Archived First fuel filter change

[RalphReuter]

Purchased new filter for my 2017 2500. First what size socket is used to remove the cover? Secondly, it seems very tight, any tips on loosening it? Appreciate your input. I know that on the 06, required a “special “ tool, but this seems to be just a large socket.

 

[p-Bar]

We've joked in the past about the gorilla that tightens the oil filter at the factory. I'm guessing he had some extra time on your engine and torqued the fuel filter cap. Hang on someone will get to you.

 

[Learjet]

28 mm six point socket

see link https://www.genosgarage.com/category/tools

 

[TMyers]

It's also 1-1/8". Best guess on why it's so tight is the "O" ring swells with time and fuel. Put a breaker bar or pipe on your ratchet. Good Luck!

 

[jhenderson]

Actually, it’s typical of plastic threads. Go into the hardware store and thread a 4 inch plastic nipple into a fitting as tight as you can by hand. Then try to loosen it by hand. It’s almost impossible.

 

[RalphReuter]

Problem fixed

Actually, it’s typical of plastic threads. Go into the hardware store and thread a 4 inch plastic nipple into a fitting as tight as you can by hand. Then try to loosen it by hand. It’s almost impossible.

Well the problem is “fixed” the plastic nut on top of the fuel filter stripped with breaker bar! So I just reset the indicator! I guess I will have to take it somewhere to get a new top, and get it fixed the right way. Why have they used plastic when it is so hard to remove. Noticed on top, states “tighten 30.5 NM”. Is that like 90 foot pounds?

 

[GAmes]

https://www.genosgarage.com/product...2aa/fuel-system-accessories-replacement-parts

https://www.genosgarage.com/product...-billet-aluminum-fuel-cannister-cap/fuel-caps

 

[jhenderson]

Well the problem is “fixed” the plastic nut on top of the fuel filter stripped with breaker bar! So I just reset the indicator! I guess I will have to take it somewhere to get a new top, and get it fixed the right way. Why have they used plastic when it is so hard to remove. Noticed on top, states “tighten 30.5 NM”. Is that like 90 foot pounds?

30 nm = approx 20 ft lbs.

 

[SnoKing]

Well the problem is “fixed” the plastic nut on top of the fuel filter stripped with breaker bar! So I just reset the indicator! I guess I will have to take it somewhere to get a new top, and get it fixed the right way. Why have they used plastic when it is so hard to remove. Noticed on top, states “tighten 30.5 NM”. Is that like 90 foot pounds?

You most likely did not use a 6 point socket. The trick is to slowly apply force to unscrew it, not get aggressive with removing it. SnoKing

 

[TMyers]

You most likely did not use a 6 point socket. The trick is to slowly apply force to unscrew it, not get aggressive with removing it. SnoKing

And to add, at least on my truck, you can not drop straight down on the nut. I have to use a swivel at the socket to be flat on the nut.

 

[Learjet]

I did my first fuel filter changes today. The Youtube videos are helpful.

I used the 28 mm 6 point socket, u joint, then a 12 inch and 4 inch extension routed up behind the large electrical connector above the fuel filter.

Using my breaker bar with steady force and while making sure the socket stayed tight and squared up...the cap came off...not to hard.

Putting it back it gets to a point where it stops...and you know that is it...unless you get crazy. Couldn't use my big torque wrench and my little one did have the right adapter. But, common sense will tell you when it is tight enough for plastic.

 

[Learjet]

It's also 1-1/8". Best guess on why it's so tight is the "O" ring swells with time and fuel. Put a breaker bar or pipe on your ratchet. Good Luck!

28 mm is the proper size, you are risking rounding off the corners if not using 28 mm from what i read.

 

[SnoKing]

1 1/8 is 28.575 MM. SnoKing

 

[TMyers]

28 mm is the proper size, you are risking rounding off the corners if not using 28 mm from what i read.

I'm just old school and cheap. A 1 1/8" socket is 28.5MM. Depending on who made the 28mm some folks use, the 1 1/8" might fit the filter nut tighter. Machinists will tell you that a 1" peg will not fit in a 1" hole.

 

[GAmes]

I'm just old school and cheap.

Judging by the cost of replacing the cap a "cheap" person would buy the correct size socket.

 

[TMyers]

Judging by the cost of replacing the cap a "cheap" person would buy the correct size socket.

If a 6 point - 1 1/8" socket strips the fuel filter cap, you're doing something wrong. It ain't the socket!

 

[RalphReuter]

Update to fuel filter change! I now have scars, and I am bleeding from both arms, BUT the filter has been changed! Now the problem, from the factory there was no “O” ring! It seems they tightened it until it stoped leaking with no “O” ring! Should have taken it to the dealer to change, they probably would have accused me of changing it without the “O” ring! Shout out to Geno’s garage, they sent me a new top, and a filter wrench. That filter wrench did the trick, it was about 8” long, it just cleared all the “junk” around the filter, and was equipped with a ⅜” drive slot. I used ⅜ to ½” adaptor, a universal and a couple of extensions to get it loose I used my 30” torque wrench and both arms while pushing with the knee and it finally gave! What an ordeal!

 

[wyosteve]

That's why I'll be taking mine to the dealer for the first change!

 

[dawizman]

I hear all these horror stories about first filter changes. All three of my filters came off the first time with no real fuss, and no real mess. My drain pan, on the other hand was a litre short. Nothing I couldn't scrub out of the garage floor though.

 

[DonFitzwater]

I use a 3/4" drive, long ratchet with a long extension and a reducer to 1/2" to an impact grade universal to the 28mm socket. It gets the wrench high enough to clear most everything and then I've got enough leverage to not kill myself getting the cap loose every time.