01 7.3 Fuel filter housing

[partycattin]

I started smelling diesel fuel when I ran the heater in my X. Looked for a fuel leak but couldn't find anything. Saturday, I had the X idleing in the driveway and noticed a lot of fuel leaking from it.
Read numerous threads here about the o-rings on the drain so I ordered some and waiting for their arrival.

I decided to start wrenching on it and getting the valve off so that when the orings get here, I'll be ready to go.
Pulled the cap and the filter also and it looks like there are hairline cracks in the bottom of the aluminum housing. I need to wipe it out and check it in daylight tomorrow but I'm pretty sure they are cracks and not just blemishes from the casting of the housing.

I've been doing searches all over the web and can't locate anyone that sells the housings. Anyone know how much they run? Dealer only item?
What causes them to crack?

[jtomasik]

Hmm. Maybe sounds like my leak problems. I'll be looking at mine this weekend. Don't jump the gun on ordering that housing just yet. Aluminum castings often look like they're cracked. Do the o-ring repair, then test to see if the o-rings fixed it.

[stroke-n-it]

Hello; Just got done replacing my fuel filter housing&HP hoses.$550 later,NOW I find my clutch slipping due to being soaked with diesel fuel running down back of block and bell housing!! This is a 1996 with only 143000. NOT TO HAPPY!!

[Lyndsey]

You need to get it fro FORD, between $500-$600

Water laying in the bottom can cause rust and make really tiny holes. I had the same problem.

[dray8165]

I've never seen aluminum rust, but if you do need a new one, I'd get one off e-bay before paying the dealer 500 bucks. Here's but one example:

7.3 Ford Powerstroke Diesel Fuel Filter Housing new : eBay Motors (item 170449731654 end time Feb-28-10 18:20:26 PST)