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Topic: Unable to remove fuel filter (Read 597 times) previous topic - next topic

Unable to remove fuel filter

Hi everyone,
I tried to remove my fuel filter today and was unsuccessful. i drained some fuel from the bottom to relieve any pressure before I used the wrench in the picture and dented the fuel filter in the process.
Don't know why it's on so tight when the instructions say to tighten 1/2 turn once in contact with the gasket.
I'll buy another wrench tomorrow, the kind that has a metal band and see if that works.
Any other suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks
Frank
Frank & Daisy
NO LONGER  "looking for the perfect Foretravel
36' or less non slide preferred."  She has been found and is ours.
2003 U320 36' non slide  Unit 6103
Cummins ISM 450
Allison 4000MH

Re: Unable to remove fuel filter

Reply #1 –
A large set of channel locks with the pressure at the very top of the filter will get it off Frank. Now these are "large" channel locks.
Dub McBride 1996 270

Re: Unable to remove fuel filter

Reply #2 –

You will need one to change the AH fuel filter as well. A big one.  This one has a 5.5" opening.

Channellock 480 BIGAZZ Tongue and Groove Pliers | 20.25-Inch Straight Jaw...

Maybe not that big.

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Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Unable to remove fuel filter

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Lt403 –
Hi everyone,
I tried to remove my fuel filter today and was unsuccessful. i drained some fuel from the bottom to relieve any pressure before I used the wrench in the picture and dented the fuel filter in the process.
Don't know why it's on so tight when the instructions say to tighten 1/2 turn once in contact with the gasket.
I'll buy another wrench tomorrow, the kind that has a metal band and see if that works.
Any other suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks
Frank
This will work in multiple situations and not collapse the filter.


2008 Nimbus 342
Build# 6464
ISM 500
Allison 4000 w/retarder
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Re: Unable to remove fuel filter

Reply #5 –
Take along screw driver and punch it through and use it like a t handle
Andy & Eileen
MONTROSE COLORADO
1992 U300  40' 6V92 TA
2016 4 Runner
1998 Jeep Grand cherokee

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee) Build # 4135 Skp# 122921

Re: Unable to remove fuel filter

Reply #6 –

I had good luck with both of these.  The socket wrench style from the bottom and the other from the side.

Amazon.com: Lisle 60200 Heavy Duty Strap Filter Wrench: Automotive

Pipe Strap Wrench, 12-inch Capacity Adjustable Strap Wrench - - Amazon.com

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Mark & Bev
2001 U295 36' Slide
Cummins ISC 8.3 350HP
Build #5802
Jeep Wrangler Toad

Re: Unable to remove fuel filter

Reply #7 –
I've bought about every variation of filter wrenches available over the years servicing class 8 trucks and have broken most of them at one time or the other. I've never had a pair of oversized channel locks break. The trick to removing any overtightened filter is pressure at the very top of the filter, close to the filter base.
Dub McBride 1996 270

Re: Unable to remove fuel filter

Reply #8 –
The one that Res777 posted is the best!  When I went to change out my primary filter, I crushed the can and then John Beem brought over his adjustable strap wrench and it came off.  Will be my go to from now on!
Joe & Dottie Allen
Sold!  December 2023.      2000 U320; build # 5645
Our coach " Maxine"
Motorcade #  15922;  Escapee 150950; FMCA F330833; Boondockers Welcome;  Harvest Hosts;  Thousand Trails
'98 U320 from 2000-'06
USAF '62-'66

"Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for." ―Epicurus

Re: Unable to remove fuel filter

Reply #9 –
Thanks everyone,
Andy-thought about doing that since I've done it in the past on my car after it was serviced at the dealer.
I'm currently at an RV park and don't want to make a mess.
Frank & Daisy
NO LONGER  "looking for the perfect Foretravel
36' or less non slide preferred."  She has been found and is ours.
2003 U320 36' non slide  Unit 6103
Cummins ISM 450
Allison 4000MH

Re: Unable to remove fuel filter

Reply #10 –
Quote from: Lt403 –
Thanks everyone,
Andy-thought about doing that since I've done it in the past on my car after it was serviced at the dealer.
I'm currently at an RV park and don't want to make a mess.

The cave man way. 😂
2008 Nimbus 342
Build# 6464
ISM 500
Allison 4000 w/retarder
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Re: Unable to remove fuel filter

Reply #11 –
I have a metal oil filter wrench and one of the rubber strap wrenches and a big channel lock pliers.  The only thing that works for the AH filter is the channel locks.  Use whatever works for you.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Unable to remove fuel filter

Reply #12 –
Quote from: Roger & Susan in Home2 –
I have a metal oil filter wrench and one of the rubber strap wrenches and a big channel lock pliers.  The only thing that works for the AH filter is the channel locks.  Use whatever works for you.
A good rubber strap wrench has never failed to do the the job. But big channel locks are universal and get the job done. And I heard once. Girls like a man that has a set of BIG channel locks in his tool box. So like what Roger said. Whatever works for you.
2008 Nimbus 342
Build# 6464
ISM 500
Allison 4000 w/retarder
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Re: Unable to remove fuel filter

Reply #13 –
On my coach you will not get the AH filter off with a rubber strap wrench.  Your Nimbus is probably different.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Unable to remove fuel filter

Reply #14 –

No metal, chain or rubber strap wrenches. Buy one of these from Amazon Amazon.com: GEARWRENCH 3/8" & 1/2" Drive Heavy-Duty Oil Filter Strap Wrench,... and then use your breaker bar to put it in operation. It could even twist off the filter mount. Good for stuck on oil filters and the 6 inch spin on air dryer cartridges too. Yes, expensive (cheaper on ebay) but pay for themselves when nothing else works. And they don't make a mess.

Pierce

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Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Unable to remove fuel filter

Reply #15 –
Do what Mr. Dub said LT,pricey but still made here.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Unable to remove fuel filter

Reply #16 –
Is it possible that a replacement filter base would be cheaper than the tool to get the filter off?
Matt B
1998 u-320

Re: Unable to remove fuel filter

Reply #17 –
Quote from: oldmattb –
Is it possible that a replacement filter base would be cheaper than the tool to get the filter off?
No, not possible.  ;D  Big Channel Locks @ $53 Channellock 480 BIGAZZ Tongue and Groove Pliers | 20.25-Inch Straight Jaw...

P
As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)
 

Re: Unable to remove fuel filter

Reply #18 –
Ever loosen a jar lid by using angled percussion persuasion on the lid edge with the blade of a butter knife? Seems to work in most cases.
What do you have to lose by trying?
Make sure you are trying to loosen the filter by turning in the correct direction. Sometimes......................
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD