VT365 engine, oil changes, and fuel filter

[Wildblue]

I could have SWORN that in my research, somewhere I read and/or heard that on the VT365 engine, the fuel filter should be changed every time the oil and oil filter is changed. This is to keep the fuel system and particularly the injectors clean, and prevent the "turbo farts" that I've heard about. This is not reflected in the owner's manual, though.

So what's the story, and if it's the case, where does it come from? International Trucks?

[Georunner]

This advice will not be in the owners manual. The injectors run at a very high pressure on this engine, and with the ULSD fuel, it won't take much to cause a problem. Changing the fuel filter will not prevent the turbo fart issue. Some people, like TexasTC, put a lot of miles on their engines, at least relative to most RVs. Mine sits parked most of the winter and we only average about 4,000 miles a year. I change the oil, filter and fuel filter every year, regardless of the mileage.

One thing you can easily overlook, is when to change the transmission filter. The manual for the tranny will tell you when the first change should occur and the first time is at a fairly short mileage, 10,000 miles I think but I don't have the manual handy to check.

[Texas TC]

I change my oil and fuel filter every 7500 miles. I know the book says 10,000 but I feel that with the way we use these things, drive, park for extended periods, then drive again, it does not hurt to compress the cycle to be safe. Even with the mileage I put on my coach, it still only turns out to be about one oil change during each calendar year. My last change was last July and I will be due another change this May.

TxTC

[Rvguy]

I am new to this. How do you change the fuel filter on 2008. I see the drain plug and a latch thing. Do I turn the latch handle to the left then unscrew the cap replace filter and close?
Do you have part numbers for fuel and oil filters. Thank you.
I can't find owners manual.

[pwerwagn]

I change my oil every 3-4K, and use Rotella T6. 6.0's are HEUI injection, and they use oil pressure to generate fuel pressure in the injectors. There is TONS of reading on oil in 6.0's if you want.

The fuel filter assembly on a VT365 is from a 7.3 powerstroke (or 444E IH). It is not the same filter as the 6.0 ford. Also, there is a filter on the fuel pump on the passenger side. More of a screen, or rock catcher haha. But mine has had stuff in it.

6.0's love good fuel and good oil. Change it all often. I am not a proponent of changing oil on most vehicles (my daily driver has almost 100K since an oil change haha)...but on the VT365/6.0, you HAVE to change the oil. Bad oil leads to injector stiction and a host of other issues.

By the way, if you have any stiction issues, Archoil 9100 really does work well to bandaid an injector with sticky spool valves. Its not always a permanent fix, but can help if the symptoms are small.


I use FL2016 motorcraft oil filters. The fuel filters is a Motorcraft FD4596. If someone has replaced your fuel filters with like a Wix, you will likely also need a new fuel cap. I keep a dorman 904-203 spare just in case one cracks.

--Jeff

[Rvguy]

I change my oil every 3-4K, and use Rotella T6. 6.0's are HEUI injection, and they use oil pressure to generate fuel pressure in the injectors. There is TONS of reading on oil in 6.0's if you want.

The fuel filter assembly on a VT365 is from a 7.3 powerstroke (or 444E IH). It is not the same filter as the 6.0 ford. Also, there is a filter on the fuel pump on the passenger side. More of a screen, or rock catcher haha. But mine has had stuff in it.

6.0's love good fuel and good oil. Change it all often. I am not a proponent of changing oil on most vehicles (my daily driver has almost 100K since an oil change haha)...but on the VT365/6.0, you HAVE to change the oil. Bad oil leads to injector stiction and a host of other issues.

By the way, if you have any stiction issues, Archoil 9100 really does work well to bandaid an injector with sticky spool valves. Its not always a permanent fix, but can help if the symptoms are small.


I use FL2016 motorcraft oil filters. The fuel filters is a Motorcraft FD4596. If someone has replaced your fuel filters with like a Wix, you will likely also need a new fuel cap. I keep a dorman 904-203 spare just in case one cracks.

--Jeff

Hello.


Here are the articles numbers I was able to obtain does this sound right?

Oil filter 1840752c91 LF16166
Fuel filter 1843162c91 FF5418


And 19 quarts of t6 15w40?

[pwerwagn]

LF and FF sound like Baldwin filters which are probably fine. I am not sure if Baldwin filters come with the filter cap installed or not, so double check that before ordering.

19qts is correct on the oil capacity. The last 2 or 3 changes I put in 5w40 T6 because the 15 wasn’t available. 5w works fine too. Mine seems to prefer 5w as soon as it gets below about 45*.

Bobistheoilguy has a fair amount of discussion on oils in a 6.0 if you want to do some light reading.

And to answer your question about removing the filters, you unscrew the caps and remove the filter element inside and replace the element.

[Rvguy]

Perfect. Thanks for the help. This helps a lot.

One last question. The fuel canisister has a drain plug and I see to the right of it a level handle. Set to the right side. Do I turn it to the left before opening? My guess that'd to close valve flow of fuel?
Just want to make sure I replace open it properly.

Thanks man!

[pwerwagn]

No problem! That lever is there to drain the filter housing, not to shut off fuel flow. It is also there to drain water from the housing occasionally since the filter is a water sep also. The O-rings in that drain can weep a bit after you drain it, just beware. It is smart to drain the canister though, it prevents unfiltered fuel from getting into the filtered area.

Also, check that filter on the mechanical pump. Passenger side of the bell housing. The filter is like ~1.5" diameter or so, just threads up on there. You can remove it by hand. Its just a screen, but worth checking.

The oil has a drainback valve inside the housing. Once you pull the lid the oil will be all drained down. This is partly why its imperative to use the right filters on a 6.0/VT365. That drainback valve can function incorrectly and cause all sorts of issues.

--Jeff

[Rvguy]

Thanks for all the help I really do appreciate it so the fuel fuel canister I turn the lever to the left before opening the canister lid to drain fuel? And then replace the filter?

And the side 1.5 inch screen filter on the passenger side I wasn't able to find it. Do you have a picture?

Also side question, Wheel lug nut torque down to 150 ft pounds?

[pwerwagn]

Ya, turn the lever to the left. Its a yellow lever that has probably been sprayed blue with the engine.

The strainer is underneath on the passenger, on the fuel pump. Theres a picture of the strainer here:
https://www.forddoctorsdts.com/forums/topic/5755-2003-international-4200-vt365-fuel-strainer/

[Rvguy]

Man much appreciated. I love these forums. Thank you again. I'm a first time RV owner so I'm trying to learn everything I can.

I can't find 15w40 oil t6. Is there another brand you recommend? Or should I put 5w40 t6. Live in San Diego.

As far as the Lug nut torque specs, I haven't been able to figure out what they need to be set at, in case I need to replace a tire in the future.

Thank you,
Hoss

[pwerwagn]

I run 5W-40 in mine. But walmart will have 15w40 as well. I usually get mine from tractor supply on sale for ~40$ for a 2.5 gal jug.

I mounted a spare on mine in case I have a flat. I can take pictures of that if anyone wants to see how.

Im fairly certain the lug nut torque is 450 ftlbs?

[Rvguy]

Awesome. Yes please. Share picture. I'll do the same.

Thank you!

[Rvguy]

Hello,
Do you know what these two are used for? It's near the steering wheel and ignition key.
Couldn't figure out how to post a picture. Grey circle knob that turns left and right. Fuel control? And next to it to the left there is a black button with an orange square light. If pushed up the light turns on. Priming?

[pwerwagn]

Sounds like the control knob for a TSmp8. And the switch next to it sounds like an aux or fog light switch. Mine has lights that turn on with that switch, they are not factory though.

There isn’t an electric fuel pump on the VT365 so there’s nothing to provide priming.

[Rvguy]

Ah OK thank you!

I changed the oil and fuel filters. Super easy job. Thank you for helping me.
I also serviced the generator.

[pwerwagn]

Awesome! I need to do my gen soon too.

On your TSmp8, it is a box that changes fuel pressure. It is plugged into the ICP and just fools the ecm into upping the pressure a bit. You can turn it up and down while driving, doesn’t hurt a thing. You should notice a touch more smoke when accelerating with it up vs down.

[Rvguy]

Hello,

Trying to figure out the best way to install the spare tire below. I saw a few tire spar winches. Rack holders under frame. Not sure which option would be best, considering the tire is really heavy 255 70 22.5

[pwerwagn]

I’ll take pics of mine and post it.