Hey fellas, long time no see. Haven't been too active posting on here in a while but recently I have ran into a few problems that I hope you can help me with.

To this date, the truck is still going strong...only smokes at start up now and when idling for more than a few minutes. Oh and cold starting is alright, just takes a few seconds of cranking to catch at about 10*F.
I figured it was about that time, needing to finally get over my qualms about taking on changing the fuel filter on this beast...and oh what a joy it was...lol.

I was prepared, reading up on the site first to see how it was done. Plugged in the truck over night to make it easier to start...unfortunately the next day was -4*F. Blistering cold, but I decided to do it anyway.

First off...opened up the manual water drain as instructed...but there wasn't anything to drain. Odd considering I haven't ever drained this thing before.

Tried to unscrew the filter...couldn't get it to budge without a filter wrench...almost crushing the thing to get it to come off. Finally got it though...fuel dribbling everywhere to my misfortune. Unhooked the sensor wire and took it to the garage.

Anyway, pried on the bottom bowl to get it to come off, finally freeing it with a filter wrench. After looking over the filter, man did this thing need to be changed. Clogged like all get out with debris in the bottom.

Cleaned the bowl up a bit, replacing the old O-ring with a new one, greased the new ring and screwed it onto the filter base as tight as I could...nice and snug fit.

Since I didn't have any diesel on hand, I filled it to just about a half inch from the top with Diesel Kleen (Grey Bottle). Before I filled it, I noticed that I had to turn the manual drain so that it was out away from the fuel bowl to get it to stop leaking...is that the right way? I believe it was clockwise, looking at the top of the filter.

Alright, so took it out to the truck with a newly greased top O-ring. All set to go as it spun right on. I got it snug, but made sure to get at least one more turn and a bit to make sure it was on there. I was weary of the giant red letters on the side of the motorcraft filter saying DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN. So I heeded the warning.

Reconnected the sensor wire and fuel drain hose, jumped in the truck and turned the key. To my surprise, it fired right up. Idled really loud for a few seconds like usual...before really quieting down. Could really hear that cleaner going to work as soon as it hit the injectors. Purred just like a kitten.

Got out with the hood still open, looking it over for leaks. As I looked to the back though...it really started to smoke. Thick gray, almost black smoke for a few minutes as I figured it was just getting warmed up with the combination of the cleaner. No biggie there. Revved it a few times to help it cycle through the RPM range.

Smoke cleared up after a few minutes and after it warmed up completely, I revved it, watching the exhaust. Still smokes a hazy gray/blue...course I haven't ran it in a while so I figured that was the case.

Took it for a drive. Drove great as always, maybe a little more power freed up with a new filter. Checked for leaks and parked it for the night.

That was Friday afternoon...today I went out. Weather was sunny at about 40*F so I didn't have it plugged in. Turned the key, Glowplugs cycled as usual...but as I cranked it took alot longer to get it to catch. Also once it caught, it died. Tried 3 more times and it died each time before I finally put it to the floor and kept it running. Never really had that much of a problem before.

Light smoke at startup, nothing unusual. I could really smell that cleaner for some reason though...upon popping the hood to inspect, I noticed a drip stain on the valve cover. Did I not get the filter tight enough? I got it so tight I stripped a little paint on the filter when the wrench slipped.

It ran strong, took it for a little drive and just got back. Wondering if I just opened up a new can of worms for myself by messing with that filter. They are NOTORIOUS for leaks...but I swear if I get it any tighter I will break something.

Wiping my hand under the filter even before starting it today, I managed to pick up a little cleaner on my gloves. Could the manual drain itself be leaking? It seemed tight when I checked it yesterday...

Anyway, if you guys could offer me any input, that would be great. I have a trip planned for tomorrow afternoon so I want to get this sucker figured out before then. Thanks fellas.

-Dave

 

Alrighty...for those who don't want to read through my novel LOL...

>Changed fuel filter
>Extended starting situation ensued
>Anything I'm missing?

And now I have some additional info after tinkering with it:

Despite the clear warnings not to overtighten...I gave it another quarter turn with a filter wrench...on the base and the element itself. Could have gone a little more but I left it at that due to the plastic construction of the filter. Had to use two wrenches to tighten the base, dented the filter a little on one side from hitting the housing but I think it will be alright.

I noticed one other thing...when I loosened the manual water drain, I could hear a weezing and gurgling sound...I assume that it was letting air in and the fuel drain back to the tank. Guess that was sealed afterall, so I tightened it back up.

We will see how it starts in the morning, any other thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.

-Dave

 

I've always used a wrench on the filters. I can never seem to get a tight seal without using it.

 

I use the filter with the bottom drain built on, that extra part is just more crap to cause trouble.

 

And yes, out is closed on the bottom drain.


Some filters just don't seem to want to seal.

I have always used Purolator filters, never had a problem till I installed the one on my engine right now.
It leaks off if the truck sets for several days.
Not a problem if I drive it every day though.

I may go change that filter after while.