how do i change the fuel filter

[nickpower]

hi, this is my first post. i just bought my first diesel, 96 f250 supercab longbed with 164,000 miles.

my question is does anyone know of a good write up on changing my fuel filter(s). i have been searching but not having much luck.

thanks
Nick

[Dietoremain]

uhhh... unscrew filter, remove, put in new filter..tighten. voila.

[Thinbluelinetx]

If you buy a Ford/motorcraft filter, the instructions are inside the box. You'll probably need a long screwdriver and use the shaft of it to turn the fuel bowl cap. Push the fuel drain lever to the left to drain out the water/fuel. Replace with the new filter (which snaps in to the cap). Turn the key on, but wait a few seconds to start so the fuel bowl will re-fill. Start her up and let it run for at least a few minutes to make sure any air that might have gotten on there is pushed out.

[Gruss]

If you don't buy a Ford filter, most aftermarket filters will come with their own cap. Don't throw away the Ford cap. Ford filters won't work with other caps.

[nickpower]

is it a good idea to push the fuel drain lever once in a while? or does the filter need to be out first?

thanks for the quick replys, i thought it was simple but a few of the post i read made it sound more involved.

[Thinbluelinetx]

You can drain the fuel with the filter in place, and yes it is good to drain it once in awhile

[Leighburn]

I'm wanting an answer to the same original question..... wacking a new filter in is easy stuff, my question is do I need to bleed it? Will it automatically expel all air from the line/new filter or do I need to manually bleed it???? I've only worked on older diesels, toyotas and tractors....
Cheers.

[ridiculously_necessary]

no need to bleed, and no need to turn the key and wait. the OBS has a mechanical fuel pump that will only pump when the engine is turning over.

loosen > drain > pull and replace, screw back on - not too tight (dont break the fuel bowl heater). starter up!

[storkerlovr]

and if you dont drain it then when you drop your new filter in. let it sit there for a couple min and go slow, therefore you will not spill fuel all in you valley. and look at the O ring on the old filter, put the new one on the exact same way. it will leak like a sive if you dont lol

[bucwheat]

A couple of tip: always make sure the original gasket is removed, the new filter will not seal with two gaskets on and when you are through putting the cap back on with the truck running check for leaks.