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Fuel and coolant filter change M11

June 14, 2012, 08:51:33 pm

I went to change the fuel and coolant filters on my M11. I could not find a valve to turn off the fuel flow. When I began to loosen the filter fuel began seeping out. I stopped and thought I better check with the experts before I continued on.
Should I continue and expect a sizable fuel leakage that will eventually stop or is there a shut off valve not shown in my M11 book.

I though I better ask about the coolant filter while I was at it. There does seem to be a knob above the filter, Is this a shut off valve?

Thanks!

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Re: Fuel and coolant filter change M11

Reply #1 – June 14, 2012, 09:01:46 pm

How full is the fuel tank?  It will siphon out the fuel line if fairly high on fuel.  (Don't ask me how I know that, but someone at Foretravel of TN did that on Forrest while changing the fuel filter...quite a mess).  I now wait for lower fuel to take it for service.
Peter

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Re: Fuel and coolant filter change M11

Reply #2 – June 14, 2012, 09:12:20 pm

Any fuel filter I have ever changed makes a bit of a mess. I did see a post from another owner who used a big freezer bag to put around the filter and catch the diesel. It works well. Excellent tip. For oil changes, the oil filter fills the bag and is too heavy. Better to have a catch container. Don't forget to get all the air out of the system or the engine may not want to start. Not a problem on DDs but Cummins is more sensitive to air in system.

High fuel level in tank could make a little messy in some rigs. With another bag for the new filter and a helper, you could minimize the spillage.

The valve should shut off the coolant. I would remove the radiator cap first in case there is a pressure build up. Check both the filter and the shutoff after changing and running the engine. Sometimes the shut off will start leaking after it has been used so good to check.

Pierce

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Re: Fuel and coolant filter change M11

Reply #3 – June 14, 2012, 09:14:37 pm

Not difficult to install a ball valve on the inlet for the primary fuel filter.  That solves the problems of fuel leakage and substantially lessens the issues with priming (since fuel will not siphon back to the fuel tanks if the fuel level in the tank is below the level of the primary fuel filter.

Also makes a great anti-theft device!

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Re: Fuel and coolant filter change M11

Reply #4 – June 14, 2012, 09:16:58 pm

Thanks for the FAST HELP!

Unfortunately the fuel tank is filled to the brim. I will try the bag or bucket approach with the fuel filter and just expect the leakage as normal.

And thanks for the coolant valve advice!

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Re: Fuel and coolant filter change M11

Reply #5 – June 14, 2012, 09:20:50 pm

Forgot to say that you should crack the fuel filler on the tank to relieve any pressure in the tank. That can really push the diesel out when you unscrew the filter.

Pierce

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Re: Fuel and coolant filter change M11

Reply #6 – June 14, 2012, 09:34:05 pm

If fuel level in tank is higher, it WILL run out the filter housing when the filter is removed.

If fuel level at the filter housing, it WILL run all the way back to the tank.

A ball valve prevent this.

You can also have the new filter all ready to go and just remove the old and immediately install the new one. 

If you have a clear plastic bowl filter, it is a good idea to have a spare bowl anyway. 

Brett

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Re: Fuel and coolant filter change M11

Reply #7 – June 14, 2012, 10:28:06 pm

Mission accomplished, took a fuel bath, washed off some of that outer body crud that soap alone can't handle, but all went well.

Thanks for the help!
I can see the ball valve option in the near future.

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