Cannot get cap off of top fuel filter!

[FFRich]

Hi all. Just purchased a used 2008 F-250 6.4L diesel last month and wanted to change both fuel filters. Been reading several threads on the proper way of doing this task. However, it was done at the get go as i cannot get the cap to budge off the top filter. It is even to the point where i rounded a couple of the corners off and skinned a few knuckles. Called the service department at the Ford delaer where i purchased it (about 300 miles away) and asked him if there were any tricks and he said no. Before i take it to a local dealer and give them all my money, does anyone have any suggestions?? Thanks!

[RoadJunkie]

It is unlikely you are doing something wrong in your approach, but you may be better off taking it to the dealer before the matter becomes worse (read, more expensive). If you already saved on the filters, and they will use them, then the labor may not be too expensive. I know how you feel, I always use the dealer mechanics as the last resort. Good luck.

[rock_doctor]

I would get a new cap from an international dealer or ford then get a socket that fits it and try to get it off yourself. The reason i say this is, the original filters are marked and if the dealer pulls them and they are the original they can void your warranty because the filter maintenance has not been done properly. They are going to use a socket just like you would have too and if that didn't work they would take a chisel to it and chip it off and replace it. You can try to soak it with WD40 and then use a socket... In this case i would really try to get it off yourself. Maybe an independent diesel shop would do it for you...

[gman1]

36 mm socket will do the trick.

[senix]

I will agree with the do it yourself. I got the 36mm from Sears. A new cap is in order, do the fuel filters yourself or the ford dealer, no one else. Same with the oil changes.

Look at the fuel filters when you take them out. The frame one, turn it upside down. If is says FF then they have never been changed.

More than likely that is the case since it is so hard to remove. How many miles?

[FFRich]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys! Currently there are 49k miles on the truck. I specifically asked the dealer before i purchased it if they had record of the fuel filters being replaced. He looked it up in the service folder to find they had been changed at 36k miles. Not sure what i am going to do yet. Would like to try it again myself with a socket (if it would even grip anymore), but i would need an additional cap on standby just in case this one broke. The WD 40 may be an answer too. Just really confusing as to why it would be so tight. I am thinking about taking the truck to the dealer to get the transmission filter and fluid changed, so may be i will have them do the fuel filters at the same time?? Will keep you all informed.

[senix]

Service tip..filters at 10K intervals and oil at 5K. Use motorcraft filters only.

Use engine oil on the new o-rings before installing. I would suggest a new cap. Torque specs are even on the cap.

36K was way too long.

Also drain your fuel/water separator monthly. Don't run bio fuel as it gets worse mpg and it also requires you to go to the severe maint schedule.

Check you fluids weekly.

[FFRich]

Thanks for the info Senix. FYI, the filters were last changed at 36k miles. I for got to ask if that was the first change. I highly doubt it as the guy who owned it was a farmer who owns his own seed company and two ethanol plants. I believe he was particular with his maintenance schedule. So, the filters have around 13k miles on them. I had to change the oil already as the drain plug gasket was leaking and leaving drops in my garage. Plan on doing it every 5k miles and fuel filters every 10k miles just like you said.

[gman1]

The cap will seem tight untill you put the socket to it then it will come easy. Just make sure you lube the new O rings & threads with clean motor oil for the go back. It really helps out.

[ndmtnsledder]

Make sure you get a 6 point socket not a 12point socket your less likely to strip the cap. They are a bit harder to find but well worth it.

[rock_doctor]

I bet they lubricated the ring with diesel. I use to do this until i learned the hard way that the fuel evaporates and then the rubber will actually stick.... Soak it with a penetrating oil.

[FFRich]

Wow, what a difference using the right tool for the job...lol. Got a 36 mm socket and the cap came right off. Still cannot understand why a channel locks would not budge it though. Had a new cap on "standby" at the local Ford dealer just in case. You guys saved me $82.00!! I agree that the bottom filter is a PITA. Thanks for all your help.

[senix]

glad it all worked out in the end.

[ndmtnsledder]

Ouch didn't think it would be that costly that is crazy. Glad you got it off ok.