Around 4.8 million individuals were seriously hurt in motor accidents in 2020 alone. This statistic tells you how dangerous driving is. You only increase the risks with a damaged vehicle. That is why you need to keep an eye out for symptoms of damage.
6.7 Powerstroke Bad Fuel Filter Symptoms include unpleasant scents, loud sounds, engine not starting, bad engine performance, and a lit-up Check Engine Light. They are caused by dirt accumulation, lack of fuel pressure, damaged components, and prolonged usage.
These issues may entail more serious problems with your car so you should get your car checked as soon as you can. The 6.7 Powerstroke is a popular engine so most mechanics can fix your car quickly. That said, you should know the problem well enough before trying fixes.
6.7 Powerstroke Bad Fuel Filter Symptoms And Causes
In order to help visualize the possible problems with a 6.7 Powerstroke Fuel Filter, I made this symptom and causes table.
I will clarify them all as I progress down this article. By the end of this article, the only question you should have is, “how do I find the time to fix my car?”
| Bad Fuel Filter Symptoms | Causes |
|---|---|
| Bad Odor And Sounds | Dirt Accumulation |
| Difficulty Starting The Vehicle | Lack Of Fuel Pressure |
| Poor Driving Experience | Damaged Components |
| Check Engine Light Is On | Wear And Tear |
Common Signs Of Faulty 6.7 Powerstroke Fuel Filter
When you hear hoofbeats, think of horses, not zebras. Fuel filter problems are fairly common so these symptoms might directly point toward a damaged fuel filter.
#1- Bad Odor And Sounds
Have you ever noticed this eerie smell around your car? You may wash it several times and even clean up the interior but it still insists. Chances are this is caused by a bad fuel filter.
Your nose isn’t the only body part in danger. Faulty filters can also start an assault on your ears. Your engine may make loud and annoying noises till you get this problem fixed.
#2- Difficulty Starting The Vehicle
There is nothing more frustrating than a car that just won’t start. If you are having fuel filter issues, this is even more as the engine will crank but it will never start. There are a lot of other issues that may be to blame so jumping to conclusions isn’t wise.
For instance, a damaged ignition switch will make it impossible for you to start your engine.
#3- Poor Driving Experience/Sputtering
A bad fuel filter can be the difference maker between a soothing long drive and an annoying endless journey. The engine may sputter, misfire or even stall. You will face many acceleration issues.
I don’t exaggerate when I say that a broken fuel filter may very well cause you to road rage.
#4- Check Engine Light Is On
This is the point where your fuel filter is beyond repair. The CEL is an amazing piece of technology that tells you when you instantly need to go to an auto repair shop.
The only caveat here is that it may be lit on for several reasons. An engine is a complex machine so it has numerous components that may be malfunctioning.
Causes Of 6.7 Powerstroke Fuel Filter Issues
Now that you know the symptoms, it’s time to understand why they happen. These 4 problems cause your car to go haywire.
- Dirt Accumulation
The fuel filter’s main job is keeping out dirt from the fuel. Naturally, if it malfunctions, this dirt will make its way to your precious fuel.
This, in turn, will cause the fuel to get tainted. If sulfur makes its way to your fuel, you will get that unpleasant scent I was talking about. Dirty fuel also causes a peculiar noise that is hard to miss.
- Lack Of Fuel Pressure
The fuel filter also ensures that the fuel pressure levels in your engine are optimal. If it gets damaged, this function will be sorely missed. The fuel flow will be inconsistent.
The engine needs a specific amount of fuel pressure. If this requirement is not met, the engine will not start. That is why you need to crank it up so many times before getting results with a bad fuel filter.
- Damaged Components
The fuel filter may be small but it is not a simple mechanism. If you ever get into a crash or the fuel filter is under any direct impact, there is a solid chance that it breaks.
In that event, it will be unable to serve its purpose. Hence, you will encounter various hiccups such as stalls and random accelerations.
- Wear And Tear
This is a more likely possibility than you think. Fuel filters are not the most durable components. You need to switch it out sooner rather than later. Even the best filters have trouble making it past the two-year mark.
How To Fix Your 6.7 Powerstroke Fuel Filter Issues?
Unfortunately, there is no way to repair a broken fuel filter. Therefore, you need to completely swap it out for a brand new one. How do you do that? This step-by-step guide should help you.
- Step 1: Hunt Down A Good Mechanic
You may be tempted to try and replace it yourself as the process will cost you some money but trust me, it is totally worth it to go for professional services.
For starters, it’s a cheap repair. Labor charges won’t exceed $100. On top of that, there is a lot that can go wrong if you don’t have the necessary skills and know-how. Lastly, the risk for injuries is high. Over 147 mechanics died on the job in the year 2005 alone.
- Step 2: Understand The Diagnosis
It is very easy to leave everything to a mechanic and head out the door. This leaves you vulnerable to scams. Ensure that you understand what needs to be repaired and the price you are paying is justified.
- Step 3: Oversee The Fix
This process shouldn’t take more than half an hour. If the mechanic isn’t backed by a queue of other repairs, try to inspect the repair yourself.
- Step 4: Take A Test Drive
Before leaving the shop, make sure that the car is absolutely fine. This step saves a trip back to the auto shop.
Other Components That May Be Causing Car Issues
As you know, car issues tend to be interrelated. As such, it is very easy to mistake a set of symptoms of one problem for another. These are the components that may make it seem like the fuel filter is bad if they are damaged:
- Catalytic converter
- Ignition system
- Fuel filter
- Fuel injectors
- The engine itself
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is A Fuel Filter?
As the name suggests, the fuel filter ensures that the fuel doesn’t carry dirt or debris to other parts of the car. This component also makes sure that the required rate of fuel flow is maintained.
2. How Many Miles Can I Drive Before I Change My Fuel Filter?
As I mentioned, this is not a very durable component. Depending on how you drive, you need to switch it out around the 25,000-mile mark. Other factors also come into play such as filter quality and your local climate.
3. How Expensive Is A 6.7 Powerstroke Fuel Filter?
A 6.7 Powerstroke fuel filter will cost you no more than $60. You can even get it for as low as $15. I suggest spending a good amount on it as cheaper ones tend to last a shorter period of time.
4. Can I Drive With A Broken Fuel Filter?
Yes. However, I strongly recommend against it. Not only is it going to cause further damage to your vehicle but it is also dangerous. For instance, your engine may face acceleration issues in the middle of a highway.
6.7 power stroke fuel system failure >> Check out the video below:
Final Words
I hope this article clarified any doubts you had regarding bad fuel filter symptoms on 6.7 Powerstroke. The 6.7 Powerstroke is an excellent engine that rarely disappoints. Unfortunately, the fuel filter itself is a fragile component.
Make sure you are on top of this issue and take regular trips to the mechanic to avoid future problems.
Here are other ford powerstroke related articles you might like:
8 Common Bad Fuel Filter Symptoms 6.0 Powerstroke
