[ncapener]

I am cruising the BC coast at the moment and while I am in a civilized spot decided to do some of the maintenance items.
My fuel tank has some rust in it so changing the fuel filter is a 3 month/ 500 miles (approximately) routine item.

The filter is relatively easy to get to, but I need to hug the engine.
So, I get a good grip and try to turn the cartridge. Darn, that thing is tight! With lots of effort I can turn the filter in small increments and in what seems 1/2 hour I manage a full turn. Should get easier, but it seems to get tighter.
That's the moment when it dawned on me to check the rotation. Sure thing, I was tightening instead of loosening
Getting the filter off did involve lots of grunting, bad language and a screw driver hammered through the cartridge.

While that was bad, it got worse.

I installed the new filter. To bleed the air I installed a squeeze fuel bulb in the supply line. Open the bleed screw on top of the filter housing and squeeze the bulb. I can hear the air escape for a while, then nothing. Still applying pressure with my left hand I use a wrench to open the bleed screw more and more.
Next thing was the screw flying off and diesel spraying from the opening in my face.
That was the worst of it.
Looking for the screw in the bilge was not too bad. I also found two Quarters, two hose clamps, screw driver bits and some gooey unidentifiable stuff.
Since I just did laundry, I was only wearing shorts and did not ruin any clothes.
I think, for the rest of the day I don't touch anything but a good book.

Neal

 

[captbillc]

that is an amusing tale . if you are looking at the top of a spin on filter cartridge you turn it clockwise. of course looking up from the bottom it would be counter clockwise. i would be concerned about a squeeze bulb with diesel fuel. i always fill the cartridge with fuel & pump the lever on the lift pump to get the air out of the system.

 

[mitiempo]

Sounds like you had a bad day - ouch.
Squeeze bulbs should not be used in an engine compartment and none are rated for such use.
This would be a good investment I think.
Brian

 

[mitiempo]

The good investment:

 

[deniseO30]

there's a squeeze bulb on my fuel line that's been there for a very long time. it comes in real handy whenever changing filters. why are they not wanted on a diesel? Don't think I'll be removing mine unless I get a new one!

 

[mitiempo]

Denise
About a month ago this was discussed on Sailnet. I am enclosing a post by Maine Sail to explain.
Brian

 

[Maine Sail]

Getting the filter off did involve lots of grunting, bad language and a screw driver hammered through the cartridge.

Next time take some small dia line, maybe 1/8" dia., and wrap it around the fuel filter as many times as you can, tightly. Now take the lazy end and put a loop in it and pull. You just made your own filter wrench and won't have oil in the bilge.. Done this many times when I have forgotten my filter wrench.

 

[HernandoBeacher]

Oil extractor to primp fuel line

I have thought about fitting my oil extractor vacuum to the bleed screw when changing the fuel filter and allowing it to purge the air. I always try to do oil changes at the same time so it would seem convenient. Doesanyome have thoughts on why this would not work using a manual pumping extractor?