Can't Open Engine Fuel Filter Housing

[2013megacab]

Help!

I am trying to change my fuel filters, without much success. I watched several YouTube videos and thought I was prepared, but I can't get the top off of the engine filter housing. One video I watched said he used a 1-1/8 inch socket, but when I tried it the 12-point socket slipped a little so I figured it was probably metric. After a two-store search I found a 6-point 28mm and it fits perfectly but the dealer tech who changed my filter last must have used an impact wrench. I can't budge the lid. What am I missing? I am going between the fuel line and the head with a long extension into the socket with a universal. I have a 1/2" drive socket, extension and handle but it's not working.

Thanks,

Al

 

[TRAMPLINEMAN]

On top of all that, I've had to put a cheater pipe on the ratchet handle to break it free.

 

[SnoKing]

Take it back to the dealer and ask them to loosen it a bit for you "while you watch"! SNOKING

 

[2013megacab]

@ SNOKING - I was planning to do just that in the morning, but @TRAMPLINEMAN gave me the courage (or was it the Gin) to try it one more time with my Craftsman beam (cheap) torque wrench and I got it.

Thanks Guys!

Al

 

[KenHwy61]

Just went through this. The plastic covers can be very difficult to remove. I ended up using a chain vise grip which worked great. https://www.turbodieselregister.com/threads/255456-Fuel-filter-cover-removal?p=2475385#post2475385

 

[wyosteve]

Yeah, I had to use a PVC pipe cheater bar and constant pressure to get mine off the first time. Just take it slow and steady worked for me.

 

[EDankievitch]

​The O ring swells and the cap is almost impossible to remove. I've destroyed two caps so far. There was a link on here not long ago for an aluminum cap I think that will be my next up grade. Only issue is you really have to be careful not to cross thread the housing.

 

[Cummins12V98]

I would think it would be the o ring is compressed and two plastic surfaces are tight against each other causing them to want to stay together. Really don't think a rubber o ring can swell.

 

[seafish]

What about using something like this on the filter canisiter body threads--

https://www.permatex.com/products/g...uel-resistant-gasket-dressing-flange-sealant/

DESCRIPTION--

"Specially formulated for superior fluid resistance, this polyester urethane based gasketing compound withstands extreme temperature changes without hardening. Its non-setting, non-hardening character remains tacky even with rapid changes in temperature, enabling repeated assembly and disassembly of parts."

 

[Kirwin]

Try this. https://www.turbodieselregister.com...ine-mounted-fuel-filter?highlight=fuel+filter

 

[TRAMPLINEMAN]

@ SNOKING - I was planning to do just that in the morning, but @TRAMPLINEMAN gave me the courage (or was it the Gin) to try it one more time with my Craftsman beam (cheap) torque wrench and I got it.

Thanks Guys!

Al

Liquid courage works every time!!

 

[EDankievitch]

I would think it would be the o ring is compressed and two plastic surfaces are tight against each other causing them to want to stay together. Really don't think a rubber o ring can swell.

Trust me the O ring swells. it'll be larger after it's been exposed to fuel. I've found them to be loose and I was unable to to re use after removing the cap on the 05 that I use to own. I know you don't re use them when you replace the filter. But I had an issue that I needed to see the filter to find out where my fuel was gelled. Took off the cap went to re install and tore the o ring as it was swollen.

 

[dougsram]

22 ft/lbs is the torque specs for the fuel filter housing cover. That isn't too much more that what you can apply with both hands when tightening. Oil ring seals do not require a lot of torque and over tightening can pinch and flatten oil rings causing leaks. Something I learned many moons ago as a Navy diver working on diving rigs.

 

[gsbrockman]

22 ft/lbs is the torque specs for the fuel filter housing cover. That isn't too much more that what you can apply with both hands when tightening. Oil ring seals do not require a lot of torque and over tightening can pinch and flatten oil rings causing leaks. Something I learned many moons ago as a Navy diver working on diving rigs.

22 ft/lbs might be the spec.....but something changes after installation....for sure!!! If you own a RAM w/CTD......post back how your first fuel filter change goes. Apparently.......little aliens are climbing up through the frame and over torquing them while we sleep. :-laf