Things You'll Need:
- 7.3L diesel fuel filter
- Oil filter wrench
- 6 oz. diesel fuel
- Screwdriver
- Wrench
- Rags
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Step 1
Place the truck in a garage or work space that has enough light and ventilation to see and breathe easily while you replace the diesel fuel filter in a 7.3 liter Power Stroke truck from Ford. The space should be close to the tools you need and free from dust and debris that can get trapped inside the fuel system once opened.
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Step 2
Raise the hood of the truck and gain access to the plastic cover on top of the engine.
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Step 3
Remove the plastic cover of the engine using a wrench to loosen the two retaining bolts that hold it in place. Once the cover is removed you will have access to the diesel fuel bowl that houses the fuel filter for the truck.
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Step 4
Wipe down the top and sides of the fuel bowl to remove any dirt that is clinging to the fuel bowl. Use your fingernail and rag to clean up under the edge of the cap of the fuel bowl, knocking away any and all debris that is there.
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Step 5
Find the drainage port underneath the fuel bowl. It protrudes out of the bottom of the bowl. Turn the drain port counter clockwise to let the fuel inside the bowl run out into a drainage pan. When the fuel stops draining, tighten the drainage port and wipe the area clean from fuel or debris.
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Step 6
Place a clean rag around the perimeter of the fuel bowl cap and an oil filter wrench around the rag. Use the oil filter wrench to grasp and turn the cap of the fuel bowl counter clockwise. When the strap of the wrench is tightened, the rag should protect the cap of the fuel bowl from scratches or damage.
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Step 7
Separate the fuel bowl cap from the bowl. Ford 7.3 liter diesel engines have two kinds of fuel filters. One type has the filter connected directly to the cap and the other does not. This affects what you need to install a new one, so find out before you buy a new filter, or be prepared to go and buy a different kind of filter or fuel bowl cap if you have to.
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Step 8
Pull the old diesel fuel filter out of the fuel bowl and discard it properly.
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Step 9
Open the drainage port underneath the fuel bowl again to remove any extra fuel that is inside the fuel bowl once the old filter is removed.
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Step 10
Inspect inside the fuel bowl and clean the bowl out with fresh fuel if there is any dirt or material left behind. Clean and rinse the fuel bowl until it is completely free of debris. Close the fuel bowl drainage port and under the bowl with a rag.
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Step 11
Lubricate the new fuel filter's gasket(s) with clean diesel fuel and insert them around the top and bottom of the new filter. Insert the filter into place inside the fuel bowl and tighten the cap back in place using the oil filter wrench and a rag to protect its edges.
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Step 12
Wipe the area clean one more time and replace the factory engine cover back in place over the fuel bowl. Close the hood. Allow up to a minute with the key in the "on" position to allow fuel to fill the fuel bowl before attempting to turn the engine over.
