matter of practice the air filter was inspected. The indicator was just barely showing blockage (maybee 15%). The filter was pulled out to be visually inspected and the sight was incredible! The filter was caked with dirt, leaves, oil residue, and all kinds of crap. It was so obstucted that the engine was starting to tear the filter apart. There were large gaps and tears in the filter where the engine was sucking air-largely unfiltered air, into the engine. It was incredible. I don't know how the engine could even breath. The little indicator wasn't even showing a problem! So, the moral is change the filiter at regular intervals (I change once a year min.) and check in between if there is any reason to suspect blockage. I know the 6.0 is a bear to change, but my truck is sure worth the trouble! Have fun on your trip!
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From: Alexandria Virginia
I finally changed my air filter this weekend. I have a 2005 F250. The air indicator hadnt even moved since I bought the truck and now I have 21,000 miles on it. I thought that was strange. I would like to thank the jackass that designed the air filter, I never thought that changing a simple air filter could be such a pain in the ***. I also noticed that the seal was exposed and didnt seem to have a good fit to the air box. That made me very paranoid that my engine would start sucking in unfiltered air. Again I would like to thank the jackass who designed it. From reading some posts on here it looks like the seal is supposed to be a little exposed, so I can breath a little easier.
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There's a routine you can follow to make it a LITTLE easier. First, pull the indicator out of the tube so you don't break it. Then, reach around the rear of the filter and push the wires/hoses down as far as you can. On my truck, I have enough slack in the lines to push them below the rear part that attaches to the filter. That allows the rear air tube (not the filter) to move back a little farther. It doesn't make it easy but it makes it a little less of a b--ch.
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Originally Posted by Beachbumcook
...replace the air filter element only...
Got Diesel?
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,345
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Check out the link below...
With detalied pictures... it may help some better understand how to change their filter element or mechanic tips on maybe how to do it easier?
Amazing what the internet offers!!!
Great site if you work your way back to the "home page" and check out all the useful information this link/site has to offer.
http://www.forddoctorsdts.com/articl...icle-06-01.php
With detalied pictures... it may help some better understand how to change their filter element or mechanic tips on maybe how to do it easier?
Amazing what the internet offers!!!
Great site if you work your way back to the "home page" and check out all the useful information this link/site has to offer.
http://www.forddoctorsdts.com/articl...icle-06-01.php
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That is a pretty nice article...I think I found my instruction in the tech tips folder.
So the tech tip is particularly what I was referring to. "Replace the cover if necessary."
Replacing the cover is not the same as replacing the element inside the cover. The FORD broadcast message is suggesting a different solution and I am not convinced that it will do didly.
So the tech tip is particularly what I was referring to. "Replace the cover if necessary."
Replacing the cover is not the same as replacing the element inside the cover. The FORD broadcast message is suggesting a different solution and I am not convinced that it will do didly.
