'97 fuel filter

[97bluestroker]

I recently tried changing my fuel filter in my '97... I just purchased the truck in May, so I haven't changed it before. I purchased a filter from NAPA, went to put it in and it won't fit... it's the wrong size. I double checked with NAPA and it's the right one for my truck... I did some research online and every fuel filter I found for the truck is the same as the one I purchased... any ideas?

[vitalidle]

How won't it fit? Too long, short, fat?

[97bluestroker]

it's too big around...larger circumfrence... when i compare it to the one thats in there now. i tried it just to see if it would work and the black top wouldn't fit back on properly... curious as to what other people have on their 97's...?

[vitalidle]

Did the new filter come with a new black top? So the filter won't fit inside of the bowl?

[97bluestroker]

nope, just the filter itself... it had a plastic brim around the top of it which my current one doesn't... i've checked with Kragen and all the other local part shops they all carry similar ones for my truck... i'm gonna check with Ford to see what they have... prob a lot more expensive but maybe they have something similar to what i'm runnin now..?

[vitalidle]

Well my guess is thats not the orginal stock ford cap that is an aftermarket filter with cap so you need to buy a filter that comes with the cap now

[97bluestroker]

ya i'm gonna look into it a lil deeper now. thanks for the help

[4rcFed]

I too had some troubles now and again about not getting the correct fuel filter. So I just resort to the 'ol trusty standby. I order mine from:

Dodge Cummins and Ford Power Stroke Diesel Truck Accessories - Geno's Garage

Link to Powerstroke fuel filters


Once you find one that works...........just remember where you got it from!

[97bluestroker]

ya ill def check that out... our trucks sound pretty similar...

[97bluestroker]

i looked at that link... on that filter the brown plastic around the top is what is different... the filter on my truck now doesn't have that and the circumfrence is a little smaller... what do you think 4rcFed?