The fuel filter is a major part of the fueling system on your 1997 Ford F-250 7.3-liter diesel. The filter cleans dirt and impurities from the fuel and helps keep the engine clean. Some of the symptoms of a faulty fuel filter include poor engine performance, decreased gas mileage and loss of engine power. Ford recommends that you check your fuel filter often and replace it as necessary. Fortunately, locating the fuel filter on a 1997 Ford F-250 diesel is easy.
Park your Ford F-250 on level ground and engage the parking brake. Lift the hood and prop it open. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
Look along the passenger's side of the engine for the water separator housing unit. This unit has a large circular black hose about five inches in diameter that attaches to the rear corner of the engine.
Inspect the area where the water separator hose connects to the engine. The hose is attached with a series of nuts and clamps. Remove the clamps with your hands. Remove the bolts using an adjustable wrench. Separate the water separator hose from the engine. Located right below it is the fuel filter, which is a round oblong-shaped cylinder about six inches long.
