HFCM First Fit, FF, fuel filter
 

FYI, there is a Ford SSM, Special service Message, #19365, dated 9/11/06...

Indicates that the filter in the HFCM will be marked "FF" for First Fit on the filter end cap as of the May 06 vehicle production; ditto for replacement HFCM assemblies.

Shouldn't be of any concern to those that change their filters every 15,000 miles.

Just like the oil filter... the filter snaps into the cap then one tightens it shut. I thought it was well known or written... did nto know that they needed or issued a service bulletin?

What he's saying Jeff is that the filter originally installed in the vehicle will be marked as such. Keeps people from not changing their fuel filters and ford having to warranty a fuel related problem because of such. As of current, I don't think there is/was any way to tell when the original fuel filter had been changed. Am I correct BN?

The issue is that people fit their fuel filters into the housing then just screw the cap on and tighten. Sometimes this does not allow the filter to "snap" into the cap or "position" correctly and will not allow the filter and/or cap to seat all the way.

A service person could look at the fuel filter and if no "aqua bloc" white mesh over the pleats on the large filter... then the issue is... "using of non-OEM parts or OEM equivilant"!!!

The only way to document proper maintanence is with reciepts and box-ends showing proof of purchase and hopefully a detailed record of work showing "good will" that it was indeed done on time... every 15,000 miles for fuel filters that is.

The issue was that people weren't changing their fuel filters at all and then claiming fuel related problems which were simply due to not changing filters. The factory filter could be in much longer than the recommended interval and the customer could have claimed to have changed it. Documentation is very easy to falsify for service change intervals. Ford marking the filters is an easy way to tell if it's being done--at least the first time.

True.... but after the first one all bets are off.

The manual states to change every 15,000 miles unless there is a problem or poor fuel is believed to have been used. Poor fuel system pressure is a huge cause of injector problems and have been attributed to bio-diesel (delaminating the fuel tanks and the clensing action of it in the system), water in the system and the filter not able to handle it, of just plain bad fuel!!!

I change every 15,000 miles and since the motor has a 100,000 warrenty documentation is key whether with dealer receipts or one's own records. If push comes to shove the owner has to prove compliance with all service requirements.

Again... I agree with you 100%

Beachbumcook,

FYI,

Ford made a change in late 2006 on the changing of the fuel filters, in vehicles used under Severe conditions.
I can't remember the TSB # but here is a cut and paste of the manual.

From the 2007 motorcraft manual:

SPECIAL OPERATING CONDITIONS
Towing a trailer or using a camper or car-top carrier

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, Change engine oil and replace filter

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) Check air filter restriction gauge (replace air filter as required or when air filter restriction gauge indicates)

Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 400 hours of engine operation (whichever comes first) Change engine-mounted fuel filter and FCM/HFCM fuel
filter.

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) Change transfer case fluid
As required Change manual transmission fluid

Hope this helps :-X25