Stuck fuel filter

[Ddubya]

Started changing the filters on our 2017 40IH with 380HP engine and cannot remove the plastic fuel filter #FF63009. The bottom of the filter calls for a 25mm socket but the filter was installed so tight that I am not able to turn it without stripping the 25mm head on the filter. I have tried a strap wrench which should not be used on this filter and the filter will not budge. Not sure where to go from here.

[bdpreece]

You might try applying heat with a hair dryer or possibly a heat gun. After that it looks like you might just have to put all the pressure you can on it and if it breaks up take it out a piece at a time. Hopefully it does not pour fuel out when removed.

[Milford 47]

Best way is to use a 6 point socket and impact tool before it is rounded

Otherwise filter wrench right at the top and a quick jerk

[Ddubya]

Originally Posted by Milford 47

Best way is to use a 6 point socket and impact tool before it is rounded

Otherwise filter wrench right at the top and a quick jerk

Thanks, I tied that but the 25mm hex head is too soft. There is no room to get a wrench at the top.
There are 10 flutes around the bottom but I cannot locate a 10 flute wrench.

[Ddubya]

Originally Posted by bdpreece

You might try applying heat with a hair dryer or possibly a heat gun. After that it looks like you might just have to put all the pressure you can on it and if it breaks up take it out a piece at a time. Hopefully it does not pour fuel out when removed.

I hope I don't have to break it as it is full of fuel.

[Lt Dan]

When I had mine serviced last time they had the same problem and had to use a strap wrench for oil filters to get it off. It was on extremely tight for some reason.

[garykk]

Originally Posted by Ddubya

Thanks, I tied that but the 25mm hex head is too soft. There is no room to get a wrench at the top.
There are 10 flutes around the bottom but I cannot locate a 10 flute wrench.

That seems strange, all of the filters I have used came with a 25mm hex..if it has 10 flutes, you might need a Torx socket.
I don’t want to insult you but are you turning it the right way?

[Ddubya]

Originally Posted by garykk

That seems strange, all of the filters I have used came with a 25mm hex..if it has 10 flutes, you might need a Torx socket.
I don’t want to insult you but are you turning it the right way?

It does have a 25mm Hex but it is so tight and the plastic is so soft that it will not turn without stripping the nut.

The 10 flutes are around the outer perimeter of the bottom similar to most metal filters.

Rightsey tightsey lefty loosey. Ha! No insult, I have had a few brain farts in my days.

[Milford 47]

Originally Posted by Ddubya

Thanks, I tied that but the 25mm hex head is too soft. There is no room to get a wrench at the top.

There are 10 flutes around the bottom but I cannot locate a 10 flute wrench.

Filter strap wrench at the top is what I use

It will slip up there and then I use a breaker bar 1/2 drive with extension

[garykk]

Originally Posted by Ddubya

It does have a 25mm Hex but it is so tight and the plastic is so soft that it will not turn without stripping the nut.

The 10 flutes are around the outer perimeter of the bottom similar to most metal filters.

Rightsey tightsey lefty loosey. Ha! No insult, I have had a few brain farts in my days.

Yup, I realized what the 10 flutes after I posted
I think you’ll have to resort to a good strap wrench. I guess whoever installed it went over the 28lbs. Torque

[Ddubya]

Success! A little Liquid Wrench at the top of the threads is all it took.

Thank you all for your suggestions.

[Milford 47]

Originally Posted by Ddubya

Success! A little Liquid Wrench at the top of the threads is all it took.



Thank you all for your suggestions.

The threads are internal, how did you do that without a big mess

[garykk]

glad it worked out.

[Ddubya]

Originally Posted by Milford 47

The threads are internal, how did you do that without a big mess

Just sprayed it around the top of the filter where it snubs up against the block.