Changed Fuel Filters - ended up with diesel fuel everywhere

[MadDogz]

I bought a new to me '08 F350 CC SRW. The truck has 124k on it, so I decided I should change all of the fluids. Oil, no problem (just LOTS of it), antifreeze, no problem, diffs, no problem, fuel filters - problem.
I studied these forums first, read the manuals and even purchased the Ford tech manual on DVD. None really mentioned my problem.

I changed the top first. Un-screwed some to let it drain - No problems.
Bottom one on the rail - opened the valve on the water separator for 30 seconds with an oil pan to catch it, fuel came out as expected. Decided to let it go another minute or so, still draining. Couple minutes later, still draining, so I shut it off. I then losened the filter, and let the diesel come out. After a couple more minutes, diesel still coming out, so I pulled the filter and quickly put a new one on. Diesel was coming out of the housing pretty steady.
I ended up with diesel everywhere as it runs along the frame and control arms etc.
So what did I do wrong? Is it supposed to stop? I assume since the FULL fuel tank sits higher than the filter housing, that it will keep flowing until I run out - or do I have a faulty part? Truck runs fine otherwise. Thoughts?

[Dim Sum]

I've heard stories like yours before.

I've always cracked the top filter and then drained the bottom filter. I needed to let it drain a few minutes and I didn't have too much diesel that came out. Did you reinstall the engine mounted filter before changing the frame filter? That may have been it.

Good luck with the truck!

[superdutydixie]

I always open the water sep first and let drain until it stops, then open the top filter first to vent pressure. I then leave the filter in place just unscrewed and remove the bottom filter and very little fuel comes out. Replace the bottom filter then the top. I never have a lot come out when I do it this way.

Dim sum beat me to it haha

[ragman]

just did my fule filters this weekend on my 06 all i got was the fule that was in the big filter on the driveway and i had a full tank but i did the frame rail filter first didnt want to let the top bowl empty on me thought it might hold a vacume and it seemed to work that way

[MadDogz]

Thanks all - that may have been my problem. I vented the top one first, then took it all the way off and left it off until after I did the bottom one.
Next time I'll crack the top one, then open the valve, close the valve then replace the bottom, then replace the top. Hopefully much less fuel spillage. I think I lost over 1/2 gallon between the pan and the garage floor.

[Ipkyss]

how much fuel was in the tank?

[MadDogz]

Originally Posted by Ipkyss

how much fuel was in the tank?

It was full.