Special trick to remove fuel filters?

[kevsgone]

I am trying to replace my fuel filters on my 1985 390EC with Crusaders 350 (454) gas engines. The fuel filters are mounted up high on the side of the engine compartment and I was told the housing unscrews and then you replace the element on the inside. I purchased the replacement elements so I am ready to do the job, but I cannot get the housings to unscrew. I have tried 3 different filter type wrenches but these things are really stuck, if they do unscrew. I can remove the bolt from the bottom and drain them, but no luck on getting them replaced. I am assuming that there is some secret handshake or dance that I must be missing to get these things off. Any suggestions?

Kevin

 

[Fruition]

Look to see if there is a bolt on top of the housing where the canister scremws on. If so remove that bolt.

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Fruition]

I have seen where the canister that unscrews from the housing hsqs been completely corroded where it wouldn't and the whole unit hsqd to be rplasced.

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk

 

[northern]

Mine have a bolt. There was no water in any of them so I have given up changing the elemet. Put a bucket under them and have your blower on. You will spill a bit of gas. Think the bolt was on the bottom of the filter case. Put the new washers in that come with the element.

 

[kevsgone]

I checked and although there seems to be a place for bolts on the top of the housing none are installed. I am still not able to remove these filters. This is really stumping me. I have been doing all my own maintenance for 35+ years on cars, boats, motorcycles and these fuel filters have me beat. I am almost to the point of unscrewing the lines and replacing the entire units with screw on canister

 

[electricaldoctor]

I had problems with mine last year as well and had to remove the bracket that holds the filter assembly to get a socket on the top to take it apart. Be patient ... it is doeable ... just a PITA

 

[hottoddie]

I removed the entire factory filter assemblies and replaced them with brass nipples. I then installed Racor filters to the floor support in front of the generator. Now easy to check for water as well as change the element which is better quality than the old canister.

 

[fwebster]

Not only are they difficult to get to, once you get back there, there isn't any room to work. I serviced mine the first year we owned the 390, then the next year, I removed the element, replaced the gaskets and put the filter cans back in place with no filters in them. I added some Mercruiser water block filters and brackets ahead of the secondary filters on the engines and just changed them both at the same time for the next 9 years.

 

[kevsgone]

Just a quick update and a thank you to everyone who replied. My filters do have a bolt on the top that holds it together. The 2 filters on the Starboard side had been changed and look to be in good shape, but the Port side filter was horrible, rusted and full of muddy looking thick sludge. I cleaned it really well and installed the new filter. It looked like the Port filter had never been changed, I think it was overlooked in the past.