Welcome!


This blog will serve as a purpose to chronicle the things I do to my truck, but also serve as a resource of good information for people to reference when working on their OWN projects.

Short introduction:
My truck is a 2002 7.3L diesel F250. I love it to death. All of the stuff here will be relevant to 7.3Ls, and most SuperDuty trucks from 99-07 and some things even beyond that!

Monday, April 2, 2012

How To: Change Fuel Filter on 7.3L Powerstroke

Task: Fuel Filter Change:
Type: Routine Maintenance
Suggested Interval: <15,001 Miles

Changing the fuel filter is one of the easiest things you can do. Inversely, it is also one of the few things that can have a huge detrimental effect on your engine if left neglected. And here is why; diesel is dirty. No I'm not talking about what come out your tail pipe, I'm talking about what is in your tank. Ever looked in a diesel fuel tank? It looks like a sand box. American diesel fuel is notoriously dirty compared to gasoline and diesel sold in other countries. This also varies state by state, although not as much. 

There are a few components to be aware of when doing the fuel filter maintenance. 
  • Fuel bowl (aka "filter housing"): This is the cylindrical housing on top of your motor that sits in the middle of your engine. This is the heart of the operation.
  • Filter Element: This is the one and only fuel filter on the 7.3L diesel. There is also a screen in the fuel tank, do not get this confused, it is often called a filter, but it is a poor excuse for one. The fuel filter comes in two designs, integral-lid and independent filter. The integral design comes with a filter and lid attached as one unit, they may also come as a 2 piece kit, with a lid and screen combo with a separate filter element. These are aftermarket units and are generally acceptable. The independent filter design comes as a screen and filter as one unit and you reuse your existing lid unless it has a screen from the integral design. This set up is most commonly OEM, but there may be aftermarket variations. I recommend Motorcraft filters for the 7.3L. Regardless of which type you get, all the components will be there, just set up slightly different.
  • O-Rings: There are two of them, don't loose them. One is unidirectional, make sure it is applied properly.
  • Fuel Drain Valve: This valve located on the rear of the fuel bowl allows you to drain the fuel in the bowl before starting the change procedure.
  • Fuel Bowl Heater: This is the little device chillin in the bottom of the fuel bowl (no pun intended). When you are preforming this service, visually inspect for damage.


7 comments:

  1. This video was truly one of a kind! I'm looking to change my fuel filter. It's never been changed and definitely needs to be maintained. How are diesel fuel filters different than your regular car?
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  2. Is there a way or recommendation for cleaning the fuel bowl. Seems to have dirt or debris. Can it be flushed or cleaning solvent used to remove debris?

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    Replies
    1. You can clean it out with any basic cleaner, as long as it's properly washed and dried before put back in service.

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  3. What's the point of draining fuel bowl before changing,is it so you can inspect inside of housing. It's so easy to change without draining. Just wondering?

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  5. My 1997 f-250 super duty 7.3 only has 184.500 miles...it starts, purrs and runs like new, but i only get about 12 mpg. All new tanks, oil change and filter, new fuel filter maint. Etc... So I am at a loss for WHY ? Does ANYONE know why or have a clue ? Please help. I keep hearing people saying they get twice as many mpg on same engine/trucks w/twice as many miles and can't know how when i see what i get and it's been babied like new and all parts associated new, or like new .

    ReplyDelete