Changing Fuel Filter: Ford Super Duty Guide

Changing the fuel filter in your Ford Super Duty is an important part of vehicle maintenance. A dirty filter can cause poor fuel economy, poor performance, and difficulty starting the engine. While it is a relatively simple task, it is recommended that you replace the filter every 10,000 to 15,000 miles to ensure optimal performance and avoid potential issues. This procedure can be done at home with the right tools and safety precautions, or by a professional mechanic if preferred.

Drain the fuel

Before you start, make sure you have a large basin or a suitable container to hand, as well as any necessary tools. The water drain port is located under the vehicle on the driver's side.

First, you need to drain the fuel via the water drain port. Place your basin or container underneath the port to catch the fuel. You will only need to drain around 16 ounces of diesel.

Next, turn the yellow lever on the back side of the fuel filter housing clockwise by a quarter of a turn to drain the fuel. This will take a couple of minutes. While the fuel is draining, you can remove the cap. Use a strap wrench or a large pair of Channellock pliers to loosen the cap. Put the jaws of the pliers into the notches and turn out the cap.

Once the fuel has been drained, close the fuel filter drain by returning the yellow drain lever to its original position.

Remove the primary fuel filter cap

To remove the primary fuel filter cap of your Ford Super Duty, you will need a 36 mm wrench. This will help you carefully remove the primary fuel filter cap along with the O-ring. You can then replace it with the new primary cap from the complete fuel filter kit.

• Before you begin, ensure you have the necessary tools and safety equipment. For this step, you will need a 36 mm wrench and a complete fuel filter kit, which includes a new primary cap. It is also recommended to wear oil-resistant gloves and have rags or paper towels on hand to handle any spilled fuel.
• Locate the primary fuel filter cap. It is usually found under the vehicle on the driver's side, near the water drain port.
• Using the 36 mm wrench, carefully loosen and remove the primary fuel filter cap, being cautious not to spill any fuel.
• Once the cap is removed, also take out the O-ring, which is a small, round seal that helps create a tight connection and prevent leaks. It is important to replace this O-ring with a new one from the fuel filter kit to ensure a proper seal.
• Take the new primary cap from your fuel filter kit and prepare to install it. The new cap should snap right into place securely within a few seconds.
• Ensure the new cap is properly seated and secure before moving on to the next step, which is repeating this process for the secondary fuel filter cap.

Remember to work carefully and refer to a trusted repair manual or seek professional assistance if you have any doubts during the process. Working on fuel systems can be dangerous, so ensure you take the necessary precautions to avoid injury and property damage.

Remove the secondary fuel filter cap

To remove the secondary fuel filter cap of your Ford Super Duty, follow these steps:

Firstly, locate the secondary fuel filter under the hood of your truck. This is usually found on the driver's side, close to the water drain port. Place a large basin underneath the vehicle to catch any fuel that may leak during the process.

Next, using a 24 mm socket wrench, carefully remove the secondary fuel filter cap. You can also use a turkey baster to suck out any remaining fuel from the assembly before removing the cap. Be cautious, as fuel tends to gush out during this step. Once the cap is removed, set it aside, ensuring that you do not lose the O-ring attached to it.

Now, with the cap removed, you will be able to access the fuel filter itself. Gently pull it out, being careful not to spill any remaining fuel. It is normal to notice that the filter is dirty, as its function is to block debris and keep the fuel system clean.

At this stage, you can consider an optional step to clean the injectors: add three to four ounces of Sea Foam into the fuel bowl before installing the new filter.

Finally, prepare the new fuel filter by coating the O-ring with fresh diesel fuel and placing it into the groove of the new filter. Ensure that the O-ring is installed on the plastic part of the filter. Now you are ready to insert the new filter!

Test and restart

After replacing the fuel filter, there are a few steps you need to take to test and restart your Ford Super Duty. Firstly, turn the ignition key to the "on" position without starting the engine. Hold this position for about 30 seconds. This step will energize the fuel pump and allow you to check for any leaks. Make sure to keep the engine running while testing for leaks.

Once you've held the key in the "on" position for 30 seconds, you can try starting the engine. Let it run for a couple of minutes while continuing to monitor for any leaks. If no leaks are detected, you can shut off the engine and proceed to close the hood.

Your new fuel filter is now ready to be tested on the road. Take your Ford Super Duty for a drive and observe its performance. The issues you were previously experiencing, such as poor fuel economy, poor performance, and difficulty accelerating, should be improved with the new fuel filter.

It is important to note that Ford recommends replacing the diesel fuel filter for the 1999-2004 Ford F250 and F350 Super Duty Power Stroke 7.3 Liter diesel engine every 15,000 miles. Regular maintenance and timely replacement of the fuel filter will help ensure optimal performance and fuel efficiency for your vehicle.

Reset and test

Once you have finished replacing the fuel filter, you will need to reset and test the new filter.

First, turn the ignition key to the "on" position without starting the engine, and hold that position for about 30 seconds. You may need to repeat this process 5-10 times to purge the air out of the fuel lines. You will know it has worked when you can hear the fuel grab.

Next, reset the inertia switch by clicking the red button once more. Cycle the ignition a few times before checking for leaks and remember to keep the engine running when testing out your new filter.

To reset the message on the dashboard, go to Settings > Vehicle > Maintenance > Fuel Filter. Hold "OK" until it resets.

Frequently asked questions