in the fuel bowl filter, does the fuel flow into or out of the filter? I replaced one that appears to be pushed out as if having restriction on the inside. thanks

 

It goes from the outside to the inside I think. Look down at the bottom and take a look.

 

Fuel flows into the bowl from the bottom fitting on the driver's side which causes the unfiltered fuel to surround the outside of the element. It flows through the filter element into the center section.

From there it goes through the top opening of the black plastic tower that the filter element sits over. This opening is fully open only when the cap is screwed on, it closes whenever the cap is taken off.

Fuel then travels down this tower backcheck assembly and into the port openings for the fuel rails.

 

You might want to check out this link.
Just click on the 1999.5 DIT engine updates

 

Sorry about that, here is the link
http://www.forddoctorsdts.com/articl...icle-06-08.php

 

thanks guys. So a "bulge" out would be probably from the filter being compressed down and not from pressure on the inside???