Desperately need help installing the cartridge type fuel filter in a 1986 Bronco II with 2.9L.

I've now gone thru 3 O-rings (and by default 3 filters)trying to figure out where the damn O-ring goes to keep it from leaking.

There is a liitle groove in the bottom of the cup that looks like it should hold the o-ring. Unfortunately the O-ring appers to be a little to big for that. I've tried it but it leaks like a sive when you start her up.

I've tried the top of the threads on the male side of the filter housing on the truck but there doesn't seem to be a groove for just the o-ring so I can't get it seated right. Leaks like a sive as well.

What am I missing?

Any help greatly appreciated

 

It's been a while since I did mine but if I remember correctly I also used some silicone sealer to help seal mine.

 

Which end did the o-ring go on, male or female?

 

Sorry I honestly can't remember. I do remember cleaning silicone out of a groove for an o-ring. That's where I got the idea of putting silicone on it when I put it back together. I don't think the groove was at the very bottom of the cup. It may have been right below the threads on the cup or maybe even on where the cup screws into. The previus owner never put the O-ring in it. They just used silicone to seal it. Never leaked.

 

Been six+ years or so since I did one, but, I thought the o-ring went on the cup on the outside under the threads! The filter just went directly into the cup by itself. You do have to tighten these down very hard and the easiest way is to do it off the vehicle holding it in a vise while using a belt or oil filter strap to tighten the cup.

Please note, if you do not have the filter pressed down and centered you can never tighten it enough to seal it.

Which is why it is best done off the vehicle.

Do not use plyers on the filter housing, you will crack it.

 

You've got to use a silicone based grease on the o ring and set it in the groove. I wouldn't tighten it extremly tight or it will break. I just changed mine several weeks ago and went through 3 o rings also.

 

Thanks everyone. The silicone sealer did the trick. Will be a mess the next time I change the filter but that won't be for awhile.

 

My F-350 and the BII have the LP Gutted and I just replace the High pressure after the boost pump on the frame and have no problems. If I was in a 3rd world country I'd worry about it but since I'm not I don't.