Test Fuel Pressure in Ford 6.0L Powerstroke Engines

Use our quick instructions for testing fuel pressure in the following Ford 6.0L Powerstroke engines:

• Ford E-Series 6.0L Powerstroke Engines, 2003 - 2010
• Ford Excursion 6.0L Powerstroke Engines, 2003 - 2007
• Ford F250 6.0L Powerstroke Engines, 2003 - 2007
• Ford F350 6.0L Powerstroke Engines, 2003 - 2007
• Ford F450 6.0L Powerstroke Engines, 2003 - 2007
• Ford F550 6.0L Powerstroke Engines, 2003 - 2007
• Ford F-Series 6.0L Powerstroke Engines, 2003 - 2007

Tools You'll Need for Testing Fuel Pressure

To test fuel pressure in compatible Ford 6.0L Powerstroke engines, you will need the following tools:

• 36mm Socket 6mm Allen Wrench
• 24mm Sock or ½" Drive Ratchet
• Fuel Pressure Test Kit - 6.0L

Area Diesel's Fuel Pressure Test Kit - 6.0L makes testing fuel pressure a hell of a lot easier.

Testing Fuel Pressure in 6 Easy Steps

You will need to access the secondary fuel filter, located between the CAC tube and the air intake tube. The secondary fuel filter is shown in the image below.

Testing fuel pressure on a Ford 6.0L Powerstroke involves the secondary fuel filter (black cap on the right).

To test your fuel pressure, follow these steps:

1. Using the 24mm socket or ½" square drive ratchet, remove the blacktop cap.
   Note: To avoid bathing in diesel fuel, release the built-up pressure incrementally by removing the fuel filter cap slowly!
2. Install the aluminum lid supplied in the Fuel Pressure Test Kit - 6.0L, taking care to ensure the o-ring is properly in place.

3. In the center of the aluminum lid, carefully screw the aluminum fitting (also supplied in the Fuel Pressure Test Kit - 6.0L), into the threaded hole.
4. Screw the black hose (attached to the pressure gauge in the Fuel Pressure Test Kit - 6.0L) into the aluminum fitting, and then check that all connections are snugly tightened.
   Precaution: To be extra safe with your fuel injectors, we recommend taking a few minutes to bleed the fuel system: Simply turn the ignition to the On position for 30 seconds, repeating the short process three times.
5. Start the engine.
6. With the engine idling, check the pressure level on the fuel pressure gauge.
   Note: If the fuel pressure regulator is performing properly, the gauge will show a pressure level of 45psi or more. 

Testing Fuel Pressure on the Road

To further aid in diagnosing a driveability concern, we need to place the fuel pressure gauge where we can see it while driving:

1. With the fuel pressure gauge still attached, route the black hose up and over the cowl.
   Note: Ensure enough room to carefully close the hood without pinching the hose (a pinched hose would hurt the accuracy of the fuel pressure test).
2. Tape the pressure gauge to the passenger-side windshield.
3. Start the truck and begin driving.
4. Have a buddy monitor the fuel pressure gauge while you drive. (Safety first!)
   Important: Even during a hard acceleration, the fuel pressure should remain above 45psi in a good system.

If you run into any questions about ordering your Fuel Pressure Test Kit - 6.0L, reach out to an Area Diesel rep.