R.I.P Fuel Filter Housing

[Thewespaul]

SO I have developed a new leak... Lovely!

This time the top of the housing on the fuel filter is the problem. Fuel seeps through the two wire connections for the fuel heater. Read some threads were some people had luck replacing the o-rings but I have another idea..

Earlier this week I saw a thread concerning relocating the fuel filter entirely, and replacing it with an entirely new CAT or other universal fuel filter and housing. The benefit I see with this is I could go down to 1 micron and have a 12" filter, and still flow more fuel than stock. My only concern is the absence of the fuel heater, of course I live in Texas and I only see maybe 0* temperatures at the most but I wanted to ask before I invest on the pricey new filter setup.

So, should I ditch the fuel heater and go with the better fuel filter or should I just buy a new factory setup?

 

[sjwelds]

Ditch fuel heater. Simplest is remove heater and thread block for 1/2" NPT pipe plug.

Or bring it to me and have me TIG weld the hole shut

Fuel heater on top of fuel...heat rises...so explain how that works.

Or if you wanna rig your own setup go for it

 

[snicklas]

You can ditch the heater. Many have done it. Even the factory on the newer trucks (Later 6.0 trucks) don't have a fuel heater from the factory. My 6.0's heater has been unhooked (electrically) for years. My VW doesn't have one either..... Delete away!!!!

 

[IDIoit]

im a big fan of the earlier filter heads, no BS to deal with.

 

[F350camper]

yeah ditch the heater. Its not good for much

 

[Kevin 007]

Yeah me to, ive had and heater leak issue with every 7.3 and the 6.9 style has never given me an issue. Delete away. Even jb weld will work in a pinch to seak that leak. Not ideal, but ive done it

 

[Thewespaul]

Thanks for the support guys! I bought this filter head: http://www.ebay.com/itm/221219393604?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

I'll updated this thread with pics of my setup as soon as the filter head comes in!

 

[fsmyth]

Thanks for the support guys! I bought this filter head: http://www.ebay.com/itm/221219393604?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

I'll updated this thread with pics of my setup as soon as the filter head comes in!

Proud of it, aren't they?
Wouldn't pay more than $20 per head.

 

[Agnem]

im a big fan of the earlier filter heads, no BS to deal with.

The problem with the 6.9 filter heads, is they are smaller (7/8" if I remember correctly), and there are no fuel filters with water separating qualities available for that thread size. You need a 1" filter head to get a water separating filter. There are too many 6.9 guys running around without water filtration, having deleted the factory separator years ago. Also those in-line fuel heaters like the 6.9's had are not readily available. The 7.3 filter head is a nice design, but the heater in those things is a very expensive part to replace. Putting another O-ring in is not really a big deal.

 

[Kevin 007]

The factory water seperator location on 6.9 trucks has been the location of an aftermarket filter/water seperator for me on many trucks. Kind of like killing two birds with one stone when you remove th troublesome factory unit and replace it with a more superior unit with a filter of a micron rating of your choice.

 

[IDIoit]

since were on the subject,
it does not matter where the fuel is being filtered, correct?

on my 6 door project, i am deleting most things from the engine compartment.

ill be putting the fuel filter and water separator underneath on the frame rail.

 

[snicklas]

Nope, just as long as what gets to the engine is filtered. It can be 6" or 6' from the IP....

I think the reason the filters are "on the engine" is because they are a "sourced" part. So IH makes sure the fuel is getting filtered so it is "part of the engine". Even on my truck, there is a filter on the engine.

But, if you look at most Ford EFI Gassers, the fuel filter is on the "frame rail" back by the rear wheels. So, as long as the fuel is clean and filtered, it doesn't matter where the filter is.....

 

[OLDBULL8]

I would say the OEM filter is mounted like it is so the return line can attach to it easily and the schrader valve is readily accessible for bleeding out the air, air always goes to the highest point, also for an ease of filter change if the fuel gels. In cold climates, it's nice to have warm/hot air in the engine bay around the filter.
Gasser's don't have the air problems that diesels have. Fixed many of a gasser RV, because a lot of mechanics didn't know there was/is a frame mounted filter, same with a lot of cars.

 

[BioFarmer93]

Proud of it, aren't they?
Wouldn't pay more than $20 per head.

Too bad the OP already bought the one from ebay- using the the ebay description I was able to find the one from Summit for half the price.. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/trd-1030?seid=srese1&gclid=CJfT7NeA2cgCFQgXHwodwsQOaA

 

[FORDF250HDXLT]

since were on the subject,
it does not matter where the fuel is being filtered, correct?

on my 6 door project, i am deleting most things from the engine compartment.

ill be putting the fuel filter and water separator underneath on the frame rail.

i would never dream of doing that.the time you get a bad batch of fuel,water in fuel and it gels up,just my luck it would be when out plowing and id be down laying in a foot of slushy wet freezing snow, getting miserably cold and wet........oh how nice it is to be California dreaming without such concerns.