How hard is it to change the fuel filter? I changed the oil and oil filter myself and now it is time for the fuel filter. And while we are on the subject, what is the longest some of yall have gone between changes on your fuel filters?

 

The third thread from the top, Tech Folder, has that info and much more!


Here's a link for you: home.austin.rr.com/sbv1/Procedures/fuel%20filter%20change.htm

It's not really difficult, you'll just smell like Diesel when you're through.

 

Appreciate it. Wouldn't mind that smell at all!

 

I love the diesel

 

If you put a gallon jug, w/ the top cut off, under the drain screww you don't get any mess on you at all. It is an easy change out, there are two filters, and they runn $31.00 at the local Navistar/IH dealer.

 

Changing fuel filters on this beast is a piece of cake. Make sure you drain the water separator first. I put the front, driver's side on a slight incline, place a couple towels/rags along the frame rail just under the filter housing and didn't have any mess at all.

As far as change interval, I would highly recommend sticking with the 15k mile max interval. The 6.0L survives on clean, fresh fuel at proper pressure. Try to extend your change interval and you're asking for serious injector problems.

 

^^ What he said. Injector problems are going to get real expensive, real fast. You could swap fuel filters every 5K and still come out ahead in the long run.

 

When changing fuel filters use OEM spec'd filters.

What is OEM spec'd fuel filters you ask.... they are one's made by Racor and have the white media wrap on the outside of the large HFCM filter. No white media (over pleats)... not OEM!!!

Not OEM... why such a big deal???

The big deal is that the white media helps seperate any water in the fuel. It is called "aquablock" and it is only found on Racor made filters (Motorcraft, Racor or Int'l). If water gets through using a non-OEM filter, the water moisture will destroy a fuel injector real quick... or ruin it slowly over time.

Water is a No-No for a diesel motor and these highly tuned injectors and motors. Change filters every 15,000 miles unless you suspect poor fuel for some reason. Drain the water seperator plug first to drain any/all water out then open upo the large cap and change the filter (this is the correct procedure as written by Ford).

 

One thing not mentioned yet is after filter change. Cycle startup- key on , do NOT try to start,then key off - for 15 seconds each cycle - for 3 times. This is to purge the air out of the system and it will fire right up with no misses/problems.

 

This is interesting. My last filters I bought as an emergency when the water in fuel light came on, I was out of area and just picked up a pack from NAPA, $82 and no wrapper. This time I went to my local International dealer, $32 and they had the wrapper, bought a couple. And yes, it is a breeze to change them.

 

Oh wise son... you have learned the ways of the ancient one and that of the Karate Kid....

Buy Napa filters and pay more and get less!!! Buy fuel filters from Int'l and pay less and get more!!!!

Now you are ready for lesson #2.... can you say "Wax on, Wax off".... my truck needs a good waxing... so start practicing so you can demonstrate lesson #2 for us all!!!

 

Anybody know what size the "nut" is on those plastic fuel filter caps? I took mine off with a pair a channel locks. Easy enough then I thought I should've taken the time to get in the garage and get a socket for that.

 

TheFist,

If i remember correctly, 36mm and the drain plug on water seperator is 6mm

 

changed .mine today no problem. 14828 miles looked almost as clean as the new filters

 

In my book - keep buying your fuel there as it very clean.