Safety First:
* Diesel fuel is flammable. Work in a well-ventilated area, away from open flames or sparks.
* Wear safety glasses. Fuel under pressure can spray.
* Use gloves. Diesel fuel can irritate skin.
* Have rags and absorbent material ready to clean up any spills.
* Disconnect the negative battery cable before starting to minimize the risk of electrical shorts.
Tools You'll Need:
* Wrench(es): The size will depend on your specific fuel filter housing; you likely need a socket wrench and potentially a strap wrench.
* Fuel filter wrench: A specialized wrench designed for fuel filter housings can make the job easier.
* Container to catch old fuel: A large enough container to catch the fuel from the filter housing.
* Clean rags or shop towels: For cleaning up spills and wiping down parts.
* New fuel filter: Use only a fuel filter that's specified for your 1995 Ford F-350 7.3L Power Stroke. Get the correct filter from a reputable auto parts store.
* Fuel filter priming pump (optional but recommended): Manually priming the system after the filter change is easier with this tool.
* Torque wrench (recommended): To tighten the new filter to the manufacturer's specifications.
Procedure (General Outline):
1. Locate the fuel filter: It's usually located on the frame rail near the engine.
2. Release fuel pressure: This is crucial to prevent fuel from spraying. There are different methods, so check your repair manual. One common method involves loosening the fuel filter housing cap slightly to bleed off pressure before fully removing it.
3. Drain the fuel: Position your container to catch the fuel that will drain from the filter housing when you loosen it.
4. Remove the fuel filter housing: This may involve loosening clamps or bolts. Be prepared for some fuel spillage.
5. Remove the old fuel filter: Be careful; there may still be some fuel remaining inside.
6. Inspect the new fuel filter: Make sure there are no defects before installation. Note the orientation of the old filter—the new one needs to go in the same way.
7. Install the new fuel filter: Carefully install the new filter into the housing.
8. Reinstall the fuel filter housing: Tighten according to the manufacturer's specifications (use a torque wrench).
9. Reconnect the fuel lines: Ensure they are securely connected.
10. Prime the fuel system: Use a priming pump or crank the engine (with the key, not by hand-cranking) briefly to get fuel flowing. You might need to crank the engine for several seconds with the key before it starts. You may need to repeat this step multiple times. *This is where a priming pump can save considerable time and cranking effort.*
11. Check for leaks: Inspect all connections and the housing for leaks.
12. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
13. Start the engine: Listen for unusual noises and check for any leaks.
Important Notes:
* Bleeding the air from the fuel system: If the engine doesn't start, there may be air in the fuel lines. Consult your repair manual for the proper bleeding procedure. This often involves repeated cranking or using a bleed screw if your model has one.
* Torque Specifications: Always use a torque wrench to tighten the filter housing to the correct specification; over-tightening can damage the housing.
This is a simplified overview. Always refer to a repair manual specific to your vehicle before attempting this repair. If you're not comfortable performing this task yourself, take your truck to a qualified mechanic. A wrong move can lead to costly damage.
