How to change fuel filter?

Spizzer wrote:

prism wrote:

pigman1 wrote:
Use your thumb to block the center hole of the filter when you are pre-filling. Tighten it based on instructions marked on the filter, so read first. A stripe with a magic marker on the bottom will let you know when you have reached your tight point.

I just have to ask why would you block the center hole? for what purpose>? I dont understand that idea? anyone care to explain the thinking behind that idea?
thanks

I think it is so the fuel that ends up in the center is filtered. If you pour it in the center and it has contaminants, they go directly into the injector system.

Jeff

Jeff is correct. And like I said previously, I use the proper size bolt to screw in the center of the filter and with it plugged pour the fuel in the outside holes, but a thumb works real well.

prism wrote:

pigman1 wrote:
Use your thumb to block the center hole of the filter when you are pre-filling. Tighten it based on instructions marked on the filter, so read first. A stripe with a magic marker on the bottom will let you know when you have reached your tight point.

I just have to ask why would you block the center hole? for what purpose>? I dont understand that idea? anyone care to explain the thinking behind that idea?
thanks

I think it is so the fuel that ends up in the center is filtered. If you pour it in the center and it has contaminants, they go directly into the injector system.

Jeff

My 8.3 ISC is self priming, no filling the filter with fuel required. Turn the key on for 30 seconds, two or three time, the electric fuel pump primes it and your ready to go.

pigman1 wrote:
Use your thumb to block the center hole of the filter when you are pre-filling. Tighten it based on instructions marked on the filter, so read first. A stripe with a magic marker on the bottom will let you know when you have reached your tight point.

I just have to ask why would you block the center hole? for what purpose>? I dont understand that idea? anyone care to explain the thinking behind that idea?
thanks

Always Always prefill your Diesel fuel filters.Its limits the possibility of any air being trapped in the system and having start problems.To me its one of those things that may not be required in all situations but why take any chances?

I'm fairly certain you have an electric fuel pump so no need to fill the filter with fuel... not like a Cat engine. Turn your key on and go outside and listen for a pump running for about 30 seconds. Another trick is to park the MH with the front higher than the rear so while you have the filters off the fuel does not run back into the tank letting air into the system. This is especially helpful on a Cat without a hand priming pump.

Use your thumb to block the center hole of the filter when you are pre-filling. Tighten it based on instructions marked on the filter, so read first. A stripe with a magic marker on the bottom will let you know when you have reached your tight point.

Born To Travel wrote:
Never tighten a filter with a wrench. After installation, the rubber gasket expands and tightens it even further.. This is how professional mechanics do it.. If you use a wrench you will have a tough time removing it next time. And as for filling the filter, Just make shure everything you use is clean and free of dirt and you will be fine.. This is not brain surgery..

Actually many filters have instructions as to how tight past contact to take them. In many cases, it does require a filter wrench to reach the proper torque. I know all Caterpillar fuel and oil filters are so marked and even have numbers to help identify the proper torque/position.

Never tighten a filter with a wrench. After installation, the rubber gasket expands and tightens it even further.. This is how professional mechanics do it.. If you use a wrench you will have a tough time removing it next time. And as for filling the filter, Just make shure everything you use is clean and free of dirt and you will be fine.. This is not brain surgery..

These things to lots of vibrating, and I would not be comfortable simply hand tightening a filter. In fact, I use filters on my other vehicles that says to tighten the filter between 3/4 and a full turn after the filter gasket initially touches the vehicle.