Community Forums

wagonmaster2 · 07-20-2016, 04:06 PM

I'm trying to remove the bowl off the Alliance water/fuel filter in order to replace the filter.
Since I don't have a large vice to hold the filter after it's removed from the engine in order to then remove the bowl I was trying to hold the filter while on the coach and turn the bowl, but I can't get a good hold on the filter and it's turning instead of the just the bowl.
If I have to remove both together how do you hold onto the filter while trying to remove the bowl?

Has anyone broken the bowl while trying to remove it from the filter, and if so where do you get a replacement bowl?

I'm trying to figure out why they have gorillas to install the filters and they can't get the slide-out motors tight enough to hold them in place.

PDR John · 07-20-2016, 05:29 PM

Two strap wrenches will make short work of it.

2 Pc Rubber Strap Wrench Set

DD_AZ · 07-20-2016, 07:34 PM

The same place you get the filter should be able to get the bowl.

jacwjames · 07-20-2016, 07:39 PM

I had the same problem the last time I changed my fuel filter with the bowl (and I was the Gorilla that installed it).

I ended up using 2 filter wrenches and to get leverage I improvised a method to screw on one down holding the filter so I could concentrate on the bowl wrench. Finally got it to break loose.

DonDee · 07-20-2016, 07:46 PM

Used an old serpentine belt around the filter, clamped in a vise, a filter wrench on the bowl.

wagonmaster2 · 07-20-2016, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PDR John

Two strap wrenches will make short work of it.

2 Pc Rubber Strap Wrench Set

Very good suggestion John. I had completely forgotten that I had a set of those strap wrenches from Sears I had acquired several years go but the last time I tried to use one it just wouldn't hold on a slick canister. This evening though it worked perfect. I can see why the bowl is screwed on so tight since I thought I had tightened it on the new filter as tight as I do any other filter but i still got some bubbles around the gasket when I gave the pump 3-4 pumps. Just took a very small additional movement to eliminate the bubbles. All I have to worry about now is what happens next time. My Itasca Meridian had a bowl but no wires and a good finger tight was all that was needed.

wagonmaster2 · 07-21-2016, 08:32 PM

Has anyone ever had to, or tried to, change these filters in a campground or along side the road due to a bad batch of diesel fuel? I've read previously on other Forums an occasional RV owner would have to do this and always recommended carrying spare filters.
I had to use a strap wrench along with the socket/large ratchet wrench in order to get the secondary Cummins filter to budge. Never had such tight filters of any kind on any vehicles before.

Dutch Star Don · 07-21-2016, 08:44 PM

I bought a spare bowl today while having my fan drive motor replaced. Just for info, it was $45.00. I figured it would be handy to have available with my spare filters.

Triker56 · 07-21-2016, 08:45 PM

I have a spare bowl to put on the new filter and pre fill it using outside holes.
As when the old filter comes off there is still some draining from the fuel lines.

With new filter ready it is a quick change out that way. Then I take the bowl off the used filter and clean it up for use on the next new filter.

bruceisla · 07-22-2016, 12:49 PM

Assuming you don't need the old filter, after it's removed, drive a heavy screwdriver thru the filter ... now you have a handle.

wagonmaster2 · 07-22-2016, 01:35 PM

I've heard about using a screwdriver driven through the old filter but always kind of figured the holes would just tear out and cause more problems than before. But guess I may have to try it next time.

David D. · 07-22-2016, 03:29 PM

WagonMaster did you prime with the button on top the primer filter and then cycle the key several times before starting?

PDR John · 07-22-2016, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wagonmaster2

Has anyone ever had to, or tried to, change these filters in a campground or along side the road due to a bad batch of diesel fuel? I've read previously on other Forums an occasional RV owner would have to do this and always recommended carrying spare filters.
I had to use a strap wrench along with the socket/large ratchet wrench in order to get the secondary Cummins filter to budge. Never had such tight filters of any kind on any vehicles before.

I have, just last Dec. Got a bad batch of fuel in OK and by the time we made it to Dodge City KS I was running low on power.

I knew it was the filter (had this happen on our first coach, it's how I learned to carry a spare) from seeing the fuel flow on my Silverleaf display. I could only flow 13 gpm when the bus can draw upwards of 20 gpm. 35 mph on all the hills to get to the Walmart in Dodge City.

I changed the filter in the dark in 15 degree weather and we drove off.

A little trick I learned to help. When removing the filter have the nose low to stop fuel from pulling out of the tank in a siphon action. After putting the new filter on raise the nose higher then the rear (a full tank helps) to help in priming the system.

wagonmaster2 · 07-23-2016, 08:07 PM

Oh John, I can't imagine a worst ordeal than that. After dark would be bad enough but 15 degrees, what a tough job. It was bad enough here in the back yard with temperatures running 98-102 degrees.
Did you change both filters or in a case like yours will it usually be the primary filter that is clogged?

Being from Oklahoma I'd be interested in knowing where and what brand station you got suckered on. I've been driving a diesel coach since 2004 and this has always been one of my worst fears while on the road.
I got some bad gasoline back in the early 80's in Colorado Springs while heading home but it didn't bother highway speed, it just wouldn't idle worth a darn. Blew out the idle jets with air hose after getting home and everything was fine.