Fuel filter dented - can I still drive?

[Frediculous]

So - I've had my Frda for a couple of years but I'm now really trying to get to grips with it. I changed the air filter (obviously not too challenging!) so I thought I'd try and move on to changing the fuel filter.......

The filter looked very old (signs of rust on the lip at the top, Japanese writing on it) and wouldn't loosen by hand so I used a fuel filter strap but it didn't turn and when I removed the strap I seem to have dented the filter so:

1 - can I still drive my freda in this state without fear of causing damage?
2 - any tips on how to remove a very stuck fuel filter
3 - I've read about sticking a screwdriver through it and using that to turn the fuel filter - is this really a good idea?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Bob]

Welcome aboard, I'd say as long as it isn't leaking you can drive it, but are we talking fuel or oil filter?

[teenmal]

Welcome aboard, I'd say as long as it isn't leaking you can drive it, but are we talking fuel or oil filter?

Fuel filter dented - can I still drive?

[Frediculous]

Thanks bob,

It's the fuel filter (behind the fuel filter and to the left as you look down on it). I think the pressure of the filter strap compressed it rather than turned it so it's not pierced.

Good to know I can drive her but do you have any suggestions on how to remove a stubborn filter?

[Gasy]

Try one of the chain filter removers

I've quite regularly had to use a bit of pipe on the end of the handle and a crow bar to lever that
They can be tight

[Titan1995]

I find the best way to change the fuel filter is to remove the completer housing.

You can use a vice or similar to hold the filter then turn the housing.

The benefit of this is you can fill the the new filter with fresh diesel or injector cleaner and fit from above.

This obviously makes bleeding easier also.

If you get a piece of 8mm id fuel pipe you can run between the inlet and outlet hose on the fuel filter housing, then you lose no diesel either.

Works for me.

[Simon Jones]

Just a thought, you are undoing it the right direction? If you're doing it from above, it needs to be rotated the opposite way .

As previously mentioned you could remove it and it's only held on by a couple of bolts.

[Frediculous]

Thanks all. Ordered a filter chain wrench and I pick it up on Tuesday - I'll let you know how I get on!

[Frediculous]

Hi all,

Thanks all for your help with this. So got the filter wrench today and it promptly broke so resorted to the the screwdriver through the filter technique but there was no way this would've worked without removing the filter from the completer housing - something I would've never thought of doing.

Putting it back on was much easier - just hand tightened the filter though (assuming that's ok).

Next step is to try and earth the fuel tank.

Thanks again for the advice!

[cmm303]

The Fuel Sender fact sheet covers fuel tank earthing

[mikexgough]

Hi all,

Thanks all for your help with this. So got the filter wrench today and it promptly broke so resorted to the the screwdriver through the filter technique but there was no way this would've worked without removing the filter from the completer housing - something I would've never thought of doing.

Putting it back on was much easier - just hand tightened the filter though (assuming that's ok).

Next step is to try and earth the fuel tank.

Thanks again for the advice!

Used one of these since '96....



You did the best thing taking the filter housing off...... many so called "Serviced" Bongos I see ....seem to have had the Fuel Filter "forgotten" at the service..... many culprits are Bongo "friendly" garages......

[Northern Bongolow]

these are good.

https://www.cromwell.co.uk/SYK5031604C