Changing The Fuel Filter On A 1997 Ford F250: Step-By-Step Guide

Changing the fuel filter on a 1997 Ford F250 is a relatively simple procedure that can be completed in a few minutes. The fuel filter is located in the middle of the engine valley. To change the fuel filter, first, locate and attach a fuel line to the metal fuel filter housing drain tube, which is on the passenger side front of the engine block. Then, open the yellow fuel filter housing drain lever to drain the fuel filter housing. Once drained, remove the fuel filter cap and take out the old fuel filter. Before installing the new fuel filter, thoroughly coat the new fuel filter cap gasket with clean engine oil. Finally, install the new fuel filter and tighten the fuel filter cap.

Drain the fuel filter housing

To drain the fuel filter housing of a 1997 Ford F250, you will need to locate the fuel filter. The fuel filter is located in the valley of the motor, right in the middle of the engine valley. If your truck has the factory plastic engine cover, the fuel filter will be right under it.

The fuel filter is described as a black, round circle with a 1/2 drive square or tabs for a long screwdriver. There is a black cap on top of the fuel filter housing that you will need to remove. To do this, use a 1/2" drive extension and ratchet to loosen and remove the cap.

Once the cap is removed, you will need to locate the drain plug or valve. The drain plug is usually located on the front left side of the housing. Before draining, place a large pan under the drain plug to collect the fuel.

To open the drain, you may need an Allen wrench or a pair of pliers. If the drain plug has an internal hex, use an Allen wrench to remove it. If there is no hex, try using a pair of needle-nose vice grips or curved jaw vice grips to grip the edge of the drain plug and turn it counter-clockwise to open it.

Once the drain plug is removed, allow the fuel to drain into the pan. After draining, replace the drain plug and tighten it securely.

It is recommended to change the fuel filter every 5,000 to 20,000 miles, depending on your driving conditions and fuel quality.

Remove the fuel filter cap

To remove the fuel filter cap from your 1997 Ford F250, you'll first need to locate the fuel filter housing. This is situated towards the front of the engine, in the centre of the valley.

Once you've found the housing, you'll need to attach a section of 5/16" fuel line to the drain tube. The drain tube should be around 24-32 inches long and will be located on the passenger side of the engine block. Secure the fuel line to the end of the drain tube and place the other end into a suitable fuel-safe container.

Next, locate the yellow fuel filter housing drain lever on the left-hand side of the assembly. Move the lever clockwise by 90 degrees to begin draining the fuel from the filter housing. Once the housing is empty, you can remove the fuel filter cap.

To loosen the cap, place a screwdriver across the filter lid and turn it until it comes loose. Now you can lift the cap away from the housing.

Be sure to place the filter on a rag as you'll notice fuel will start to drip from it.

Remove the fuel filter

To remove the fuel filter from a 1997 Ford F250, you will first need to locate the fuel filter housing. This is found towards the front of the engine, in the middle of the engine valley.

Once you have located the housing, you will need to find the metal fuel filter housing drain tube. On the 1997 F250, this will be on the passenger side front of the engine block, travelling vertically down from the housing. Secure a section of 5/16" fuel line (24-32 inches long) to the drain tube, and place the other end in a fuel-safe container.

Next, locate the yellow fuel filter housing drain lever on the left-hand side of the assembly. Move the lever clockwise by 90 degrees to begin draining the fuel filter housing. Around 2 pints of fuel will drain into your container.

Once the housing is empty, you can remove the fuel filter cap. Place a screwdriver across the filter lid to loosen it. The fuel filter can now be removed from the housing and placed on a rag to prevent dripping fuel from staining any surfaces.

At this point, you will also want to remove and discard the old fuel filter cap gasket, coating the new one with clean engine oil before installing it on the housing. Ensure that the V-shaped gasket is facing into the lip of the housing, rather than upwards toward the cap.

Install a new fuel filter cap gasket

To install a new fuel filter cap gasket on a 1997 Ford F250, follow these steps:

First, locate the fuel filter housing, which is towards the front of the engine, centred in the valley. Identify the metal fuel filter housing drain tube—on the 1997 F250, it travels vertically down the passenger side of the engine block and is secured by a clamp a few inches from its end. Attach a section of 5/16" fuel line of about 24-32 inches in length to the drain tube and place the other end in a fuel-safe container.

Next, locate the yellow fuel filter housing drain lever on the left-hand side of the assembly and move it clockwise by 90 degrees to drain the fuel filter housing. Once the housing is empty, remove the fuel filter cap with a screwdriver. Place the old filter on a rag as it will drip fuel.

Now, you can remove and discard the old fuel filter cap gasket. Take the new gasket and thoroughly coat it with clean engine oil. Install the new gasket onto the housing, ensuring that the V-shape is facing into the lip of the housing, not upwards toward the cap.

Finally, reinstall the new fuel filter and tighten the fuel filter cap. You don't need to overtighten it; hand-tight should be sufficient, with a slight snug from a screwdriver to secure it. Close the fuel filter housing drain valve and remove the hose from the drain tube. Start the vehicle and check for leaks. The truck may be difficult to start and will run rough until the air is purged from the fuel system, which is entirely normal.

Install a new fuel filter

To install a new fuel filter in your 1997 Ford F250, follow these steps:

First, locate the fuel filter housing, which is towards the front of the engine, centred in the valley. You will need to attach a section of 5/16" fuel line to the drain tube, so it reaches the floor and can drain into a suitable container. Place a pan under the engine to catch any spills.

Next, locate the yellow fuel filter housing drain lever on the left-hand side, near the front of the assembly. Move the lever clockwise by 90 degrees to drain the fuel filter housing. Allow the fuel to drain completely, and then close the valve.

Once drained, remove the fuel filter cap. You can use a screwdriver across the filter lid to loosen it. Remove the old fuel filter from the housing and place it on a rag to catch any drips. Discard the old fuel filter cap gasket and coat the new one with clean engine oil. Ensure the gasket is installed correctly, with the V-shape facing into the lip of the housing.

Now, remove the old fuel filter from the fuel filter housing cap and install the new one. If you are using an aftermarket fuel filter, ensure it is compatible with the factory Ford replacement, as some come with their own cap.

Finally, reinstall the new fuel filter and tighten the fuel filter cap. You do not need to overtighten it; hand-tight should be sufficient, with a slight snug from a screwdriver to secure it. Close the drain valve and remove the hose from the drain tube.

When you start the vehicle, be aware that it may be difficult to start and may run rough until the air is purged from the fuel system. This is normal.

Always exercise caution when working with fuel and ensure you are in a well-ventilated area.

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