Fuel Filter problem
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Cross-Country
Joined: Jan 2008
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Fuel Filter problem
I went change the fuel filters today and ran into a problem with the cap on top filter. Darn near killed myself getting the frame mounted filter cap off and couldn't budge the top one. I was using the drive on my ratchet and asked my son the try. It's so tight that he broke the top where the rachet drive is inserted. I don't think it will leak. My question is this, we are leaving on a 4K mile trip pulling our 5th wheel. Can I wait to address this or do I need to replace the top filter since I got the new frame filter in? The filters were installed by my favorite garage and had 11k miles on them.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 907
Likes: 2
From: Jackson, TN
The broken cap shouldn't be hard to remove. The way I do them is drill 2 holes towards the outside of the cap directly across from each other. Then take 2 Phillips screwdrivers and insert them in the holes. While holding the tops of the screwdrivers with one hand, I put a long prybar through them near the cap and twist it off.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 220
Likes: 1
From: Central TX
Use only sockets to remove fuel or filter caps. Change the filters now before trip and get a new replacement cap from dealer. Don't over-tighten. There are lots of threads concerning oil and fuel filter caps being broken using a ratchet on this site.
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Cross-Country
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The filters were replaced in the course of other work. When I do them I only tighten a little past snug, so using the rachet drive's never been a problem. Should have stopped and bought a socket. 25mm?
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Cross-Country
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Cross-Country
Joined: Jan 2008
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Thanks for the quick responses. My son felt terrible and is relieved that the fix is that easy. Why I didn't try a socket is beyond me. We tried a 15/16 after the cap broke. Duh.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2012
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It happens to a lot of us, it's a common mistake. Good thing is it's an easy fix.
Riffraff Diesel: Fuel Filter Lid 03-07
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Riffraff Diesel: Fuel Filter Lid 03-07
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Cross-Country
Joined: Jan 2008
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I tried the screwdriver and prybar method. The cap wouldn't budge; I drilled a couple more holes and used a hacksaw to cut a wedge shape that I broke out. Then used the prybar and screwdrivers again. Finally got it to break loose. I got all the plastic out of the canister and everything seems okay. Pulled the 5th wheel 250 miles today.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 7,830
Likes: 96
From: Manteca,Ca
Glad to hear the good news , those Caps with the O-Ring just need snug for no leak after filter replacement ,lube O-ring with oil and snug cap
then check after truck has been running for awhile twist as needed
then check after truck has been running for awhile twist as needed
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1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
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