Delete the factory fuel filter?
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Elder User
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: SE WI
Delete the factory fuel filter?
Hey guys, its time to change the fuel filter again in my 03 E-350 and there seems to be a problem with the drain. Rather than fix it, I would really like to eliminate this thing all together because it's a PITA to get at.
I plan to do the in tank mods and was wondering if I can install the filter under the truck and get rid of the factory filter. This a work truck and I am not planning to get tuners or anything for more power, so I don't need the top of the line fuel system. Thats what my 02 F-250 7.3 CC 4x4 is for(when I get some cash)
. Thanks.
I plan to do the in tank mods and was wondering if I can install the filter under the truck and get rid of the factory filter. This a work truck and I am not planning to get tuners or anything for more power, so I don't need the top of the line fuel system. Thats what my 02 F-250 7.3 CC 4x4 is for(when I get some cash) . Thanks.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,797
Likes: 1
From: Northern Colorado
A few of the members here have eliminated their factory filters but you will need to do the regulated fuel return mod to be able to do it. The factory filter has the regulator for fuel pressure built into it. A 2 micron pre-pump would be a good choice for the pre-pump filter when eliminating the factory filter.
Last edited by guzzle92; Apr 9, 2007 at 01:54 PM.
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 11,288
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From: North of Greenville
Guzzle... what do you think about simply leacing out the OEM filter once the in-tanks are completed with a new 2 micron filter as part of the setup. That would eliminate the annual filter cost and pesky o-ring/lid removal/installation issues. I know, though, that the drain valve and its o-rings would still be there, but this might serve as a decent compromise between the high $$ for a reg return system and the "in-tanks plus filter" approach.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,797
Likes: 1
From: Northern Colorado
I think it was Pop that checked his factory filter after 30K on his 2 micron Dahl and said that it looked new.
This is purely speculative on my part from his obervations, but if your fuel line was clean from the pump to the factory fuel bowl, it should work since the filter element has nothing to do with the workings of the fuel system other than to clean it before sending it on its way to the injectors.
With that said, I am still running my factory filter along with my Dahl.
This is purely speculative on my part from his obervations, but if your fuel line was clean from the pump to the factory fuel bowl, it should work since the filter element has nothing to do with the workings of the fuel system other than to clean it before sending it on its way to the injectors.
With that said, I am still running my factory filter along with my Dahl.
Last edited by guzzle92; Apr 9, 2007 at 01:53 PM.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 17,988
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From: La La Land
So am I. I believe it's just good additional insurance that I'll have clean fuel.
NS F250:
The factory fuel bowl needs to remain in place, as that's where the fuel pressure regulator is located. Once you install a quality, 2-micron, pre-pump filter, you may never have to change the factory filter again, but I'd do it one last time when you add the other filter.
Even if it is such a pain on the E-series trucks.
Pop
NS F250:
The factory fuel bowl needs to remain in place, as that's where the fuel pressure regulator is located. Once you install a quality, 2-micron, pre-pump filter, you may never have to change the factory filter again, but I'd do it one last time when you add the other filter.
Even if it is such a pain on the E-series trucks.
Pop
Hotshot
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From: La La Land
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Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 7,413
Likes: 1
From: Columbia, MO
I've deleted my factory fuel bowl, but am considering adding a filter after the pump just in case of pump failure. Permatex makes a high flow, pressure rated filter that is not too expensive.
I think you may need to leave the factory filter in place if the fuel bowl is there. If you look in the fuel bowl, I think there is a check valve in the center post that the filter has to push down to let fuel flow through the bowl. I'm not positive, but I remember looking at the factory bowl pretty close and thinking that was the case. Probably some type of safeguard to prevent the truck from being run without a filter.
I think you may need to leave the factory filter in place if the fuel bowl is there. If you look in the fuel bowl, I think there is a check valve in the center post that the filter has to push down to let fuel flow through the bowl. I'm not positive, but I remember looking at the factory bowl pretty close and thinking that was the case. Probably some type of safeguard to prevent the truck from being run without a filter.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,333
Likes: 1
From: St. Louis, Mo.
Hi and thanks to all for the help in advance. Just got my 2002 -250 lariet 2wd,ext. cab, 77,000 miles. I tow a travel trailer that weighs about 8000 # loaded up. Talked to previous owner and he hasnt changed fuel filter since about 50,000 miles ago. I am getting about 15mpg while not towing but only about 8.5 while towing. Can fuel filter being dirty decrease mileage? Hope I'm in the right section to ask this ? and Thanks again for any help. I try to keep mph around 65 and rpm under 2200, if this helps. Oil was just changed and new air filter. All is stock otherwise, no mods.
Last edited by guitarpicr; Apr 9, 2007 at 10:30 PM.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 7,413
Likes: 1
From: Columbia, MO
A dirty fuel filter can definately cause mileage to go down. 50K is way to many miles on a fuel filter. Mist will not go more than 10K-15K before a filter change. I used to change mine every other oil change, which was probably more than necessary, but I'm one to change the filters sooner than later.
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: SE WI
Thanks for the quick replies guys. I guess I will have to work on the fuel bowl drain. The drain on the E series 7.3 is not accessable so they have a cable that runs to a handle to open and close it. The problem is the drain is stuck and I don't want to pull to hard on this handle and break something. Yeah another weekend project! Also, if I do the in tank mods do I still need to mount the filter under the truck? Is this filter necessary or do you use it because it provides better filtration than the stock one? Thanks again.
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