Stuck fuel filter

[lightningad]

Firstly, thanks for all the help i have been given recently - I am now rather chuffed with having done my first oil change and some other bits (i know...very sad!)

However, one thing i could not do was get the fuel filter off. It seems stuck tight - using one of those belt type filter removal tools, all i have managed to do is slightly dent the filter.

Is there any recommended way to remove the fuel filter if its stuck so tight it won't budge?

[da SLUG man]

take out the complete assembly

(un plug wires from wing, 2 pipes with clips come off easy with a pair of pliers to squeeze the clips, then 2 bolts on top of primer)

then put the FILTER in a vice and hit the top with a hammer in the direction of the screw (regular screw AC to undo) (don't hit it too hard cos it's cast, just a lot of medium taps)
... wrap a rag around the filter cos it will be covered in deisel and slippy

then use a pair of pipe pliers to get the plastic bit out the bottom (go steady cos it's brittle)
then just put it all back together, gust hand tight will do, check for leaks

[lightningad]

thanks slugman....


don't know why but i had some crazy thought there would be a subtle and sly way to coax it off!

Back to the old adage..."if in doubt - clout!"

[da SLUG man]

once you've replaced it once it's easy... they're just put on so tightly... don't know if the japs ever replace them!... think mine was still the factory one cos it was REAL dirty!

[lightningad]

i think mine is too - its certainly a toyota filter, and it ain't seen a toyota dealer over here!

[kitesurf_phil]

The other alternative is to put a screwdriver against the top rim of the filter at 90deg and tap it sharply with a hammer. Then turn the scredriver 45deg in the undo direction and tap hard. The filter will start to rotate.
I only had to do that the first time I changed the filter as I only do them up hand tight.

[Chillitt]

whatever you do, dont tighten the new one up with a chain wrench. oh no. that would be silly cos it would hole the filter, leak fuel everywhere and involve all sorts of bodges to get to work when you are late already. ahem..