2006 meridian fuel filter

PioneerRV · 05-06-2010, 08:24 PM

I am all bruised up trying to replace fuel filter under bed and on side of engine. I tried from above and below and could not get enough torgue on the filter wrench to break it loose. Do i need to relieve any fuel pressure before it will loosen? Also a few of you have replaced it, what filter wrench did you use and and how did u do it? It has been replaced before but seems so tight. Its the cat C7 engine. Any suggestions?

cbeierl · 05-06-2010, 08:45 PM

I can't help with getting it loose, but here's an earlier thread about relocating the secondary filter from the top of the engine to the rear near the primary filter: Relocated Fuel Filter & Added Priming Pump.

Martind4 · 05-06-2010, 09:22 PM

I use a Craftsman strap wrench that I got for Christmas a few years ago. Clean the area where strap goes around the filter to prevent slippage. I've also used a pair of large adjustable pliers (sometimes called water pump pliers) to get a better grip and break it loose.

If all else fails, drive a large screwdriver through the filter and use that for leverage. It's a messy alternative. Residual fuel pressure is not what's holding the filter tight.

If you don't have a primer pump, plug the center hole in the filter and prefill the filter thru the smaller holes. When the engine starts, hold it at a fast idle, to purge whatever air is left in the system.

R. Francis · 05-07-2010, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PioneerRV

I am all bruised up trying to replace fuel filter under bed and on side of engine. I tried from above and below and could not get enough torgue on the filter wrench to break it loose. Do i need to relieve any fuel pressure before it will loosen? Also a few of you have replaced it, what filter wrench did you use and and how did u do it? It has been replaced before but seems so tight. Its the cat C7 engine. Any suggestions?

It takes two people for me to change the filter. One in the bed area and me undeneath. We use a big pair of channel locks to remove and a strapp wrench to tighten.. I am looking into a remote filter. Remember the fuel/water filter in the rear. It is almost as bad to change. Use a strasp wrench for this one. Good luck.

Roy

PioneerRV · 05-07-2010, 05:04 PM

Well after purchasing a Craftsman Adjustable Oil Filter Wrench #20520 and getty my buddy to help, we broke it loose from the top. Filled it 3/4 way with fuel from the outside holes on filter. Carefully inserted it from bottom covering it temporarily in aluminum foil to keep loose dust out. Hand tight and then about another 3/4 turn, cranked engine up and it run without a burp or leak. NOW THAT DARN AIR FILTER NEXT.

SCVJeff · 05-08-2010, 03:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PioneerRV

Well after purchasing a Craftsman Adjustable Oil Filter Wrench #20520 and getty my buddy to help, we broke it loose from the top. Filled it 3/4 way with fuel from the outside holes on filter. Carefully inserted it from bottom covering it temporarily in aluminum foil to keep loose dust out. Hand tight and then about another 3/4 turn, cranked engine up and it run without a burp or leak. NOW THAT DARN AIR FILTER NEXT.

I'll be waiting for a report w/ pix on the air filter...

Martind4 · 05-08-2010, 11:30 AM

When you do the air filter, be a little careful with the wires that are hanging nearby. I didn't pay too much attention to them and later when my coach was at Freightliner Gaffney for a checkup, they found my engine grid heater wires were disconnected. It might be a coincidence but I'm going to be more careful the next time.

Good Luck!