96 Ford F-250 102k miles

I recently had the engine shut off during idle and a light flashed saying 'fuel filter'. It restarted and I drove it for sometime and it again happened.
Went to a nearby auto parts shop and bought a new filter. Unscrewed the cap and when I lifted it off the filter came out with it, attached to the cap by 4 or 5 small 'fingers' that slip into the round hole at the top of the filter. The new filter is shorter than the old one and does not have the hole in the top. It slides down over the pipe in the middle of the filter housing.
I tried several times to get the lid to screw back down, but these 'finger' devices will not let the cap go all the way down.
I ended up washing the old filter in fuel and tapping it against a firm surface to try and dislodge anything that might be stopping it up. Put it back in the truck.
Truck cranked up and ran fine all afternoon.
Now I am out the 25+ bucks for the new filter. Trying to figure out if I failed to do something to make it fit right (turn to a particular position etc) or didn't push hard enough or did I get the wrong filter. I really hate to think they gave me the wrong filter because I buy parts from these guys a lot and they are pretty competent and very helpful.
What's wrong?

Hi Doc:

I'm not sure what's going on with your truck and filter. Sounds like you might have the wrong fuel filter. I've always used a Purolator F55055 in my 96 PSD ever since I bought it.

The Purolator F55055 that I buy comes as an all-in-one lid, gasket and filter. The top of the filter lid has a 1/2" female square drive that allows you to use a ratchet to remove and snug down the lid. Just be careful not to overtighten the lid (it's easy to do using a ratchet) and be sure to lubricate the gasket with clean diesel fuel before installing.

One thing I normally do before I change the fuel filter is drain the water from the bowl. By doing this, it lowers the level of diesel fuel in the bowl and makes the job of changing the fuel filter a little less messy.

I don't know if any of this will help in resolving your problem but this is what I have used over the years and it works for me.

Good luck!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Frank P. Martin,

Thanks Frank,
right now I believe I may have the wrong filter as well. I have been tied up the last couple of days. The engine in the Camry died and had to get the truck from under the shelter to drive. Getting the MH cleaned up for trade and that is taking some major time as well. I think I am going to the Ford dealer and get the Ford part(s) this time.
Sorta cranked at my parts store though....bout $25 worth.