Fuel filter

[Guest 000]

Does anybody have a cunning plan for removing a stuck spin on diesel fuel filter please.

So far have tried spraying a little WD40 around the top, have tried alternatively tightening and loosening but with no success. The tool I am using is a self tightening nylon strap type. All that has happened so far is that I have slightly crushed the filter. Butchering to remove is a reluctant last resort.

[erice 732]

any flats on the head of the filter for the special tool?

 

any space for a chain type oil filter grabber?

 

my old vetus had space for neither but was able to get it off with a nylon strap tool made by riveting some old seatbelt on to an iron square section cut from an old desk leg. the whole lot wound up by a crescent on the square section

 

looks a lot like these things you can buy

 

or make, as here

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9J-YWVDcjZs

 

skip the welding by using a spanner on the square section to wind up

 

skip the sewing by cutting both sides and riveting the belt on an uncut flat

[Guest 000]

Thanks erice. You describe the tool that I have. But can shift the filter, am just crushing the casing.

[Island Time 1,214]

Last resort, hammer a screwdriver (philips or square drive - head smaller or same as the shaft) through it. Messy, but it works.

[Guest 000]

Thanks Matt, that's my plan of last resort. First I'll leave the WD40 for a while to see if it does anything. Then I'll run the engine for a bit to see if heat loosens anything up.

But I won't hold my breath. All this drama for the lack of a smear of oil on the gasket by the last guy who did a filter change.

[erice 732]

feel free to screw some self-tappers through the nylon strap for better grip

 

sounds like it's going to be ugly whichever way... 

[Guest 000]

I was thinking about cutting a couple of bits of 80grit sandpaper and inserting between the strap and the filter to improve grip. DaninEurope, I have that 15 euro tool on board courtesy of the previous owner but the space is a bit too tight to get it in.

And just to put the icing on the cake I told Joke no worries - pissy little job...now I've got diesel all down one leg of my trousers. Hell to pay when she gets back from the supermarket.

[Brien 22]

I hope you are wearing your old ones!

[Guest 000]

Ok, that job is done.

And done according to IT's recommendation of whacking a spike through the filter to unscrew it. And yes, what a mess with diesel everywhere.

But to put a positive spin on it, I had been thinking the machinery space could do with a bit of a clean up, and now it has. Boy, do I now have a pristine engine room!

Thanks to all for the advice.