Fuel filter wrench?

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Is there an official "fuel filter wrench"?

Specifically, to fit the Branson 3520h's fuel filter if possible...

 

[ptsg]

In theory, those should come out by hand. In reality, those come super tight from factory.

On mine, which is the same style, I wrapped a rag around the right and used the adjustable pliers to loosening it up. I didn't really wanted to leave any marks on it. Then I just tightened it by hand.

 

[ericm979]

Maybe the rubber band trick will help.

 

[ning]

Ok, I've often used channel lock pliers and a glove, I'll give that a go.
Thanks!

 

[ning]

It was too snug for my fingers to grab, especially with the poor clearance (I disconnected one fuel hose next to the filter temporarily too), but the pliers broke it free, just needed a hint of movement by the pliers and then I was able to spin it off easily.

Care to guess how long this filter had been in the tractor? I hadn't noticed any power loss or anything like that, just figured it was a good time to swap it.

 

[ptsg]

I would say not much and honestly, doesn't look too bad. When I did my 250 hours maintenance, I pulled it off to see how it was. Mine looked a bit worse. Almost like it had 800 hours on it or something. The biodiesel residue it leaves in the filter is terrible but not loss in performance at all.

At the time, I just cleared it and blew it with compressed air, like one does with the air filters. I plan on changing it now in the 500 hour service.

 

[RjCorazza]

I know you got your filter off, but here is a good tool to have on hand for large things like that:

 

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I know you got your filter off, but here is a good tool to have on hand for large things like that:
View attachment 1757873

Looks useful, definitely.
This however is hardly "large", the filter element itself is barely an inch in diameter; the lock ring at the top is probably not quite 3" in diameter.
Still those strap wrenches look nice, I'll look into those.

 

[ning]

I would say not much and honestly, doesn't look too bad. When I did my 250 hours maintenance, I pulled it off to see how it was. Mine looked a bit worse. Almost like it had 800 hours on it or something. The biodiesel residue it leaves in the filter is terrible but not loss in performance at all.

At the time, I just cleared it and blew it with compressed air, like one does with the air filters. I plan on changing it now in the 500 hour service.

I'm embarassed to say that while I'd intended to replace the filter a while ago (idk how long I've had the replacement element), this was the first time.
7+ years, 850 hours of operation.

I'm curious that the housing is white; if algae in the fuel is a concern I'd think it may accumulate on the filter, and the white filter admits some light which would allow that to continue.
A clear filter would make more sense to me because while it allows more light it also allows you to see the filter directly, assuming you bother to clean the outside off.
Of course, a black housing would also be tougher to see that you've cleaned the housing out well, so ...

 

[ptsg]

I'm embarassed to say that while I'd intended to replace the filter a while ago (idk how long I've had the replacement element), this was the first time.
7+ years, 850 hours of operation.

I'm curious that the housing is white; if algae in the fuel is a concern I'd think it may accumulate on the filter, and the white filter admits some light which would allow that to continue.
A clear filter would make more sense to me because while it allows more light it also allows you to see the filter directly, assuming you bother to clean the outside off.
Of course, a black housing would also be tougher to see that you've cleaned the housing out well, so ...

I totally agree on the clear housing. Along with seeing how dirty it is, those often have a plastic ring to see if there is any water in the fuel filter.

But hey, compared to the $80 or more fuel filter they use on the newer models, I much rather having this style, even with the white housing.

 

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I used a Baldwin PF981.

Now restocking as I like to have at least one for the future on hand, the cross-reference shows a wide variety of choices.
Surprisingly the NAPA 3263 seems twice as expensive; given that I have at least a few days before I need to replace the fuel filter again (maybe not as long as 7 years this time ) I can buy on the 'net.

Donaldson P502166 is a good name? $25 for two, delivered.

 

[ptsg]

Donaldson is great stuff too.

I also have the Mann Filter P45 alternative. Might be what I end up getting, depending on the availability. $9 or $10.

EDIT: This is my list for fuel filters: Donaldson P502166 / Baldwin PF981 / Mannfilter P45 / SN 21590 / Wix 33263 / Fleetguard FF5259 / Sparex S.109078 / Hengst E471KP

Interestingly enough the Mann and WIX have different inner diameter, 11mm vs 12 mm. Even though those technically cross directly to each other.

 

[sallyb]

Looks useful, definitely.
This however is hardly "large", the filter element itself is barely an inch in diameter; the lock ring at the top is probably not quite 3" in diameter.
Still those strap wrenches look nice, I'll look into those.

that is what i use strap wrench

 

[sallyb]

I use WIX on all my vehicles and tractor, I keep 2 filters of oil, air,and all hydrualic filters, and do not forget steel mesh hydrualic filter.

 

[5030]

On my Kubota M9's, it's not at all easy to get to so what I do is put a shot of PBlaster on top of the knurled ring and let it sit for about 30 minutes and then use a large pair of Channelocks and a rag and remove the ring. I don't believe anyone makes a specific tool to remove them or at least I've never seen one.

Mine are extremely hard do get to on both units.