How-To: Navigator Fuel Filter

[SWThomas]

As some of you may already know, the Lincoln Navigator/Ford Expedition Fuel Filter (NAPA Part # 3296) will fit on a Gen 2 Lightning. This is a good upgrade since it is larger than the stock sized filter and therefore can go longer without being changed.

First I removed the old fuel filter using a fuel filter removal tool I purchased at Auto Zone. Then I unscrewed the bracket that held the filter and removed it because it is too small to hold the larger filter. Then I installed the new larger filter and used tie-wraps through the existing holes to secure it. Here are a few pics...

Here is a side by side of the two filters so you can see the difference...


Here is a pic of the bracket I removed...


And here is a pic of the Navi Filter installed and tie-wrapped....

[Lurch]

The correct Bracket for the Fram 3850 filter can be purchased through any Ford Dealer. It Fits a 1997 F-150 or any F-250 Gas trucks, Tie wrap works great but the Correct Bracket holds the extra lines under there. Mitch

[SWThomas]

Thanks for the info Mitch. I thought about getting the bracket but I just didn't fel like getting raped by Ford when I could accomplish my objective with tie-wraps.

[clubracergt1]

Should have used a Motorcraft filter, IMO. I probably would have found a way to use a hose clamp, instead of the tie wrap. Also, the size of the filter will have nothing to do with how long you can go between changes. All Ford gas engines have the same required service interval (30k miles) for the fuel filter. We, at Jones, recommend replacement closer to 15k due to the algae problem most of the gas stations around here have. We have dumped out filters with just under 15k on them; and the fuel comes out black and nasty looking.

Either way- nice tip, Techmaster Spencer.

[SWThomas]

Originally Posted by clubracergt1

Should have used a Motorcraft filter, IMO. I probably would have found a way to use a hose clamp, instead of the tie wrap. Also, the size of the filter will have nothing to do with how long you can go between changes. All Ford gas engines have the same required service interval (30k miles) for the fuel filter. We, at Jones, recommend replacement closer to 15k due to the algae problem most of the gas stations around here have. We have dumped out filters with just under 15k on them; and the fuel comes out black and nasty looking.

Either way- nice tip, Techmaster Spencer.

NAPA Gold Filter > Motorcraft any day of the week and twice on Sunday.

Also, please explain to me how a larger filter with a much larger filtering media can't go longer without being changed than a much smaller filter.... If I cut open the stock sized filter and filled it with sand and then took that same amount of sand and dumped it into the larger filter, the larger filter would still have plenty of space left to filter.

[Lurch]

Spencer I think I only paid like 22.00 dollars for the brackets. Also you are correct on the filter I have the larger filter on all my trucks and they last a lot longer before you start to see fuel pressure drop also if you cut them both open the larger one has almost 3 times the filter surface. Besides who goes even 10,000 miles on a fuel filter?? I change mine every other oil change Mitch

[clubracergt1]

Originally Posted by SWThomas

Also, please explain to me how a larger filter with a much larger filtering media can't go longer without being changed than a much smaller filter.... If I cut open the stock sized filter and filled it with sand and then took that same amount of sand and dumped it into the larger filter, the larger filter would still have plenty of space left to filter.

I am just saying that the Ford required service interval is the same for all fuel filters. Thnk of it the same way as an oil filter-an FL1A is a pretty good sized filter while a FL400 (I think) is about 1/3 the size. Simply because of the size change, you would not change the larger filter 3 times later.

It's just that, after writing service for over 10 years, I have seen countless people neglect their fuel filters and being forced to replace fuel pumps and injectors because of the restricted filters. Anyway, it's pretty bad/cheap if someone is trying to delay having to spend 30 bucks every 30k miles.