Avoiding Fuel Filter Draining Mess

[BHanna]

Today I was changing my fuel filter just after changing my oil. The stock fuel filter drain tube is pretty short and drains fuel all over my crossmember and front axle so I was thinking about how not to make a mess like the past couple times I've changed the filter.



Well my old oil filter was sitting in the pan draining and it occured to me that I could slip the fuel drain tube into the old oil filter and set it on top of the front differential. It worked like a champ and there was no diesel splashing on everything under the truck. The oil filter was full even after draining for about 10 minutes so.



My truck has a few inches of lift but I think this would still work on a stock height truck (4x4 at least).

 

[Tryingit]

A trick to changing the oil filter is to first break it loose. Then place a one gallon size zip lock bag up over it. Then twist the filter off letting it fall into the bag. No mess. I made up a long large heater hose to attach to the factory fuel filter drain tube. I hate it when I make a mess on the garage floor. I'm pretty lazy so the least amount I have to do the better.

 

[tkerrigan]

I just added hose that just fit over drain tube and ran to the front. Put bucket under end of hose when changing filter.

 

[Briman]

I just added hose that just fit over drain tube and ran to the front. Put bucket under end of hose when changing filter.

Exactly, no brainer. I have a short piece of 3/4" garden hose and a 3lb coffee can in the corner for this very moment.

 

[JHardwick]

My truck won't fit in the garage ... ... ..... changing the fuel filter helps keep the weeds down in the gravel driveway :-laf

 

[AWay]

Slip a piece of 5/8 heater hose over the factory drain hose and route it wherever ya want to put the catch can. No mess and if you use a glass jar you can check it for water.

 

[Nate]

I don't even have a hose on my fuel filter drain. I just stick a can on the end of the "spigot" and open the valve.

 

[Posm]

I just slip the ubiquitous 20 oz water bottle over the tube and prop it up on the tie rods. It has plenty of capacity and lets me check for water or debris in the fuel. When I am done draining the filter housing I just remove the bottle and replace the cap.

Tip: You need to use the one gallon size if you plan to forget to close the drain cock. The 20oz just does not have the capacity for stupidity.



Bryan