Fuel filter change?

guido4475 · Jul 21, 2009

I just got done changing the fuel filter on my Ford E-350 with a 7.3 for the first time.I am very dissapointed in Ford/International for where they put it.Mine happens to be at the front of the engine, on top.So all of the air intake had to come off including a few other things that were in the way.Anybody know of an easier way to do this, or is this what I should expect next time?I just cant believe that they would put something like this in such a bad place.

Doggie Daddy · Jul 21, 2009

Anything that IH has their hands in,I would believe it.

fastman_1 · Jul 21, 2009

IH=It's Hard

Doggie Daddy · Jul 21, 2009

fastman_1 said:
IH=It's Hard

IH = In Humane

moose · Jul 22, 2009

call the experts :

Ford 7.3L Powerstroke Diesel Performance Products

ask for a line filter.

guido4475 · Jul 22, 2009

Thanks, a very helpful website.

RLENT · Jul 22, 2009

Take your pick:

Parker/Racor Mobil Fuel Filtration

Andrew0580 · Jul 22, 2009

must be a van thing, it was cake in my F-350 just flip the plastic cover open and there it is 1/2 inch drive ratchet unscrewed in right out. I am sure with a van it requires to take the dog house off, remove the drive line, 3 back flips, 6 jumping jacks, say your abc's backwards, and 5 laps around the block just to see it!!

Dreamer · Jul 31, 2009

Andrew0580 said:
must be a van thing, it was cake in my F-350 just flip the plastic cover open and there it is 1/2 inch drive ratchet unscrewed in right out. I am sure with a van it requires to take the dog house off, remove the drive line, 3 back flips, 6 jumping jacks, say your abc's backwards, and 5 laps around the block just to see it!!

You're not kidding. and then ya MIGHT reach it.. LOL.

Dale

guido4475 · Aug 1, 2009

Actually, reaching it was easy.And now that I have did it, it's not as difficult as what I first experienced.Just take off the air filter housing/ un-clamp the air snorkel,use a bungee cord to pull and keep it out of the way,and take 2 bolts off holding this other doo-hikey on and then it is acessable.No removing the doghouse or air box.

FIS53 · Aug 1, 2009

Unfortunately because of design (flawed) of vans getting at anything under the hood is an exercise in unscrewing that most of us do not look forward to. No space for hands, no space for tools. Would have been nice if the north american mfrs had designed the grill, rad system to swing out so we could access the front of the engine and get in along the sides as well a lot easier. But that would be forward thinking. What's puzzling also is the cleaner design of the european underhood areas and that the NA mfrs have full access to as they have ownership in european mfrs.

Of course Americans have always wanted bigger and bigger engines which for the most part are not warranted for the usage of the vehicle. So what if you slow down a little going up steep hills. Better design vehicle, more aerodynamics and smaller engines translate into more cost savings over time for us the operators. Can hardly wait for Chrysler to bring in the Fiat vans. Think the Sprinter was neat! The Italians have a whole different take on things!
Rob

guido4475 · Aug 1, 2009

You are absolutely right in what you are saying.But I continue to hear the stories of how expensive things are for the Sprinter and sometimes the wait for parts, or to find someone to work on them. With all of this it makess me glad that I do have my Ford, no matter how much more cramped it is,and not as good on fuel mileage.I'm getting 19 mpg right now, which I think is excellent for what it is, being as heavy as it is. What got me was the cost in another thread of the engine for a Sprinter.$10,000 to $13,000 ??? I feel sorry for someone that has to replace the engine while still owing on the van.Dont get me wrong, the Sprinter in the areas of noise level,creature comforts, cargo space, and ride has everthing else beat.