This is a pic of the fuel filter I changed at 15,000 miles. As you can see the dirt from the outside was beginning to creep to the inside of the element. Blowing through the used filter there was a very noticeable difference in air restriction; stifled considerable compared to a new filter.

 

Wow.... I'll be replacing mine at 15K... great info!

-f2f-

 

Nice job!!!

 

I amazed at how dirty that is. Thanks for the picture! I have a few questions since I probably need to do this too. Is the filter still located under the drivers door inside frame rail? Also I was told that on the '04 you don't need that special tool that was needed on the '97 - '03 to remove the filter?

 

Were they both wet? I would expect the old one to be difficult to blow through with a wet element compared to a new one with a dry element.

 

I was just thinking the same thing myself.

 

pretty filthy. should be doing mine pretty soon too.

 

Hmmm....interesting, you make me want to change mine now. Im at 10k...at 15k I guess. Whats the normal interval youre supposed to replace these things?

Are there any upgraded fuel filters we can purchase that would work on our trucks? Or is OEM the way to go?

Thanks...great info. Much more informative when you can see the difference as to just telling us. Thanks!

 

I blew through it wet and then I let it dry out for a week. Dry flowed better than wet, but not by much. The restriction comparison I referred to in my initial post was when the filter was dry.

 

Both ends of the fuel filter still need the line disconnect tool. Here’s a thread with pics of the filter on my truck…

$71.95 for 15,000 mile Scheduled Maintenance

 

I would have been a bit concerned about that thing flaming out my hands while sawing it in half!

 

If you noticed the background he just took it out of the washer and dryer so it is safe to handle.

 

Great info, and fyi, i had to replace my fuel pump on my motorhome (located inside the gas tank)...why???, because the fuel filter was not changed, due to lack of flow through it, made the fuel pump work harder, end result, it would not pump the required 40-45 psi needed.
Hard lesson to learn, fuel filters are alot less expensive!!!

 

Well isnt that cute.
I was told you dont need to change em out until about 30,000 miles. Thanks for the info jpdadeo.

 

I swung by Advanced auto tonight and picked up a fual filter for my truck. I only have about 16,000 miles, but what the heck! Its only 7 bucks.

I bought the Puralator because they dont sell motorcraft there.