Changing Fuel Filters: 2010 F350 Step-By-Step Guide

Changing the fuel filter on a 2010 F350 is a relatively straightforward process, but it is important to take some precautions and follow the correct procedure to avoid any issues. The fuel filter is located in the line between the fuel tank and the engine, and it is recommended to be changed every 5 years/50,000 miles, or more frequently if you live in a dusty area or have a lot of stop-and-go driving. The primary fuel filter is contained inside the Horizontal Fuel Conditioning Module (HFCM) on the driver's side of the chassis, while the secondary fuel filter is mounted on the top of the engine. To change the fuel filter, you will need to drain the fuel-water separator, remove the old filters, install the new filters with lubricated O-rings, and torque the filter caps to the specified tightness. It is also important to cycle the key several times without turning the engine on to purge air out of the system.

Drain the fuel-water-separator

To drain the fuel-water-separator on a 2010 F350, follow these steps:

First, locate the fuel-water-separator. It is inside the Horizontal Fuel Conditioning Module (HFCM) on the driver's side of the chassis, between the fuel tank and engine. Now, place a container beneath the drain valve of the fuel-water-separator. You can use a 20oz pop bottle or a small recycling bin to collect the fuel.

Next, open the drain valve. The valve has a yellow handle; turn it a quarter to the left to open it. If you find that fuel is not coming out, try turning the key in the ignition to the 'on' position. You may also need to open the fuel cap to get the fuel flowing. If the drain is clogged, you can try using a piece of wire or a quick shot of air to clear it.

Let the fuel flow out until it stops. This may take a few minutes. Once it has stopped, close the drain valve by turning the yellow handle a quarter to the right. Now, cycle the key in the ignition to the 'run' position (as if to start the glow plug sequence) and hold it for 30 seconds. Repeat this process 5 more times before starting the engine. This will help fill the empty fuel filter housings and prevent air locks in the fuel line.

Finally, start the engine and check for leaks.

It is recommended that you drain the fuel-water-separator at oil change intervals, or more frequently if you live in an area with high water contamination in fuel.

Remove the HFCM fuel filter

To remove the HFCM fuel filter from a 2010 F350, follow these steps:

First, locate the HFCM on the inside of the driver-side frame rail between the fuel tank and the engine. Place a container under the drain valve of the fuel-water separator and open the valve with a quarter turn (yellow handle). To prevent spilling fuel, attach a section of quarter-inch fuel line to the drain valve so that the container can be placed on the ground.

Allow the HFCM to drain completely, then remove the primary fuel filter cap using a 36mm socket. For four-wheel-drive trucks, a breaker bar or box-end wrench may be needed to access the filter cap, as a standard ratchet may be too large. Once the cap is off, remove the fuel filter from the cap by pulling it out. There is a retaining clasp on the fuel filter that snaps into the cap.

Next, remove and replace the o-ring from the fuel filter cap. Install the new fuel filter, ensuring that the locking clasp and o-ring are properly oriented. The o-ring side of the fuel filter should not be inserted into the cap. Lightly coat both o-rings (on the cap and bottom of the filter) with clean motor oil before installing the new filter into the HFCM. Torque the cap to 19 lb-ft (25 N-m); do not overtighten, as the plastic cap can crack easily.

Now, reinstall the fuel-water separator drain plug. The secondary fuel filter is located next to the engine oil filter on top of the engine. Remove the cap with a 24mm socket or a half-inch square drive. Using a square drive to loosen the cap can strip or damage the plastic hex head, so using the appropriate socket is advised.

Finally, remove and discard the used secondary fuel filter. Drain any remaining fuel from the fuel filter housing using a syringe, turkey baster, or suction gun. Install the new fuel filter into the housing, then remove and replace the o-ring on the fuel filter cap. Lightly coat the o-ring with clean motor oil, then reinstall the cap. Torque to 10 lb-ft (14 N-m); do not overtighten.

To prime the fuel system before starting, turn the key to the "run" position (as if initiating the glow plug sequence) for 30 seconds, then back to the "off" position. Repeat this procedure at least three times.

Remove and replace the fuel filter from the filter cap

To remove and replace the fuel filter from the filter cap, follow these steps:

Firstly, use a 36mm socket to remove the cap from the engine-mounted filter. Pull it out slowly, allowing the fuel to drain back. Next, open the drain on the HFCM, mounted on the inside of the frame rail under the driver's side, and let it drain into a container.

Now, take off the cap of the filter using a 36mm socket and remove it. Clean both the filter caps and mounting areas thoroughly. Replace both O-rings and lubricate them with fuel.

Now for the installation. Install both filters into their caps and put them back on the truck. Tighten the caps to 20 ft-lbs. Cycle the key 6 times for 30 seconds each without turning on the engine. This will purge air from the system.

• It is recommended to change the fuel filters when you have less than a quarter of a tank of fuel.
• Before reinstalling the filter cap, lubricate the new O-ring with oil and put the filter in first, turning it slightly so it goes in as far as possible.
• Torque the filter cap to 18.5 ft-lbs.
• Ensure you do not overtighten the plastic cap, as it can crack easily.

Reinstall the filter/cap assembly

Now that you have removed the old filter and cleaned the mounting areas, you can reinstall the filter/cap assembly.

Firstly, lubricate the new O-rings with fuel and install the new filters into their caps. Then, put the filter/cap assembly back onto the truck. Ensure that you tighten the caps to 20 ft/lbs.

Do not overtighten the caps, as the plastic cap can crack easily. Once you have tightened the caps, cycle the key 6 times for 30 seconds each time without turning the engine on. This will help purge air out of the system.

You can now start the engine and check for any fuel leaks.

Remove the secondary fuel filter

To remove the secondary fuel filter on a 2010 F350, you will need to follow these steps:

Firstly, locate the secondary fuel filter. This is mounted on the top of the engine, to the right of the oil filter housing (if you are standing at the radiator and facing the engine).

Now, you need to remove any remaining fuel from the fuel bowl. You can do this using a syringe, turkey baster, suction gun, or similar.

Next, you will need to remove the old fuel filter from the filter cap. Then, inspect the remaining fuel for any water or debris. If you find any debris or water, use a turkey baster to remove it.

Now, you can install the new o-ring on the fuel filter cap. Lightly lubricate the seal with clean motor oil.

Finally, reinstall the fuel filter into its housing. Torque to 14 N-m (or ~125 in-lbs).

It is important to note that you should not overtighten the plastic cap, as it can crack easily.

Frequently asked questions