Cursed fuel filter!

[Scottie]

Gordon-The fuel filter on my 3GM30f needs to be changed, but I can't seem to twist that metal ring to free the bottom container. Do you have any suggestions to free this cramped, albeit important, piece of equipment? Many thanks.

 

[Murray Procter]

Try oil filter tool

Might have to add small shims of wood (or ???) to make it fit tight enough to work.

 

[Claude L.-Auger]

Cursed & Cussed !

Mine was so hard tha even with a shimmed oil filter tool it would not come loose until I used a chisel and hammer to break it loose. I then had the same proble with bottom part, but took the whole thing out and brought it home. Put the filter in a vise, then wrapped the plastic bowl in a rag and using a plumber's wrench gently unscrewed it. No need to say reassembly of the new filter & plastic bowl was done manually, just tight enough to prevent any leaks. BTW, before you remove either one, don't forget to shut the fuel valve at the tank. Gravity will dump a lot of fuel in your bilge if you don't. Good Luck

 

[Bryan C.]

Drive screwdriver thru it

Assuming your filter is the type where the metal part is the replaceable element.

 

[Les Andersen]

Primary Filter ?

Scottie,If you are talking about the primary fuel filter on the side of the engine, don't put it in a vice or drive anything through it. It is not a throw away part. Instead get a small strap wrench at any hardware store. The wrench has a fabric strap and a handle that will fit nicely. Measure the diameter (think about 2.5 in) and get one that fits. If you strike the ring or damage the metal bowl lip it will never seal properly, will always leak, and you will have to replace the unit.Les s/v Mutual Fun

 

[Claude L.-Auger]

Cursed & Cussed Part 2

I agree with Les. & Apologize. My mistake as I described the problem and solution found for the Racor Filter (Element No 24 S Filter 220S). I did have to tap gently with a piece of hard wood on the notched screw cover of the Yanmar filter to loosen it up. Then unscrewing was easy and the bottom part just came down.

 

[Gordon Torresen]

Fuel filter change

From your description I see the small filter that goes between the lift pump and the HP pump. The lock ring is threaded to the top housing and contains the bowl that has the filter inside. The lock ring can sometimes be stubborn, especially if it has been overtightened. The easiest way to loosen it is with a metal bar or, as we have in the shop, a dulled cold chisel. Place the end against one of the notches so that it will turn the lock ring down and tap the end of the chisel with a hammer. You may have to give several taps to get it to free up. It will usually turn by hand after you have tapped it for about ten degrees. I use the word tap because too severe of a blow could break something. When retightening the lock ring, do it by hand. You want it to be leak free but not so tight that you have a great problem loosening it next time.