I needed some filters, did my shopping, and (no surprise) ended up ordering from Riffraff. While I was poking around, I saw this new tool for removing the stock fuel filter lid. I've used various tools over the past 10 years to remove & replace this lid without damaging it, but am always on the lookout for a better solution to any repeated task. I only have my beloved 7.3, but I will say that this little piece reliably engages all ribs to evenly spread the load and get the job done.

Are there cheaper options? I don't doubt. But as we all find out, there are times when a little extra spent is well worth it, and in my opinion, this is one of those times. You bought a diesel over a gasser for a reason; use that same reasoning here. Truth be told, it's slick enough looking that I wanted to buy a 2nd one just to keep on my desk!!

Here's a pic of it with a quarter for size reference. This will easily fit in the glovebox so you always have it with you. The only other things you need are a ratchet & 1/2" extension bar, but I always have those in the truck like I'm sure many of you do as well.

I've kept an eye out for something like this for years, and if you have family or friends with a 7.3, 6.0, or 6.4, this is one sweet little tool that should find it's way in to your toolbox.

 

Pretty snazzy but I order luber finers that come complete with a lid (1/2) drive, no regrets. That's nice tho.

Denny

 

That's going on the christmas list! That will be great to use on my OBS, super duty and my 6.0L excursion.

 

Pricy? By whose standards? Hit the Snap-On Truck up and see what they charge! I have a lot of throw away tools. Those you'll use only a few times. But, for an every day tool like this, Quality is so much more important than Price. I'll bet I have no less than 10 different versions of tools like this that didn't work worth a darn after a few times following some steroid using fool who changed it out last..... Looks like quality.

 

It is a nice, simple, and efficient design. Unless you're a 7.3 mechanic working on these engines all the time, though, I personally wouldn't call it an "every day tool".

 

It is a quality piece, absolutely. It's well worth the asking price. Jump on it while it's offered at a discount.

I agree with you on all points, but even though I'm not a mechanic, I'll invest in quality tools so that when I do need to do some work, I'm not fumbling around and wasting time.

 

If you ever find yourself on the side of the road with some bad diesel and need to change the fuel filter, you'll appreciate a tool like this. I for one use the stock fuel cap and a tool like this saves a lot of uncomfortable words on the side of the road.

Great tool review, I appreciate the alternative to OTC and Mac.

 

I like tools. I REALLY do. But I'm finding as I get older that even though it is often best to have the right tool for the right job at the right time, I am also finding myself moving closer to a minimalist perspective. Lightening may strike me as I type this, but I'm sort of getting tired of buying more tools.

As much as I like the looks and functionality of this particular tool, as long as I can keep using my channel locks and long screwdriver combo as a pieced together "spanner" wrench for the fuel bowl lid, that's what I'm going to keep doing. I always have the pliers and screwdriver in my truck, and would just rather not add another tool to that bag.

At the same time, though, I can also see that I'll probably get to the point where it is physically easier to use a tool like this, and may bite that billet (pun intended) when that time arrives.

 

@Yahiko Check this out, another option.

 

??? Not sure what you're trying to link to here.

 

I got tired of using channel-locks (did I get it tight enough?) or an extension and mallet (probably didn't do the bowl any favors with that either). I got one of these:

https://www.amazon.com/OTC-6760-Fuel.../dp/B00DTVBBD2

One side is for the 7.3L fuel bowl and the other is for the 6.0L. It's not nearly as cool and sexy as Clay's but this is what was available when I bought mine. If I had multiple years of Powerstrokes or didn't have one already, I know what stocking stuffer I'd be asking Santa for this year!

 

@f2501 <~~(That didn't work. Name was changed. Leaving it for IB peeps to see)

Pete, he's using the tagging feature to alert Yahico to this thread, like I just tagged you.

That's the exact same tool I've posted about and have been using for over 10 tears now. But when on the road and have needed to remove the cap, I use the pliers+screwdriver combo.

Depending on the price though, that'd be cool to keep on the road with you.

Stewart

 

Ok, weird. When I tag you, the coding changes your user name.

Stewart

 

I have one at home too!

 

Not used one before but the local tool store has them in stock.
Tool Liquidators
https://www.toolliquidators.net
Next time you in Tacoma or Puyallup stop in and have a look.
Your bank may be unhappy after but they do have some good stuff.
They are a step up from Harbor Freight for some some things.
That is also where I got my tire engine access stand and it was
only about $25.00. Handy for just inside the engine bay things.


EDIT : I do like the looks of that flip over socket from Riffraff.


Sean


6.0L Tech Folder