Safety Glasses
Nitrile Gloves
Drain Pan
Ratchet/Sockets
Hex or Allen Wrench Set
Flat Head Screwdriver
Fuel Filters
The procedure might vary slightly from one truck to the next, but many Ford diesels and powerstroke engines will be similar to this. As always, know the specifics for your truck before getting started. If you’re not completely comfortable doing this yourself, we’d be happy to recommend a professional technician in your area.
Step 1: Locate and Drain the First Fuel Filter
In diesel trucks like this, you’ll have two fuel filters. The first is in the fuel line under the driver’s door. Make sure your engine is shut off before starting this procedure.
The first thing you’ll want to do is put a drain pan under the filter.
Use a hex tool or Allen wrench to remove the plug in the fuel filter housing and let the fuel drain into your pan.
Once the fuel has drained, put the plug back in.
Step 2: Remove and Replace the Old Fuel Filter
Use a wrench and socket to loosen the filter cap.
When the cap comes loose, sometimes the filter will be in it, and sometimes it will still be in the housing. Remove the filter from the cap or housing.
Take the old o-ring off the filter cap. You may need a flathead screwdriver for this. A new o-ring will come with the new filter.
Wipe down the housing and sealing surfaces thoroughly. Then install the new o-ring on the cap, making sure it’s seated against this ridge all the way around.
Your new filter will snap into the cap. Once the filter is secure in the cap, slide the filter into the housing, and hand-tighten the cap.
Make sure the cap threads smoothly into place before using a wrench. Use a torque wrench to tighten the cap to manufacturer’s specifications.
Step 3: Locate and Replace the Second Fuel Filter
The other fuel filter is here under the hood. You can loosen the cap on this one with a square drive or socket, then remove the cap.
Remove the old filter and let the fuel that’s in the filter run down into the housing. You’ll leave the fuel in the housing for installation.
Wipe down the housing and sealing surfaces thoroughly and put your new filter down into the housing.
Replace the old o-ring on the filter cap with the one that’s included with the new filter. Make sure it’s seated properly like you did on the other filter cap.
Tighten the cap by hand, making sure it threads smoothly. Use your torque wrench to tighten the cap to manufacturer’s specifications.
