Kubota generator fuel filter disintegrates during change

plyonsMC9 · June 08, 2018, 07:50:35 AM

Good morning bus folk!
During a fuel filter swap (gen running issues) and before getting on road again I had my paper element fuel filter come apart while trying to remove the old filter. I thought it was supposed to pull straight off. Am I missing something? Been trying needle nose plyiers, screwdriver combo, but I don't want to damage anything.

This is a kubota engine for 10kw genset, plastic bowl.

Any advice folks?

Confused in Branson, Phil,
Thanks!

Geoff · June 08, 2018, 08:06:40 AM

Try loosening the bolt on the top center of the filter housing. Just a guess.

eagle19952 · June 08, 2018, 08:09:36 AM

my fuel filter is a spin on tosser.

well, maybe i better go check....

luvrbus · June 08, 2018, 08:18:05 AM

If you are talking about the sediment bowl paper filter they can be a real PITA just dig it out they get jammed

plyons · June 08, 2018, 08:29:49 AM

Thanks Geoff, appreciate the response.

Here's a pic, should have included earlier. top bolt, maybe phillips screw? or bleeder bolt.

Thanks Eagle19952 - mine has no threads, doesn't look like spin on.

Cliff, got it, I won't be timid about it. Appreciate that. Didn't realize potential for stuck.

Best Regards, Phil

Geoff · June 08, 2018, 08:44:21 AM

Do you have the replacement filter? If so, look at the top hole and see if it is just a rubber seal or designed to twist on and off.

richard5933 · June 08, 2018, 08:56:03 AM

Looks similar to what's in my Yanmar tractor. I've had that filter get stuck in place, especially when I don't stick to the regular schedule of changing it.

plyons · June 08, 2018, 09:08:55 AM

Thanks again all,

I've attached a pic of the aftermath. And yes, it was a complete pain to remove. I now have a few cuts on my hand, didn't even think I'd need gloves. ha.

Well, really appreciate all who jumped in - gave me the confidence to charge back out & 'git 'er done.

New filter on, went on w/o any issue. bled system, primed it. She started right up. Fuel filter slides on over an O ring which was slightly damaged. I'll get one at the next stop but she's running great now.

Richard, I suspect you are right. Should have swapped it out earlier. It's been a couple of years & I missed that in my maintenance cycles.

THANK YOU ALL!! Kind Regards, Phil

Geoff · June 08, 2018, 11:52:31 AM

It's that low sulfer fuel. It makes the rubber seals hard. Everything in the fuel system needs nitrated rubber seals these days.

plyonsMC9 · June 09, 2018, 09:17:10 AM

Thanks for that follow up Geoff, I will make sure to verify the nitrile rubber - going to get an O ring assortment to take w/ me. Still remember when you bailed us out w/a different repair that involved an O ring.

maybe something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000OMKIDI/?coliid=I1QJ2C8J97K5XN&colid=1E7H4RNVZ8FBQ&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

It says ".. Commercial grade Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) formulation .. "

Tho', come to think of it, it's a Kubota, so maybe metric instead.

Best Regards, Phil

Dave5Cs · June 09, 2018, 05:17:13 PM

I used to change that darn thing on my Yanmare tractor every 6 months or it would not run right. It had a metal ring around it at the top. Loosen that up and let it fall then twist that plastic long bowel off or tap with rubber hammer. Got to watch to make sure the rubber o ring is on it before you put it back up. I hated that thing, LOL glad you got it done. That filter was really dirty.