correct its 24mm 15/16

 

You might try to get it off with a strap. I couldn't do it when I have tryed in the past. I'm not saying to hit it very hard jut taping it. I didn't have to hit it very hard at all on the ones I have had to do this way.

 

When you go to install the replacement, make sure you torque to the correct value to avoid cracking in the future. I think it's only about 9 ft/lbs. Yours was probably over tightened before.

 

Like many on here, I had a 6.0 with a broken fuel filter cap on the engine where somebody tried to remove it with a 1/2" socket. I was able to get the old one off by driving a 15/16th socket over the molded in hex on top of the cap but knew that wasn't the right size.

AFTER I purchased the new cap, I measured the hex across the flats with a digital micrometer and determined that it was 24MM. A 1/2" drive 24MM socket ($7.99 at Advanced Auto) fits perfectly and protects the integrity of the hex when removing or installing this cap. Just make sure any socket you get is deep enough to co completely down on the cap so you don't round any corners. Even on the Internet, these caps are $35.

For those of us who don't want to invest in a billet aluminum cap, this is the only way to do it correctly.

I have heard others say that the rail mounted filter takes a 35MM or 36MM. I use a 36MM on the upper oil filter cap and that has always worked fine for me on the rail mounted fuel filter. Others may have more information on that cap as I haven't had a chance to actually measure it.

 

I don't have the tool right here but if you go onto Ebay
you can find a tool the caps and the price is not bad.
here it is for $7.99
Lisle 14500 Oil/Fuel Filter Socket For 6.0 Ford Diesel
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lisle-14500-Oil-Fuel-Filter-Socket-For-6-0-Ford-Diesel-/300954145851?pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&hash=item461243d43b&vxp=mtr
Enjoy
Sean

NOTE : I did some more looking and for the price ranges from the 8.99 up to 35.00 Or if you want the big daddy
Snap-On I think that was going for $119.00 . Anyway the words I use for the search are Ford 6.0 diesel fuel socket
Edit : The Snap-On was a kit price. http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Snap-On-Oil-Fuel-Filter-Socket-4-Piece-A127-A129-A106-S3624-Set-OFSKIT-/321186566399?pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&hash=item4ac83610ff&vxp=mtr

 

Snap-On S3624 tool is a 24/36 flip socket

Josh

 

If its only got cracks, try the socket first. The pressure may compress the cracks and possibly break it free. Nothing to lose and if it shatters the problem is also solved.

 

While I can never tell another guy how to spend his money, the Snap On and Lisle tools are way too expensive to get the job done IMHO. The 24MM and 36MM Duralast sockets from Advance Auto (or similar) are deep enough to completely engulf the hex head and with the aid of a standard 1/2" ratchet get the job done in no time. I'm smaller of stature and do the one on the frame rail without even jacking up the truck.

The previous poster is right about oftentimes being able to get the cap off with a socket even when a 1/2" extension has cracked the hex. If the hex is still intact (merely cracked), the socket will usually compress things well enough to get it off. That was the case with mine. You've got nothing to lose. If the socket doesn't work, it's time for some careful hammer and chisel work.

Then observe the torque ratings to put the new cap on and you should never have any problems. Billet aluminum caps look great but normally aren't needed unless you want the capability to add a fuel pressure gauge. I'm more into go than show, so the plastic one is just fine as long as I can get it off and on to change filters on schedule.

 

Guess you missed the Lisle 14500 Oil/Fuel Filter Socket For 6.0 Ford Diesel
for $ 7.99 and if you look around you can find a free shipping one.

Sean

 

Thanks for the link. I had missed that, and I usually look at eBay and Amazon first for most everything I need. At that price, I would probably get that one instead of the Advanced Auto socket, but I guess personal choice would also enter into it. The lisle is 3/8" drive while the Advanced is 1/2". Shouldn't have to put that much torque on it to remove, but my 1/2" drive ratchets seem a little stronger than my 3/8" (both Craftsman). I never had a problem getting my 1/2" drive ratchet and socket in there to get the frame mounted filter apart (and I'm a 4WD). YMMV.

Thanks for the link though. I have retained it in my Ford 6.0 'maintenance tips' folder for future reference.

The real problem seems to be with the upper filter. International would have been far better off if they had never included that 1/2" square female receptacle on top and invited everybody to use a 1/2" extension to remove and install the cap. I'm sure that's how mine got broken (by a third party I had so some service). I carry 24MM and 36MM sockets with me at all times now. I'm good, but others might want to check eBay for a Lisle 24MM socket at $7.99 or so.

 

And if you'r in a hurry Pep Boys has them for under 10 bucks.

 

I was able to buy the Lisle sockets for a decent price several years ago. I went with Lisle because I wanted a six point socket, not a 12. Six points are easier on the plastic corners and when I use these sockets, I put a rag over hex head and then the socket. There is no play in the connection. Yes, they are 3/8" drive but little torque is needed so it works just fine.

 

One little thing about the 3/8" is that it is smaller
size ratchet and you tend to not over toque it.
It's really easy with the big handle on the 1/2" one.

Sean

 

That's why once the cap seats, STOP.

 

Yes

When Godzilla puts it on theres a Problem