Fuel bowl delete and regulated return in your 7.3 van?

philos

Explorer
I understand the advantage to eliminating the Fuel Bowl, having rebuilt mine, but is there a simpler option to run a secondary filter, or eliminate the filter?

When I had my oil change done the grease monkeys told me the secondary filter has been bypassed. Would there normally be a fuel filter in addition to the one in the fuel Bowl?

BTW, 97 E350, 7.3 Powerstroke, Crestline Ambulance.

Do what Abitibi did, add a pre-pump filter (and/or post), then you can either leave it empty, or fill it with marbles, etc.
A lot of folks remove the mechanical lifter pump as well and replace the whole system with an electric pump.

I bypassed mine by removing the filter inside the housing and replaced it with marbles (to fill the volume inside the housing and not have it full of diesel). I installed a new heated filter head before the pump. (the otherfilter is for veggie)

And thanks for documenting you mod, should come very handy down the road!


Happy to guinea pig a little bit, but really, I'm just copying what others have already done :)
 

philos

Explorer
Not much today. Still waiting on parts...
I did take the time to think about it, then I pulled the stock supply/return lines back to the pump. I'd rather not have to deal with those evil quick connects either.
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I also pulled the pump so I could start figuring out a way to try and use the pump bracket to hold the pre and post filter bases/filters.
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It'll probably be a couple few days before parts start to show up... stay tuned.


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philos

Explorer
Postman dropped off some of my stuff today, so I started mocking things up.

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You'll notice that the fittings aren't all the way on for some of them. I'm using push lock hose and fittings, but I'll still be clamping with fuel injection clamps that are yet to arrive. I'll also be sleeving some bits with 5/8 heater hose. Everything will get covered in plastic loom as well.
Filter bases STILL haven't shipped from the eBay supplier, so I've cancelled that order and found some cheaper on Amazon, same exact part. They'll be here tomorrow along with a couple more fittings. I expect I'll probably have it all done early next week by the time all my parts arrive... Would have been nice to pre-order all this but I can't predict a breakdown EVERY time....
Until next time....


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philos

Explorer
Progress!!!
Got my pre and post pump filters all arranged and mounted.
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I was able to mount it all to the factory mount for the pump. Just two 6-7" pieces of 1" square and a bit of 1/8 x 2" strap. Boom. Easy.
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After I (finally) got my extra deep 1-1/8" socket and removed the old IPR, I was able to install the lines, etc to the heads.
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I also ran the supply/return lines and zip tied the snot out of everything until I can get some more metal clamps...
I pressure tested and leak tested after I triple checked each connector or fitting. To test, I just ran jumper leads to the battery. Took a few, but it pressurized to around 45 (haven't really touched the FPR yet), aaaand NO LEAKS!!!! It's been solid for the past several hours while I started reassembly and also while I took the time to wrap the up-pipes and down-pipe with header wrap and stainless ties.
The exhaust wrap isn't hard, but it's tedious. And boring. Not to mention it being tedious
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I just hope it does what the ad says and quiets/cools the area a bit.
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I should have it all buttoned up tonight sometime...just needed a breather, now back to it!


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philos

Explorer
Thats a lot of work over a weekend!

And there will be more work apparently.
I got it all put together and went to start after several on/off cycles. Cranks and cranks but nothing. Gave a code for the back pressure sensor, unplugged it and still just cranking.
Next I plugged that back in and unplugged the ICP sensor, at which point she fired into life. Plug it back in and back to cranking. Unplug and she starts. Idle is high, and my cold injectors sound noisy, but she drives alright.
I replaced the ICP sensor about three or four weeks ago with a motorcraft part.
I did fill the HPOP reservoir back up, but I never checked the level...
After a drive around the block the back pressure sensor code is gone but it still just cranks if the ICP is plugged in...
Help?


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Bikersmurf

Expedition Leader
Glad to hear its back up and running... :D

I have to be honest, I'm thinking best to leave mine well enough alone. When It's due for a new filter, I'll pull the stock one, and Install a canister one inline.
 

philos

Explorer
Quick update on my fuel bowl delete:
So a couple days after I finished this project and it still wasn't feeling as right as I felt it should be. Still had some cackling as well. Died one day, so I cried uncle and sent it to a pro. Two failed injectors, so I had a whole new set thrown in along with the under valve cover harnesses and glow plugs in addition to a few other little bits that needed love.
I also worked with the mechanic on a pressure relief bypass so that the fuel system isn't pressurized 24/7 and can bleed down after the key is off.

So, now she runs wonderfully smooth and quiet. Just smooth all over.
I still don't have enough miles to report on any mpg gains, but aside from the huge dent to my finances I'm super stoked with the setup.


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surferdave

New member
congrats on the setup. My bowl is leaking again, seems every 4 years. I am looking to do the same. Wondering if you could give some guidance on where and how you hooked up the pressure relief bypass with the fuel bowl delete. Any issues in the cold without a heater on the filter?
 

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