I've got a dirty fuel filter with the lid attached. And a clean filter from Fleetfilter with no lid attached.
Has anyone figured out a way to reuse the lid from an attached filter? Or is this just a waste of time. Local parts store wants $20 for the lid.......I didn't pay that much for the filter. Can you say "Catch 22" ?
Any comments would be appreciated.

 

AFAIK you're stuck buying the lid. I've read tons of posts that say to keep the old lid if you end up buying a filter like the one you have.
Also I've never seen one like yours so I cannot offer any ideas. I always used the separate style.

 

Well, I have a new lid to compare it to. And will perform the surgery tomorrow on the old filter. I'll let you all know if there is a solution, or not. This is the first fuel filter change on this truck by me.......old lid is nowhere to be found. So, if I had to buy it.....I had to buy it. Some people's kids........

 

Well, the operation was a success..........the steps are as follows.

1. Drain canister, and remove filter/lid assembly.

2. Take a hacksaw or similar cutting device and cut the metal bottom off the paper filter.

3. On the other end of the paper filter, you will find the plastic crimp that holds the lid and the other metal filter end together.

4. Take a pair of pliers, and carfully break off the crimp. The crimp is only about 1/16", and is very soft plastic. You can use the metal shoulder of the filter top for support, and just go around the crimp until it is broken off by bending it back into the center. DO NOT BREAK OFF THE CENTER POST IN THE MIDDLE!

5. Remove the old filter.

6. Now you are left with the remaining part of the crimped flange with a rubber O-ring at the bottom of it.

7. Take a pair of end cutters, or other suitable tool, and cut the flange back; so that it is flush with the top of the O-ring. Again, DO NOT BREAK OFF THE CENTER POST IN THE MIDDLE!

8. Remove, and discard the rubber O-ring.

9. Take the end cutters, and cut 1/4" from the end of the center post. Install the filter, and make sure that it comes in contact with the cross bracing of the lid. If it doesn't; trim a little more off the center post.

10. Lube up the new O-ring and lid gasket with diesel, and install as per instructions. Might want to lube the rubber seal on the bottom of the filter too.

11. Slide the new filter into the canister. Do not seat it at this time......leave it up above the top by about 2 inches.

12. Put the lid on the filter; making sure the center post is in the center hole of the filter. Press down on the lid.....forcing the filter further down until the threads start.

13. Tighten the lid till snug. Then another 1/4 to 1/2 turn to seal. Seat the lid gasket, but don't "kill" it.

14. Turn on the ignition (but do not start engine), and allow fuel pump to fill canister.

15. Start engine, and let run for about one minute.....then shut it off.

16. Run your finger around the lid; to make sure it isn't leaking (tighten if needed).....and your done.

............now to get my money back on that new lid.........

 

Man I threw the factory POS lid away a long time ago.

The one piece filters are so much of a step above the others it's silly.

To many a time have I used the OEM styles, only to be stranded on the road with an engine bay soaked in diesel fuel. Doesn't matter name brand either.

It's been my experince that these fuel filters tend to leak many miles down the road and not right away when installed incorrectly.

Why didn't you just send it back?

I get my purolator one piece jobbers at Advance for a shade over $25 and $2 cheaper than the OEM style.

 

It was a question that I needed answered.......plus it may help someone that can't find the all in one out in the sticks, and is stuck like me with the wrong filter on a newly bought truck, and no OEM lid in sight.
I needed something to do anyway while I'm waiting on some parts to come in.

You do have me curious as to what specifically you find superior in the all-in-one version. The lid and filter are speced the same as the OEM. Is it the mythod of tightening....using a 1/2" drive rachet and extention versus the lid wrench?