How do I replace the hot wire in the fuel filter

[macjunkyard]

My heater wire in the fuel system gave up.How difficult is it to repair-1996 7.3 F250-Tom

[Patrick Feeley]

It is a very easy fix. Drain the fuel filter bowl (you might want to put some tubing on the drain tube that comes down the front passenger side of the engine so you can drain the fuel into a container unless you're in gravel or dirt). Remove the filter. Using a 7/8" crows-foot wrench, unscrew the black plastic standpipe (NOTE: The Standpipe is LEFTHAND THREADED!!!). Disconnect the little spade connector on the inside driver's side of the fuel bowl and remove the heater plate/element. If you want to replace the element (many do not), get an updated SD-style element such as a Dorman 904-210 (or Ford F81Z-9J294-AA, International 1831196C92) and reassemble. If the 30A Maxifuse #22 blew due to a shorted element, replace that and you should be good to go! Cheers!

[macjunkyard]

Hi;Thanks a bunch-I won't have to plug in the block heater these cold mornings-Tom-Macjunkyard--1990 mercedes diesel-jcb backhoe- ford 96 f250

[Patrick Feeley]

Plugging in the block heater will make it easier to start and give you heat in the cab quicker. The fuel heater is just to keep the fuel from gelling and most of the time (unless it's really cold out) it's not really needed. Cheers!

[madpogue]

^^^^^ +1; the block heater will also make for MUCH less friction of the lubricated parts upon startup, when most of the wear and tear on these parts occurs. The fuel heater was designed into the system at a time in history when diesel was not nearly as good at low temperatures as it is now. Run a winter fuel conditioner like Power Service white bottle and you'll be fine without the fuel heater. It's also famous for blowing the #22 fuse, which means the truck doesn't start.

You also only need to run the block heater for about two hours, so get a timer for it.