Cummins Fuel Filter Change Secrets

[barrys]

I surrender. I've tried everything up to a heavy strap wrench with 1/2 drive handle and 14 Inch cheater and I can't budge the engine mounted fuel filter. 2007 HR Neptune, Cummins ISB 325. There must be a secret everyone but me knows. The thing is nestled between the frame and engine so even with nearly 2 feet of handle plus cheater for leverage I'm not able to get all that much force on it while reaching up from below, even less from above. What am I missing?????

I can do all other servicing and I hope I don't end up driving 40 miles to the nearest shop just to have this one filter installed.

Thanks for any help, or sympathy for my bruised and bloody arms.

Barry

[rmmpe]

If you can get directly underneath it, there are wrenches that accept an extension and ratchet (or big breaker bar).

Lisle's 63600 cam action wrench will handle smaller filters (less than $10.00).
Neiko's #3421 3-Jaw 2-Way Oil Filter Wrench will handle filters up to 4 inches (also less than $10.00).


Auto Zone also has wenches that accept 3/8" and/or 1/2" square drives. I believe these may be mail-order only though.

[bdpreece]

Somewhere, I believe on this forum I read where at least one person had to remove the entire filter and housing then place it in a vice in order to break it loose.

[bdpreece]

I found the post by YC1
"I had a two foot pipe over my strap wrench and the filter would not budge. When I put the bracket in the vice my two foot pipe wrench too some severe body weight to break it loose. The next time it will come off with the strap wrench."

[roscoesdad]

Barry,
I had access problems on my 2005 Holiday Rambler Ambassador with Cummings 330. I was crawling up under the MH trying to access everything from the bottom. No room to work. I finally wised up and noticed the a/c condensor mounted on the rear drivers side had 2 camlocks on the outside framework. I turned the camlocks and the condensor moved out of the way. I had all kind of room to work. Hope you are as lucky as I was.

[barrys]

Thanks for the suggestions. I think I may be able to get one of those 3 jaw tools on a long 1/2 inch drive extension to reach up to the filter. Then my 1/2 inch handle may be adequate to break it loose. If I need a cheater on the handle the 3 jaw tool will need to be pretty skookum. I'll give it a try. Thanks again for the suggestions.

[Chef Guy]

[QUOTE=barrys;950648]I surrender. I've tried everything up to a heavy strap wrench with 1/2 drive handle and 14 Inch cheater and I can't budge the engine mounted fuel filter. 2007 HR Neptune, Cummins ISB 325. There must be a secret everyone but me knows. The thing is nestled between the frame and engine so even with nearly 2 feet of handle plus cheater for leverage I'm not able to get all that much force on it while reaching up from below, even less from above. What am I missing?????


Barry,

Try this truck wrench... I found that strap wrenches are mostly useless when the filters are put on that tight. Use a 1/2 inch extension on a 1/2 inch mechanic socket wrench.

[rsflight]

This is what I use on the RV and our cars & trucks. The really stuck filters are crushed as they come off. Amazon, or a local truck parts store has them

[mahon1993]

It might seem counter-productive, but try to tighten it a little first the loosen.
Greg

[Mr_D]

I have two of the strap wrenches and ended up getting one of these:
Ordered it from NAPA for a little less than $25

[KentandJoyce]

I agree with Chef and Mr. D. Get a high quality cam filter wrench and you'll be able to bust loose most filters. The trick to installing filters for the DIY folks is to put a little motor oil on the filter gasket (rubber) before re-installing (rub it on with your finger) and then hand tighten the filter (again by hand) then 1/8 to 1/4 turn with the filter wrench. Do not over tighten. The filters won't leak and will always come off for the next replacement. I owned a Heavy Equipment Rental Business for many years and learned this the hard way. If you don't oil the o-rings or gaskets they can be a bear to remove.
Best Wishes,
Kent

[deSanford]

Great info I like the idea of moving the condenser coil out of the way. de Sanford

[rpasetto]

Quote:

Originally Posted by KentandJoyce I agree with Chef and Mr. D. Get a high quality cam filter wrench and you'll be able to bust loose most filters. The trick to installing filters for the DIY folks is to put a little motor oil on the filter gasket (rubber) before re-installing (rub it on with your finger) and then hand tighten the filter (again by hand) then 1/8 to 1/4 turn with the filter wrench. Do not over tighten. The filters won't leak and will always come off for the next replacement. I owned a Heavy Equipment Rental Business for many years and learned this the hard way. If you don't oil the o-rings or gaskets they can be a bear to remove. Best Wishes, Kent

Most stuck filters are due to someone not using that bit of oil on the rubber gasket, or being overenthusiastic when tightening the new one. Following the rules above will make the job easier next time.

[fabian]

i sugest noylon starp with extension then a power bar with a long pipe. it may crush the filter a bit but it will come off. may i sugest not to tighten filter to tight next time.in most cases 3/4 turn after contact.