Changing fuel filter on MF 261

stuckmotor · May 24, 2015

The fuel filter on my MF 261 should probably have been changed years ago. This is my first diesel and I'm trying to do it by the book but the book directs me to unhook most, if not all of the tubes to the bracket that holds the filter in order to do the job. A few pages down, it describes how to bleed air from the system. Unhooking all those lines seems to be not only a waste of time but gives me a better chance of causing a leak or stripping some threads. Why can't I simply remove the old filter, fill the new one with fuel, install it, bleed the air, and be on my way? If this is a dumb question, be gentle with me, after all, it is my first time.

sasha24 · May 27, 2015

I just changed the fuel filter and injectors on my father in laws MF 263. The only lines I unhooked were to the fuel tank as I had to remove it to get to the injectors. I'm not a mechanic of any kind, but it was easy to replace without unhooking all the lines. Seems like a waste of time to me, but I may be wrong!

Harry in Ky · May 28, 2015

No, you're not wrong. There is no reason to remove any fuel lines on either a 261 or a 263. Although not identical, the two systems are very similar. If given the choice, I usually start and run the engine long enough to warm it up. A warm engine will crank faster and start easier than when cold for a number of reasons. With the CAV pump and filters which both models evidently have, I would install filters dry, paying close attention to getting the quad rings properly installed in the bases. There are two sizes, the larger goes up in the base, the smaller goes below the element. Once installed and tightened, loosen the bleed vents on the filters, then fill and bleed each with the hand primer. Then open the lower bleed vent on the pump and work the primer again until you're sure no more air is left in the lines. I usually crank the engine a few revolutions with the fuel shutoff pulled out, then fire it up. This method has served me well for years with many brand of tractor. With a sound fuel system and if done properly, no lines need be disturbed.

stuckmotor · May 28, 2015

Sasha and Harry,
Thank you for your responses. I think I'll change my filter as you guys did. I can't, for the life of me, figure any reason to remove those lines. I checked the directions several times and I think I'm understanding them as they were written. This isn't the first time a manual has confused me.

DLTTrekkers · May 29, 2015

Happy happy !

redman135 · Jun 7, 2015

When I changed the fuel filters on my tractors mf 240 &178 I would fill the filters with diesel to minimise the air to bleed out.When I got it right I no air to bleed out.
I never unhooked the fuel lines either.
NB, make sure the top "O" ring is correctly seated (twists easily) or it will never seal.You will probably need a small flat bladed screw driver or a knife to get the top O ring out as it will be well stuck in there.