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F150 3.0 Diesel Fuel Filter locations

20926 Views 22 Replies 11 Participants Last post by  navyR113
How often should the fuel filers be changed? and where is the frame mounted Filter located?
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The frame mounted one is underneath the back driver's side compartment on a supercrew. Real easy to spot.
My opinion on when to change diesel fuel filters doesn't really matter but I really rely on anything Ford Tech Makuloco says. Just 3 days ago he put up a great video on when to change fluids in Ford vehicles and his recommendation on diesel fuel filters is to change them at 15,000 miles.

This is a good video and addresses a lot of maintenance on our very expensive trucks:


I was also watching a few videos on unlucky folks who put DEF into the diesel tank. Talk about expensive!
I typically do my diesel filters every 15k. Diesel is dirty. Fuel system on these trucks is expensive. lol
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I typically do my diesel filters every 15k. Diesel is dirty. Fuel system on these trucks is expensive. lol
Cool can you do a detailed write up on replacing them
I cant right this minute, but I will point you in the right direction. Its just like the 6.7 Ford F250. So watch the videos on 6.7 F250 fuel filter changes. The 3.0 engine fuel filter is mounted in the middle of the engine under the engine cover. There is also the larger one mounted next to the fuel tank.


Here is the Motorcraft fuel filter kit I have been purchasing from Rockauto. Also while on the site, get yourself a couple of Motorcraft oil filters for the 3.0. I do all the maintenance myself, or I pay my guys to do it while I watch, so I stock these parts on hand. This truck is actually very very cheap to maintain.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/parts/motorcraft,FD4627,fuel+filter,6200
I cant right this minute, but I will point you in the right direction. Its just like the 6.7 Ford F250. So watch the videos on 6.7 F250 fuel filter changes. The 3.0 engine fuel filter is mounted in the middle of the engine under the engine cover. There is also the larger one mounted next to the fuel tank.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdF6ka9nwxI

Here is the Motorcraft fuel filter kit I have been purchasing from Rockauto. Also while on the site, get yourself a couple of Motorcraft oil filters for the 3.0. I do all the maintenance myself, or I pay my guys to do it while I watch, so I stock these parts on hand. This truck is actually very very cheap to maintain.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/parts/motorcraft,FD4627,fuel+filter,6200
Yes but dont you have to have ac fuel line removal tools to pop the front fikter off
Yes but dont you have to have ac fuel line removal tools to pop the front fikter off
https://www.amazon.com/Lisle-39400-...gateway&sprefix=fuel+filter+re,aps,157&sr=8-3
Fuel Filter Replacement - thought I’d share my experience.

The main filter is under the drivers side cab forward of the tank. I have aftermarket aluminum skid plates and had to remove the one designed to protect the filter. Drain the filter with the knob, unscrew the filter, lubricate the new o-ring and twist on until the clip catches. Next is the underhood in line filter mounted in the center of the compartment near the firewall. The yellow clip will be undone and remain hanging on the filter stem while you depress 2 black buttons with your fingers and slide the line off. On the blue side, there is a T. I undid the blue clip and depressed the 2 blue tabs to remove that line from the T. Then, simply depress the 2 black buttons and remove the line. Re-installation is the opposite of removal. Now, don’t do what I did and just start the truck or you’ll get a CEL saying ‘Reduced Power’. You’ll want to have the key in the truck with your foot off the brake and press the start button to enter accessory mode. You’ll hear a slight hum from the fuel pump which is the priming sound. It’ll go on for 20-30 seconds and then shut off. Do this about 5 times to prime the system. Start the truck, check for leaks, and you’re done. You’ll need Motorcraft filter kit FD-4627. I got it from dieselfiltersonline.com for about $80 shipped.
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I took a look at the filter locations and they look straight forward anyone know what this is?

It was underneath the truck close to the fuel filter underneath and close to skid plates

I'm not sure but I think it might be a heat shield for the fuel filter lines?

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Changed my fuel filters today at about 24k miles. Snapped some pictures after pulling the old one apart. The main one was dirtier than I expected. I dont know how dirty is too dirty but I dont think I would wait until 30k miles like ford recommends. I am open to advice though if this filter looks okay based on people with diesel experience.

The inside screen was clean. The new filter is mostly white so it looks like very fine dirt particles are caked on. Overall, it is very easy to change these, just a little messy when unscrewing the main filter as it did not drain fully using the drain screw. The same 1 1/4" socket that works on the oil filter works on the main filter. No tools are needed to get the upper filter off. I did it with my fingers by pressing the release tabs. You just need to loosen the socket screw holding the filter in place.

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Changed my fuel filters today at about 24k miles. Snapped some pictures after pulling the old one apart. The main one was dirtier than I expected. I dont know how dirty is too dirty but I dont think I would wait until 30k miles like ford recommends. I am open to advice though if this filter looks okay based on people with diesel experience.

The inside screen was clean. The new filter is mostly white so it looks like very fine dirt particles are caked on. Overall, it is very easy to change these, just a little messy when unscrewing the main filter as it did not drain fully using the drain screw. The same 1 1/4" socket that works on the oil filter works on the main filter. No tools are needed to get the upper filter off. I did it with my fingers by pressing the release tabs. You just need to loosen the socket screw holding the filter in place.
Sorry as this is a little late it seems but I would like to add my opinion on this. I am actively looking into all engine options for the F150 but am starting to see some deals on lightly used diesel F150s which has led me here. Not that it matters but I have had the following trucks and only one time did any of the fuel filters ever look that bad (it was right after I bought it, previous owner neglected to change it).

Powerstrokes
-7.3
-6.0
-6.4

Duramax
-6.6 LMM

Cummins
-6.7 Current

I am glad Ford thinks they need to put such an extended filter change interval in the manual but there is no way I would go that long. That filter is black as sin, it seems it is easy to change both of them and the prices are not drastic either so it would be a good idea to go ahead and change more frequently. Particular owners are still going with somewhere around 5k mile oil changes and 10k mile fuel filter changes (double your oil change interval). I myself am somewhere around the 7k miles oil change and 10-12k mile fuel filter change and that is with a deleted truck. With a truck running regen and all emissions equipment there is no way I would be anywhere north of 8k miles between oil changes as well and nowhere remotely close to 30k miles fuel filter changes. If you want to keep the truck, change both of these more frequently, it is cheap insurance.
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Changed my fuel filters today at about 24k miles. Snapped some pictures after pulling the old one apart. The main one was dirtier than I expected. I dont know how dirty is too dirty but I dont think I would wait until 30k miles like ford recommends. I am open to advice though if this filter looks okay based on people with diesel experience.

The inside screen was clean. The new filter is mostly white so it looks like very fine dirt particles are caked on. Overall, it is very easy to change these, just a little messy when unscrewing the main filter as it did not drain fully using the drain screw. The same 1 1/4" socket that works on the oil filter works on the main filter. No tools are needed to get the upper filter off. I did it with my fingers by pressing the release tabs. You just need to loosen the socket screw holding the filter in place.
Sorry as this is a little late it seems but I would like to add my opinion on this. I am actively looking into all engine options for the F150 but am starting to see some deals on lightly used diesel F150s which has led me here. Not that it matters but I have had the following trucks and only one time did any of the fuel filters ever look that bad (it was right after I bought it, previous owner neglected to change it).

Powerstrokes
-7.3
-6.0
-6.4

Duramax
-6.6 LMM

Cummins
-6.7 Current

I am glad Ford thinks they need to put such an extended filter change interval in the manual but there is no way I would go that long. That filter is black as sin, it seems it is easy to change both of them and the prices are not drastic either so it would be a good idea to go ahead and change more frequently. Particular owners are still going with somewhere around 5k mile oil changes and 10k mile fuel filter changes (double your oil change interval). I myself am somewhere around the 7k miles oil change and 10-12k mile fuel filter change and that is with a deleted truck. With a truck running regen and all emissions equipment there is no way I would be anywhere north of 8k miles between oil changes as well and nowhere remotely close to 30k miles fuel filter changes. If you want to keep the truck, change both of these more frequently, it is cheap insurance.
I agree. I thought it was really dirty. I am going to change them now around 10k miles.
I agree. I thought it was really dirty. I am going to change them now around 10k miles.
I think that is a great place to start and hopefully others will see your pictures and decide not to wait as well. They say a picture is worth a thousand words.
Maybe it is an up north thing, I had mine changed at 21 thousand miles and they did not look bad at all. Of course I realize some fuel has higher sulfur in it than others. I have no idea I wish I would have a taken a picture of it but I am comfortable changing mine every 30 k instead of the 20 k thousand miles. Mine where black on the ends but white towards the center not completely covered in black like most of you have posted.
I order my filters from RockAuto.
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Changing it at intervals under 15k miles is a waste of money in my opinion. Just because a filter looks "dirty" does not mean it's not filtering effectively. Just shows that it's doing its job. The only reason you have to change them is eventually it will plug off enough to starve fuel to the pump which can cause other problems, but they won't let dirt through. I do mine at 15 mainly to maintain fuel economy and reduce strain on the pump, but wouldn't hesitate to go 20 if I had to.
On the recommendation of my Service Manager, I have settled in on changing both fuel filters on a 15K mile interval, which is twice the recommended frequency of 30K miles. I am hoping this coupled with running Stanadyne Performance Formula every fill-up will prevent any fuel system issues for me. I think a 15K interval is being prudent without throwing $$$ away.

I would only recommend a more frequent interval if you are running any form of BioDiesel, which clogs the filters up sooner -- @kdjasper found the documented 300 hour interval for BioDiesel users here: Fuel Filters
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Man I do not know what to honestly think about this, I watch the app and change my oil on this thing at 5 thousand miles which is 2 times sooner than recommend. The app states I can go another 2500 miles on average when I change them. I also changed my fuel filters at 20 thousand miles. I think all this is a waste and you should just follow the app or recommend service. I probably won't have this truck past 40 thousand miles before it is traded off or sold on something different so I am not sure how making those changes early does anything but waste money. It is your truck and you can spend money on it how you choose but personally my next oil change is coming not based off mileage but the app and the filters are getting changed at the 30k mile interval which puts my truck at 50 thousand miles.


all your service manager or any service manager cares about is total dollar sales for their service department in their dealership
Changing it at intervals under 15k miles is a waste of money in my opinion. Just because a filter looks "dirty" does not mean it's not filtering effectively. Just shows that it's doing its job. The only reason you have to change them is eventually it will plug off enough to starve fuel to the pump which can cause other problems, but they won't let dirt through. I do mine at 15 mainly to maintain fuel economy and reduce strain on the pump, but wouldn't hesitate to go 20 if I had to.
Dont know if it is a waste if you see a benefit from it but if you think that is a waste of money then I am over here absolutely blowing money on maintenance, but you are spot on about fuel flow especially with the CP4 pumps. Have you tried draining the water separator before the your oil change intervals? Shouldnt be a big problem if you are getting good fuel but not everyone does.
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