Making and Installing Filter Head Bracket
There are many places in which a coolant filter and filter head can be installed. A few things that should be considered are:
I have seen numerous creative responses to mounting a filter head on a 6.9l or 7.3l IDI, but I was limited in what I could do by an inability to weld. I initially wanted to locate the filter on the inner fender where the factory tire jack was located, but determined that there would not be enough space to safely remove the filter without the filter head being mounted high enough to risk contacting the hood when closed. So, I opted to make a bracket coming off of the factory fuel filter head and mount the coolant filter there, with the bracket bolted to the bracket holding the fuel filter head with the same bolts that holds the fuel filter head in place. I purchased a 3 foot length of 2" wide 3/16" flat steel from Orchard Supply, and worked from there.
I have the steel sitting on top of the fuel filter head, marking where I need to drill and cut. In addition to the two holes for the bolts to go through, I need to cut out a notch in the bracket, so that the bracket can fit around the elbow going between the fuel feed line and the fuel filter head.
I have the bracket mounting holes drilled, and I've marked where to cut the steel, since I don't need all 36 inches in the engine compartment. :)
Cutting the notch out with a Dremel Tool. Not fast, but it gets the job done!
The Dremel Tool couldn't get every last bit of metal cut in the inside notch cut, so I took a hacksaw and finished it. There are better tools for this job, but with my budget, I make do with what I have.
Test-fitting after finishing with the cutting and before painting. Everything fit nicely! Now, on to cleaning the bracket up, painting it, and installing it.
Making and Installing Filter Head Bracket
Painting and Installing the Bracket and Filter Head
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Page updated November 13th, 2005
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