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Old Apr 22, 2009 | 05:52 PM
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fuel filter change

Had some time this afternoon and was doing some work on my early 99 7.3 oil change etc. Was going to change the fuel filter. Got the old one out but could not get the element out of the screw on top. I know I'm mechanical challenged but how do get the old on out?
 
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Old Apr 22, 2009 | 05:54 PM
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On some filters the lid is permanently affixed to the filter.

The stock ones aren't that way, but my last one was that way.
 
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Old Apr 22, 2009 | 05:58 PM
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Originally Posted by 7.3 Rocket
On some filters the lid is permanently affixed to the filter.

The stock ones aren't that way, but my last one was that way.
What Pete said. You either need to find a replacement filter that is attached to the lid already, or buy a new lid to use with a "regular" style filter. I believe you can buy a lid at Napa.
 
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Old Apr 22, 2009 | 06:09 PM
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What they said , but with pictures..

Two Types of filters.
An assembly, that the filter and lid are attached. Can buy these in this configuration. But don't come apart.


A filter that don't have a lid. (Stock) Need to use your stock lid. If you don't have a lid then purchase the above filter pic or will need to purchase a lid for the below pic.
 
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Old Apr 22, 2009 | 07:47 PM
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For the record the plastic lid on the lid and filter combined arrangement is VERY cheaply built. The stock cover is far more sturdy. I was able to get the stock one off with a ratchet in the square center hole, but the new one stripped out completely and stupid me forgot the o-rings and long story short the old filter is still in there and the new one is sitting as a pile of ash and melted plastic.
 
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Old Apr 22, 2009 | 09:24 PM
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thanks for the help will get a stock lid tomorrow
 
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Old Apr 22, 2009 | 09:32 PM
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One thing I forgot in my other 2 posts:

Use a filter wrench instead of trying to jam a ratchet in the square center hole. It will work a lot better and you won't strip anything out.

I didn't know about that when I was doing my filter change.
 
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Old Apr 22, 2009 | 09:40 PM
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two screwdrivers work really well also. use two flatheads in a X pattern, flatheads in the raised fins on the filter lid.... FWIW
 
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Old Apr 23, 2009 | 09:16 AM
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Originally Posted by steelers06steelers
two screwdrivers work really well also. use two flatheads in a X pattern, flatheads in the raised fins on the filter lid.... FWIW
I use my oil filter wrench to get mine off, fits like a glove on the stock cap.
 
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Old Apr 23, 2009 | 09:16 AM
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New lid and filter in, I also changed the radiator fluid but forgot to get the additive. I was amazed how much of a difference there was in the way the truck ran. Before adding the fluid ; to and from the dealership it ran rough & loud. After adding the additive smooth and much quieter. Can someone explain the reason for this?
 
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Old Apr 23, 2009 | 08:56 PM
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Additive in the coolant? Made it run better?

I would think air cycled out to and from the dealership. Air was injested into you fuel system from changing the fuel filter. Takes a little while to get out.
 
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