I only trust the Ford Filters, you can get them cheaper Here- www.amazon.com/... In this video I go over a few steps to replace the 7.3l fuel filter properly.
It’s close to Christmas time now and I been listen to Xmas music. I just got my first 7.3 and I hear “chestnuts roasting on an open fire” in the background. Perfect dude!! Thank you !!!!
Great video. I noticed that you didn´t drain the fuel filter housing before removing the fuel filter. Would you recommend not draining it to inspect the quality/condition of the fuel in there and to be able to detect any debris or particles? Stay safe.
With the costs of vehicle repairs these days, I really appreciate you taking the time to help us out who don't know. I have a question. On this video you mentioned the fuel water separator. Does a 2002 7.3L have one of these and where would it be located? I did a quick search on you tube, but didn't come back with anything for the 7.3 engine. Again...THANKS FOR YOUR DIY VIDEO
Good video! I clean the dirt off all the time and drain the fuel , after a couple of times having to clean up under the truck I installed a rubber fuel hose on the drain tube so it’s closer to the catch pan! I also had the heater element go blowing the 30 amp fuse that was a bit of a no but using 6” needle nose pliers to get to the nut at the bottom did the trick. Remember tho to loosen it you turn it CLOCKWISE! ↩️be patient! And yes it was the original and do to water that’s what caused the corrosion and shorting it out! Keep those videos coming on all those fords it’s helped me alot👍🇨🇦
@@bluetwo7282 hello! Water usually gets mixed with diesel from various sources such as old fuel tanks that are above ground, or below at fuel stations , change in weather and altitude. Keeping your trucks fuel tanks full or no less then 1/4 tank and with removal there’s a fuel bowel drain lever (yellow on fords) that’s why I put a longer rubber hose on it , once you lift the arm up it drains the fuel in the bowl ! Hopefully your tanks don’t have a lot of fuel in them ! Keep draining till the water in fuel light stays off!
@@johnmclaren7059 great 👍 thank you John re. fuel & water issues. Good idea to drain fuel filter bowl with hose tube. I read that Ford's fuel filter drain valve may have leak issues so some try and not tamper with it. So far my water/ fuel gauge has not shown contamination signs. Thanks again for interesting suggestions. Holiday blessings!
@@bluetwo7282 awesome! I’ve recently noticed I have a fuel leak again😣 I’ve replaced the back 3 hoses to the pump a year ago and don’t see a leak around them but I’ve watched a few videos on how the fuel pump leaks through the weep hole ! Bit of a job but can and will be done also there’s a filter screen that gets clogged and causes a leak of power which I have on any incline with out a load! Happy holidays also and besafe !
Is it possible to relocate the 99-03 7.3 fuel bowl to the side of engine? I want permanent access to the oil supply and hpop pump area and/but also want to keep the original fuel bowl. If this is possible it would eliminate having to remove the turbo and fuel bowl just to gain access to the IPR valve or hpop oil pump components on my 2002 7.3 box truck/VAN. PLEASE HELP 🙏 Also is there a kit out there to buy that does it?
Got a filter from NAPA recently. looks like a decent filter. The interesting bit is the cap is made onto it, and the gasket is square cut so it can't be installed upside down. It doesn't have that outside mesh looking bit though.
I've just purchased my first Diesel, an f650 7.3. could you please do a video on the fuel/water separator. How to drain and or replace filter? Your videos are the shortest and most to the point I have found. Thank you very much.
If old filter is clean, do we need to drain bowl ? or can filter be changed without cleaning bowl & draining ? Also does 2nd filter inside fuel tank need 15k changes?
Your videos are always the best..hope your tour across America is a success! Wish you had a channel dedicated to the OBS 7.3's but I suppose that is asking a bit to much :)
Thanks for the video ! I Use my oil filter strap wrench with a flex elbow handle the same one I use on my oil filter. The lower o-ring is always so out of shape on these filters the way they wrap them in the package kills the shape. It's easy to pinch it in there when installing. Gotta hold your tongue just right.
Thank you for the video, my cover was a little different & it was on there good! So I'll use that tip to get it off & change the fuel filter before this winter storm hits & I'm buried in snow again. Question though, did you drain the fuel from the compartment before you changed the filter with the yellow lever in back? Or is that really necessary?
Thx, i dont beat anything on my 7.3, just saying. Don’t want to break anything and then have to also replace fuel bowl, cap or anything else. Also good to add a 3’ drain hose to the fuel bowl drain to drain crap and hope it seals after. If it still drips just replace 0-rings and good to go. Thanks for showing the proper angled gasket position, i keep forgetting.
Good Vid.I took my heater out, it was cracked when I got it and you don't really need in in Central Florida. I did leave the intake heater in place in the event it gets cold. The main reason the heater is there is to prevent gelling of the fuel, correct?
Thanks for the video. That was great. Why didn't you clean the cap while you had it off? It would've been the perfect time to do it. Just my 2 cents. Cheers.
My 7.3 f350 cranks for around 30 seconds without starting. Second attempt will start it. I was told it's the fuel injection pump by a mechanic who will not work on diesels to that extent. What would be the symptoms of just needing a fuel filter? I changed the glow plug relay. He said he checked all the glow plugs and they are good. He said I'm not getting enough fuel pressure, but not sure if he actually tested that or is just assuming that. Any ideas?
Jon Watcher Well it all depends if you are not actually getting the 500 psi icp or not it can go two different ways. What I can tell you is for a 7.3l most common is the glow plug system. Even with his checks I would get everything from the relay on checked.
FordTechMakuloco I took a guess it might be the starter and did it myself. Problem solved. Saved me a ton of money too. Thanks for your reply. I'm just glad to have tracked down the problem finally without spending too much.
The solenoid IPR valve is magnetic and attracts small metal particles into the body of the IPR valve. It will jam it up and cause a no start. If you don’t believe me do a full rebuild on a valve. Not half rebuild like I’ve seen done.
@@johnyracercat Same with me, I changed to new starter and upgraded 3 new 800 CCA batteries, cleaned connections, ... starts fast now and glow plug wait light went from 10 secs to 2 secs. Next I'm changing fuel filter. I once ran out of diesel while driving and took 30 second cranks to start. But after filing up, seems added fuel ⛽ helped lubricate & prime fuel pump. So always have at least 5 gallons in tank.
@@johnyracercat I learned the hard way to use a motorcraft brand starter. The aftermarket/rebuilt one only lasted one year then FRIED. Owner of truck repair shop said he'd never seen one fail like that.
What is the recommended interval for chaining the fuel filter on diesels (7.3 L)? I'm new to the diesel world (son's truck) and normally change my gas vehicles every 35k to 45k
I have a 2000 it has the filter in the tank. Wish it was this easy. The mechanic wanted 1400 bucks. I haven't been back. They can stick that price tag where the sun don't shine.
After I changed my fuel filter my truck takes about two or three turns to start. It seems like there might be air in the line or something. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.
+FordTechMakuloco I just red that you don't use the yellow drain valve. So do you not drain the water, or can you do it elsewhere? Mine dos leak from that valve. I jut got the truck and it came with that part fix it. My filter has a big sure boxy cover, that I don't see on others. Do people just remove this and leave it off? And Thanks!
What if the mechanic used a pneumatic hammer to get it on??? I won't have the opportunity to review the installation video of my truck fuel filter change to check.
I have a 2004 powerstroke diesel I put diesel from shell and started to knocks like when it works only 3cilinders y'all think my fuel gas has dirt in it or water??
No the cap goes to the side and is lifted right up, the sides are more of a risk and the outside fuel bowl area is untreated fuel so the system would never see those dust particles if any.
FordTechMakuloco Cool! I am probably too paranoid.. Got some debris sticking the needle in my Holly 750 after changing the float bowl gasket once and never forgot.. Wait do you know what a carburetor even is or before your time?
Here is the problem and if you have ever done one of these you would already know this. The seals on the drain valve love to leak when disturbed such as when the valve is turned to drain. So, in order to avoid this, we knew to never touch the drain for complete customer satisfaction. With the introduction of ULSD around this time it was even worse. Where you around for this time period or have you ever serviced a 7.3L before? Let me know, thanks.
I seafoam my whole engine power spray and blow dry before i start working on it, guess I;m just anal. thats how the airforce trained us,,, it's called FOD. Who know that abbreviation, thanks for the video
On these engines it is very common for the fuel drain valve to leak after shutting it off especially since ULSD was introduced so we just avoid it altogether.
Videos like these are the ones that have helped me get through fixing everything on my vehicles. Thanks for the video!
It’s close to Christmas time now and I been listen to Xmas music. I just got my first 7.3 and I hear “chestnuts roasting on an open fire” in the background. Perfect dude!! Thank you !!!!
I’m about to own my first diesel. So thankful I have your videos to answer the many questions I have.
Great video. I noticed that you didn´t drain the fuel filter housing before removing the fuel filter. Would you recommend not draining it to inspect the quality/condition of the fuel in there and to be able to detect any debris or particles? Stay safe.
With the costs of vehicle repairs these days, I really appreciate you taking the time to help us out who don't know. I have a question. On this video you mentioned the fuel water separator. Does a 2002 7.3L have one of these and where would it be located? I did a quick search on you tube, but didn't come back with anything for the 7.3 engine. Again...THANKS FOR YOUR DIY VIDEO
Kassie Tims There is a yellow lever on the backside of the engine fuel bowl where the filter goes you can't miss it.
What a quality tech!
Sure wish all of them were like you.
Sacapuntas Thanks! I try.
Good video! I clean the dirt off all the time and drain the fuel , after a couple of times having to clean up under the truck I installed a rubber fuel hose on the drain tube so it’s closer to the catch pan! I also had the heater element go blowing the 30 amp fuse that was a bit of a no but using 6” needle nose pliers to get to the nut at the bottom did the trick. Remember tho to loosen it you turn it CLOCKWISE! ↩️be patient! And yes it was the original and do to water that’s what caused the corrosion and shorting it out! Keep those videos coming on all those fords it’s helped me alot👍🇨🇦
Hi may I ask how water 💦 gets into fuel ? And if fuel filter bowl has ways to drain water. Thanks
@@bluetwo7282 hello! Water usually gets mixed with diesel from various sources such as old fuel tanks that are above ground, or below at fuel stations , change in weather and altitude. Keeping your trucks fuel tanks full or no less then 1/4 tank and with removal there’s a fuel bowel drain lever (yellow on fords) that’s why I put a longer rubber hose on it , once you lift the arm up it drains the fuel in the bowl ! Hopefully your tanks don’t have a lot of fuel in them ! Keep draining till the water in fuel light stays off!
@@johnmclaren7059 great 👍 thank you John re. fuel & water issues. Good idea to drain fuel filter bowl with hose tube. I read that Ford's fuel filter drain valve may have leak issues so some try and not tamper with it. So far my water/ fuel gauge has not shown contamination signs. Thanks again for interesting suggestions. Holiday blessings!
@@bluetwo7282 awesome! I’ve recently noticed I have a fuel leak again😣 I’ve replaced the back 3 hoses to the pump a year ago and don’t see a leak around them but I’ve watched a few videos on how the fuel pump leaks through the weep hole ! Bit of a job but can and will be done also there’s a filter screen that gets clogged and causes a leak of power which I have on any incline with out a load! Happy holidays also and besafe !
@@johnmclaren7059 Thank you John, good to know there are several weak points. Blessings in 2023!
Here is a great tool to get the Fuel Filter Cap off- amzn.to/2hx9uD6
Is it possible to relocate the 99-03 7.3 fuel bowl to the side of engine? I want permanent access to the oil supply and hpop pump area and/but also want to keep the original fuel bowl. If this is possible it would eliminate having to remove the turbo and fuel bowl just to gain access to the IPR valve or hpop oil pump components on my 2002 7.3 box truck/VAN. PLEASE HELP 🙏
Also is there a kit out there to buy that does it?
Great video
I do my 1999 7.3 I do drain the bowl.
Video like yours has saved me tons of money.
Thank you so much
Thank you for the great info.. I'm new to the 7.3's and will do this myself.
If you have the means, I suggest doing 90% of the repairs and maintenance yourself. There is no better way to learn all about this monster motor. 👍
Thanks brother you're the best. It takes time to make the videos and its appreciated.
Got a filter from NAPA recently. looks like a decent filter. The interesting bit is the cap is made onto it, and the gasket is square cut so it can't be installed upside down. It doesn't have that outside mesh looking bit though.
Krankie V Yeah that is how all those aftermarket 7.3 and 6.0 filters are cap and filter only design.
ah, that shows how long it's been since this truck has had a new filter! It doesn't get driven much.
the Napa filter is probably the worst filter you could ever punt in a 7.3! don't believe me? Look around online...
I've just purchased my first Diesel, an f650 7.3. could you please do a video on the fuel/water separator. How to drain and or replace filter? Your videos are the shortest and most to the point I have found. Thank you very much.
Do you ever use the valve behind the bowl to drain the fuel in it before installing the new filter?
+TurboCamaroSS 5.3 only if the bowl is dirty and needs to be wiped out.
If old filter is clean, do we need to drain bowl ? or can filter be changed without cleaning bowl & draining ? Also does 2nd filter inside fuel tank need 15k changes?
Thanks man I gotta do mine TODAY I love these videos
Your videos are always the best..hope your tour across America is a success! Wish you had a channel dedicated to the OBS 7.3's but I suppose that is asking a bit to much :)
Toby Holcomb That's for sure. lol
Just keep doing what your doing..:) I am sure you will run across my 7.3's needing attention, that are also video worthy.
Thanks for the video ! I Use my oil filter strap wrench with a flex elbow handle the same one I use on my oil filter. The lower o-ring is always so out of shape on these filters the way they wrap them in the package kills the shape. It's easy to pinch it in there when installing. Gotta hold your tongue just right.
Good explanation and video quality.
Thank you for the video, my cover was a little different & it was on there good! So I'll use that tip to get it off & change the fuel filter before this winter storm hits & I'm buried in snow again. Question though, did you drain the fuel from the compartment before you changed the filter with the yellow lever in back? Or is that really necessary?
Jesse James You can drain it but they tend to leak from the valve afterwards then so we avoid draining them at the dealer.
Nice video, nice explanation. Well done!
Thx, i dont beat anything on my 7.3, just saying. Don’t want to break anything and then have to also replace fuel bowl, cap or anything else. Also good to add a 3’ drain hose to the fuel bowl drain to drain crap and hope it seals after. If it still drips just replace 0-rings and good to go. Thanks for showing the proper angled gasket position, i keep forgetting.
Good Vid.I took my heater out, it was cracked when I got it and you don't really need in in Central Florida. I did leave the intake heater in place in the event it gets cold. The main reason the heater is there is to prevent gelling of the fuel, correct?
Yes that is the reason for it.
And to help with cold start by warming the fuel.
New sub here , thank you for the info . Im new to the 7.3
Excellent video thanks so much!
Thanks for the video. That was great. Why didn't you clean the cap while you had it off? It would've been the perfect time to do it. Just my 2 cents. Cheers.
Augie Inciong or use an air hose before removal
Not that simple for me. Mine had crud on it.
Good video!
Thank you! Yes diesels are pricey. Thanks for helping me save a bit.
Just bought a 2003 e450 7.3 how many mile would you change the filter ?
Very nice job. Thanks for the video. Will ake my doing the job much easier.
Can you use these later fuel filters on the earlier OBS trucks?
My 7.3 f350 cranks for around 30 seconds without starting. Second attempt will start it. I was told it's the fuel injection pump by a mechanic who will not work on diesels to that extent. What would be the symptoms of just needing a fuel filter? I changed the glow plug relay. He said he checked all the glow plugs and they are good. He said I'm not getting enough fuel pressure, but not sure if he actually tested that or is just assuming that. Any ideas?
Jon Watcher Well it all depends if you are not actually getting the 500 psi icp or not it can go two different ways. What I can tell you is for a 7.3l most common is the glow plug system. Even with his checks I would get everything from the relay on checked.
FordTechMakuloco I took a guess it might be the starter and did it myself. Problem solved. Saved me a ton of money too. Thanks for your reply. I'm just glad to have tracked down the problem finally without spending too much.
The solenoid IPR valve is magnetic and attracts small metal particles into the body of the IPR valve. It will jam it up and cause a no start. If you don’t believe me do a full rebuild on a valve. Not half rebuild like I’ve seen done.
@@johnyracercat Same with me, I changed to new starter and upgraded 3 new 800 CCA batteries, cleaned connections, ... starts fast now and glow plug wait light went from 10 secs to 2 secs. Next I'm changing fuel filter. I once ran out of diesel while driving and took 30 second cranks to start. But after filing up, seems added fuel ⛽ helped lubricate & prime fuel pump. So always have at least 5 gallons in tank.
@@johnyracercat I learned the hard way to use a motorcraft brand starter. The aftermarket/rebuilt one only lasted one year then FRIED. Owner of truck repair shop said he'd never seen one fail like that.
What is the recommended interval for chaining the fuel filter on diesels (7.3 L)? I'm new to the diesel world (son's truck) and normally change my gas vehicles every 35k to 45k
tazmankb26 All Ford Diesels should be changed every 15k miles.
I have a 2000 it has the filter in the tank. Wish it was this easy. The mechanic wanted 1400 bucks. I haven't been back. They can stick that price tag where the sun don't shine.
If you have a 7.3 your truck has 2 one in front (like the one on this video) second is in the tank.
You still have this filter too.
@@LemonySnicket-EUC I replaced the sending unit and cut off the sock on the pickup then put an inline filter outside
Thank you very helpful 👍🏻
Why don't you use the drain valve to drain the bowl first? So easy to hook up a rubber tube and drain it into a pan.
lots of times they leak after you touch them until you put the new valve on it was a customers vehicle for a simple filter change.
What does it mean when the fuel filter element is black?
It could just be crap from the fuel, or bad injector o-rings leaking oil into the fuel. If the fuel in the bowl looks dark/black it's oil.
I did this but the cap is leaking. Any ideas why?
Thanks man! 👍🏼👍🏼
After I changed my fuel filter my truck takes about two or three turns to start. It seems like there might be air in the line or something. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.
Battery 🔋 and connection strong? Enough fuel to help pump? Waiting for warm glow plugs ? What are other symptoms?
nice video dude!
Thanks!
+FordTechMakuloco I just red that you don't use the yellow drain valve. So do you not drain the water, or can you do it elsewhere? Mine dos leak from that valve. I jut got the truck and it came with that part fix it. My filter has a big sure boxy cover, that I don't see on others. Do people just remove this and leave it off? And Thanks!
What if the mechanic used a pneumatic hammer to get it on???
I won't have the opportunity to review the installation video of my truck fuel filter change to check.
What was the bucket for? Did you have to drain any fuel? Or was it just pull old filter out and put new one in?
Matt Ray probably drained a bit from the tank but not from the fuel filter change. You just swap the filters
What year is the truck ?
Do you recommend using the one piece aftermarket filters such As the K&N? The truck I purchased dose not have the factory “cap” thanks 👍
Absolutely not.
Get a replacement cap.
Where's your shop at?
Thanks
Would u say the stock 7.3 fuel filtration system is great ?
It’s adequate and plenty for the old forgiving 7.3L
FordTechMakuloco was just curious if I needed to add any pre pump fuel water separator or post pump fuel filter
I have a 2004 powerstroke diesel I put diesel from shell and started to knocks like when it works only 3cilinders y'all think my fuel gas has dirt in it or water??
Carlos Jimenez no you have filters for dirt and water separators for water
I have a f250
That just go dead going up the road like u cut it off . 30 minutes to an hour are crank right back help me please o it 03
Was the IPR, or crank sensor? It was one of the two!
there's another gasket I didn't see you cover
Lots of bits/dirt on the cap. Is that a contamination risk when handling the cap? I am always afraid to get anything into the sterile zone.
No the cap goes to the side and is lifted right up, the sides are more of a risk and the outside fuel bowl area is untreated fuel so the system would never see those dust particles if any.
FordTechMakuloco Cool! I am probably too paranoid.. Got some debris sticking the needle in my Holly 750 after changing the float bowl gasket once and never forgot.. Wait do you know what a carburetor even is or before your time?
Yup I have rebuilt them in school tuned a few on some older trucks but beyond that nothing.
Just blow it off with an air hose before taking it off.
@@FordTechMakuloco geez now I feel old, I rebuilt the one barrel carb on my 1968 Chevy Van 230 CID back in 1977.
THANKS 😊 🫂 🙏
fuel filter tool is cheap on e=bay
How often are we supposed to this. I hear 15k and I hear 30k. One feller says every other oil change but that seems a little much.
15k
It would be better to drain it before removing the cap. No need for rags then.
Here is the problem and if you have ever done one of these you would already know this. The seals on the drain valve love to leak when disturbed such as when the valve is turned to drain. So, in order to avoid this, we knew to never touch the drain for complete customer satisfaction. With the introduction of ULSD around this time it was even worse. Where you around for this time period or have you ever serviced a 7.3L before? Let me know, thanks.
My lid does not come off my filter?
It's an aftermarket version. Go get a new cap and this filter.
No strokes here please and thank you.
I seafoam my whole engine power spray and blow dry before i start working on it, guess I;m just anal. thats how the airforce trained us,,, it's called FOD. Who know that abbreviation, thanks for the video
foreign object debris....i work in aerospace
ICM box is prone to leaking on 7.3’s and main reason for failure so if you’re spraying anything on engine be careful.
Why didn't you drain the bowl first?
On these engines it is very common for the fuel drain valve to leak after shutting it off especially since ULSD was introduced so we just avoid it altogether.
God damn I hate Christmas music. Very informative video tho👌
If you put the filter in upside down, it makes a big fucking mess