2011-2014 Ford 6.7L Powerstroke Fuel Filters

Fuel filtration on the 2011-2014 Ford 6.7L Powerstroke

Ford built the 6.7L Powerstroke with two filter stages. The primary sits in the frame-mounted Diesel Fuel Conditioning Module (DFCM), catches particles down to 10 microns and shares the housing with the water separator and the electric low-pressure pump. The secondary filter is mounted on the engine and cleans fuel to 4 microns before it reaches the CP4.2. The Motorcraft FD-4615 kit covers 2011-2016 trucks. Ford calls for it every 22,500 miles under normal use and every 15,000 miles, 6 months or 600 hours under severe use, and the water separator should be drained at each service.

What fails and why

Most filtration trouble on this truck shows up somewhere else. Aerated and low-lubricity fuel let the CP4.2 wear, and metal in the fuel filter is one of the signs the pump has started to come apart. A restricted filter can also set P0087 low rail pressure on its own, which is why a filter check comes before anyone condemns the pump. The other known issue is the housing itself: the plastic engine-mounted filter housing turns brittle with age and can crack and leak. A fuel odor or visible weeping at the housing is the tell.

Stock replacement vs. upgrade

Stock service means factory-spec elements on time. The Alliant Power AP61004 fuel filter element service kit covers 2011-2016 trucks, and the Donaldson P555095 is the replacement element for Fleece's aftermarket filter assembly. Upgrading means more filtration ahead of the DFCM. FASS and AirDog systems add their own water separator and particulate filters, and the Fleece PowerFlo frame filter base uses a Donaldson P553203 element rated 4 micron at 99 percent efficiency. If the engine-mounted housing is your worry, look at the Fleece engine-mounted filter assembly and SPE Motorsport's billet filter lid and top fuel filter manifold.

What we carry

Here is what is on the shelf for this truck. FASS Titanium Signature Series and No-Drop systems, FASS filter packs, and Extreme Water Separator and particulate filters in standard and XL lengths. AirDog Raptor 150 GPH universal pumps, 2-micron and 10-micron replacement filters, a replacement water separator and a low pressure indicator light. Fleece Performance Engineering PowerFlo lift pump kits in short-bed and long-bed versions, an under-bed filter, the engine-mounted filter assembly, fuel heater and harness filter bases, and an M16 filter adapter fitting. SPE Motorsport billet drain valve, filter lid, top manifold, injector return repair kit and Disaster Prevention 2.0 kit. S&S Diesel Motorsport CP4 Disaster Prevention Kit and Fuel Leak Prevention Kit. Alliant Power filter service kit and fuel transfer pump, an XDP billet water-in-fuel drain plug, the No Limit Fabrication CP4 bypass kit, and Donaldson filters.

Fitment notes

The FD-4615 filter kit fits 2011-2016 trucks; 2017 and later use FD-4625, so a filter listed only for later years is not yours. Fleece PowerFlo kits are bed-length specific, so order short-bed or long-bed to match your truck. Frame-rail lift pump kits differ on whether they keep the DFCM or bypass it; read the kit notes before you plan the install. The S&S CP4 bypass kit carries CARB EO D-756-1 and covers 2011-2019 trucks. Confirm year and bed length by VIN before ordering.

Frequently asked questions

What micron rating does the factory 6.7L filtration use?

Two stages. The DFCM primary on the frame rail catches particles down to 10 microns and includes the water separator. The engine-mounted secondary filters to 4 microns before fuel reaches the CP4.2.

Does a FASS or AirDog system replace the factory filters?

These systems add their own water separator and particulate filters ahead of the DFCM. Some frame-rail kits keep the DFCM in the system and some bypass it, so check the notes on the kit you are looking at. Whatever filters stay on the truck still need service on schedule.

Why is there metal in my fuel filter?

Metal in the filter is one of the signs of CP4.2 failure. A pump that sheds metal can contaminate both rails, all eight injectors and every high-pressure line, so have the system inspected rather than just swapping the filter. A bypass kit like the S&S unit routes the pump's bottom-end flow to the tank and filters so debris from a failing pump gets caught there instead of in the rails and injectors.

How often should I change filters on a 2011-2014 6.7L?

Ford's interval for the FD-4615 kit is 22,500 miles under normal use, and 15,000 miles, 6 months or 600 hours under severe use. Drain the water separator every time you service the filters.

Not sure what fits? Call the shop at the number in the header, or use the fitment checker on any product page. We install everything we sell.