Fuel Filter Replacement

[scottwvyc]

I am getting ready to change the fuel filters on my J & T 671N's. There are 2 side by side on each engine and they are the spin on type. The DD manual makes it sound pretty simple; spin the old ones off, fill the new ones 2/3's full with new fuel coat the gaskets and spin them on , tighten 1/2 turn past contact. Is this really all there is to it? Does only 2/3's full for the new filters sound right?

Thanks
Scott

 

[Genesis]

You should really have a priming pump and NOT fill the filters.

If you do, make damn sure nothing bad gets in there, and I'd fill 'em all the way - not 2/3rds.

Note that if something DOES get in there, its past the filters - that's not good!

 

[MikeP]

I agree with Karl, I wouldn't pour anything into the filters because some of what you poured in won't get filtered since it will be "past" the element.

Some sort of priming system should be used - if you don't want to make up one with elec pumps, you can use a small hand suction pump. There's usually a place for a fitting on the filter housing where you could attach a fitting and a suction hose for primimg purposes. Obviously you would have to use a small container to catch the output from the hand pump when it pulled the fuel through.

 

[scottwvyc]

Thank-you guys, I thought it sounded to easy to be true. I will try to come up with some kind of priming system.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

I'd fill 'em with Diesel Kleen and spin 'em on. We used to use ATF when we filled filters on the trucks and never had a problem. Did it that way for years on a fleet of about 25 trucks. I wouldn't go to all the trouble of making a priming system unless you really want a priming system.

 

[Genesis]

I used to do that.

And then one fine day I had a few injector problems. $1200 later, I had new injectors.

A year after that, one started misfiring. I changed it.

Then I started wondering..... it doesn't take much contamination to hose an injector, you know.......

 

[SKYCHENEY]

Yeah, but these are Detroits, not common rail engines. If you're careful, you should be okay. I agree that filtered fuel is the best way to go, but......

 

[captddis]

I am with Sky, If you have a priming system then great use that. I have serviced hundreds of filters by filling and Never had a problem, ever. The injectors also have a last chance filter under the inlet fitting, just in case.

 

[Genesis]

Yeah, I know. If you're going to fill then I'd use a NEW bottle of DieselKleen rather than fuel from a tank or jerry can.