fuel filter cap

[skorski]

Decided to change fuel filters today myself dealer wanted $357.00 bought one oil and two fuels for$138.00 from another dealer. But I ran into a problem with the engine filter , when I had it done in Blyth Cal. They put the cover so tight I can't get the cover off and ended up stripping the nut. HELP not mutch room to get vice grips in What do you think ?????

 

[Bob4x4]

How much did you save doing it yourself?

 

[JohnCW]

You might have to replace the entire unit or at least remove it then you should be able to hog it off, and replace the cap, not fun.

Duffus the dealer mechanic strikes again !

What socket did you use, I purchased the one made specifically for the task and it works great, Lisle 14600 Fuel Filter Socket, fits perfect.

This is why so many people try to do their own maintenance when possible, not just trying to save money but to it correctly.

Keep us posted.

 

[TRAMPLINEMAN]

I was in this same situation once. Brought work truck to dealer for service cause our company wanted paper trails for all records. Picked truck up and drove three hours to our next job in the middle of nowhere. I could smell fuel but just figured they spilled a little and it's burning off. No so much!! They had cross threaded the cap and cranked it down as far as they could. Well, it wasn't far enough and fuel was leaking. I did not have the proper tools at the time. So, the channel locks I had only made things worse. I welded two bolts to a 12" flat bar at one end a couple of inches apart. It looked like a capital F, if you can picture that. I then drilled two holes the same distance apart in the filter cap. Stuck the bolts in the holes and screwed the cap right off. A new cap is required after, but the cap was already damaged anyway.

 

[JohnCW]

I was in this same situation once. Brought work truck to dealer for service cause our company wanted paper trails for all records. Picked truck up and drove three hours to our next job in the middle of nowhere. I could smell fuel but just figured they spilled a little and it's burning off. No so much!! They had cross threaded the cap and cranked it down as far as they could. Well, it wasn't far enough and fuel was leaking. I did not have the proper tools at the time. So, the channel locks I had only made things worse. I welded two bolts to a 12" flat bar at one end a couple of inches apart. It looked like a capital F, if you can picture that. I then drilled two holes the same distance apart in the filter cap. Stuck the bolts in the holes and screwed the cap right off. A new cap is required after, but the cap was already damaged anyway.

Now that was ingenious !!

The Big F tool !

 

[Kry226]

It appears the same big honking gorilla is still installing the oil filters and fuel filter caps at the factory. Wish they would fire that guy. :-laf

 

[gsbrockman]

Knock on wood....I've never had an issue with my underhood fuel filter cap (yes, all the first fuel filter changes on a new truck were excessively tight, but I managed to get them off).

As far as cross threading the cap goes......I always turn my cap counter-clockwise until I feel the threads of the cap "drop" onto the fuel filter canister. I then tighten it by hand.....making sure the well oiled rubber o-ring does not wad up. I've never had to use any tools to tighten the fuel filter cap....I've always been able to get it as tight as needed by hand.

 

[LandShark]

What type socket did you use: 6 point or 12 point? If 12, try a 6 point. You could also try a metric and tap it on with a hammer.

 

[Ram4Sam]

Any chance of getting a metal oil filter strap wrench on it.....?

Sam

 

[gsbrockman]

Any chance of getting a metal oil filter strap wrench on it.....?

Sam

Or a set of oil filter pliers????

#ad

 

[skorski]

Thanks for all the info I did use the right socket .. Thats what i get for trusting a dealer so tight he must have rounded the nut just enough so the socket spun. took it to my mec and got it off with a large strap filter rench. And I saver $150.00 even after buying a new cap.

 

[Kirwin]

I bought a new cap and put it in my truck as a just-in-case for this specific instance after I changed it the first time. I lubed the cap and o-ring with engine oil and I torqued it too spec after I finally got it off the first time, but it was still very tight when I changed it at the 2 year point. I may try Gregg's method, hand tight!

 

[Bob4x4]

Blame a dealer whenever you have a problem. Typical internet DIY. I have been removing fuel filters for many years and many times a day. Never rounded of a cap. I have worn out some high dollar snap on tools but never damaged a plastic cover. They do take more torque to come off them they went on with

 

[gsbrockman]

Blame a dealer whenever you have a problem. Typical internet DIY. I have been removing fuel filters for many years and many times a day. Never rounded of a cap. I have worn out some high dollar snap on tools but never damaged a plastic cover. They do take more torque to come off them they went on with

What size do YOU use???

 

[Bob4x4]

Lol top of my head I couldn't even say. It's sitting in its home in tray.the best tip I could give is to keep your socket square on the cover not tilted. I used to use a Smap on 3/8 wobble extension but it wore out with the higher torque loads required to remove these many times a day. Had to go bigger for the long haul now using 1/2 drive wobble socket Back in the day a machinist friend of a friend made up a bunch of polished aluminum covers for the earlier trucks. Still have one left I think but the 05 gets nothing under the hood that needs to be kept shiney-not like the 94 that had a bunch of shinny

 

[gsbrockman]

Some use a 29mm....some use a 1 1/8". My 1 1/8" has never given me any issues.

It would be nice if they were like the 2007.5 through 2009 style.....just stick a 3/8" ratchet or extension in there.

 

[Bob4x4]

Some use a 29mm....some use a 1 1/8". My 1 1/8" has never given me any issues.

It would be nice if they were like the 2007.5 through 2009 style.....just stick a 3/8" ratchet or extension in there.

They did away with that hole because they would break