Fuel filter clean up
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2010
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Fuel filter clean up
I'm checking my fuel filter regular (draining, examining.....basically OCD **** stuff) and I'm spilling diesel around the bowl. I've learned to put a rag around it now, but what's best way of cleaning diesel around that area? I'm tired of my wife complaining about smell. Simple green, purple power, etc???? Also, tell me what to watch out for. Thanks in advance
Jed
Jed
It's a Van Gogh
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 7,819
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From: Elk Grove, CA
Most use Simple Green and a garden hose. Pressure washing can lead to trouble with wiring connectors.
Flip open the yellow fuel drain so the bowl has less in it, then it will not spill when you reinstall the filter. A hose on the drain pipe and a clean container will let you dump it back in the tank.
You specify OCD so I trust the container you use will be suitable.
Flip open the yellow fuel drain so the bowl has less in it, then it will not spill when you reinstall the filter. A hose on the drain pipe and a clean container will let you dump it back in the tank.
You specify OCD so I trust the container you use will be suitable.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 269
Likes: 2
Most use Simple Green and a garden hose. Pressure washing can lead to trouble with wiring connectors.
Flip open the yellow fuel drain so the bowl has less in it, then it will not spill when you reinstall the filter. A hose on the drain pipe and a clean container will let you dump it back in the tank.
You specify OCD so I trust the container you use will be suitable.
Flip open the yellow fuel drain so the bowl has less in it, then it will not spill when you reinstall the filter. A hose on the drain pipe and a clean container will let you dump it back in the tank.
You specify OCD so I trust the container you use will be suitable.
Veteran/Sheepdog
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6,047
Likes: 110
From: Western AR
HAHA! @ aawl. 
Drain tube there by the water pump should be 3/8 inside diameter. I have attached a 12" piece to mine so I can drain it whenever I need to without dumping it all over the front of my engine and axle.
Drain tube there by the water pump should be 3/8 inside diameter. I have attached a 12" piece to mine so I can drain it whenever I need to without dumping it all over the front of my engine and axle.
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 11,288
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From: North of Greenville
I just changed my fuel filter element last week without draining the bowl. I was very careful and moved very slowly while both removing the old element and pressing the new one back into the full bowl. I didn't spill or splash a drop, so I know that it can be done if you take your time.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
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I will pick one up tomorrow .....
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Thread Starter
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Senior User
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I just changed my fuel filter element last week without draining the bowl. I was very careful and moved very slowly while both removing the old element and pressing the new one back into the full bowl. I didn't spill or splash a drop, so I know that it can be done if you take your time.
Yeah, I got it now. Just that first one was a mess and I was in hurry because it was getting dark.
I'm just worried about that drain valve starting to leak if I go messing with it.
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From: Central Coast of CA
I'm checking my fuel filter regular (draining, examining.....basically OCD **** stuff) and I'm spilling diesel around the bowl. I've learned to put a rag around it now, but what's best way of cleaning diesel around that area? I'm tired of my wife complaining about smell. Simple green, purple power, etc???? Also, tell me what to watch out for. Thanks in advance
Jed
Jed
Now, seriousness aside, you can't be that OCD...I mean, if you really were, you'd have it really bad and arrange the letters in the correct manner and spell it CDO, in alphabetical order, like all good afflicted people do!
Stewart
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Senior User
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Why are you even checking it? Just change it at regular intervals. Seriously.
Now, seriousness aside, you can't be that OCD...I mean, if you really were, you'd have it really bad and arrange the letters in the correct manner and spell it CDO, in alphabetical order, like all good afflicted people do!
Stewart
Now, seriousness aside, you can't be that OCD...I mean, if you really were, you'd have it really bad and arrange the letters in the correct manner and spell it CDO, in alphabetical order, like all good afflicted people do!
Stewart
Super Moderator
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 13,363
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Draining the bowl when changing the fuel filter has another advantage besides not spilling diesel fuel over the top of your engine. Draining the fuel bowl into a clear container, and allowing that container of fuel to sit for 24 hours, enables you to see the percentage of water in your fuel sample, as the water molecules find each other and combine into globules at the bottom with time and settling.
If you are looking for algae and other contaminants, then draining into a clear container and giving the fuel time to settle out might be more instructive than peering at the top surface of an opaque bowl of fuel in the dark.
If you are looking for algae and other contaminants, then draining into a clear container and giving the fuel time to settle out might be more instructive than peering at the top surface of an opaque bowl of fuel in the dark.