Fuel Filter/Water Separator Mods?

[kgtgv4]

Hello Gents, I recently picked up a low hours rebuilt MEP802A, and went to change the fuel filter…I tried every tool in my tool box but couldn’t get the filter off. So I took the paneling off and just removed the entire housing. I've basically stripped the filter down to the metal that contacts the housing at this point. I cant possibly seem to take it any further with out damaging something or more likely myself.

The question is, now that I have it broken down this far, should I change anything? Or go back with what should be there?

I read someone swamped to a FM100 setup, has anyone else done that or recommend it? I am not even really sure what this is, but researching it now.

Cheers!

PS - I tried uploading a photo of me just lighting the filter on fire, slightly out of curiosity and mostly out of anger. But I am not sure I can upload yet. It still didn't budge.

 

[nextalcupfan]

My first filter change when I got my 803a was pretty bad, bascially destroyed the filter and pulled/strained several muscles. But I just used motor oil on the oring when I put the new filter on.
I just did another change a couple months ago and had no issues.

Also woo finally someone else in Missouri!

 

[Ray70]

Sounds like you mean the notoriously tight fuel / water separator.
Once you get it off you are in the clear as nextalcupfan said. Add a little oil to the gasket, install it firmly without cranking it down too tight and you will be good from no on!
And while you're in there you should change the final fuel filter located near the bellhousing and it is much simpler to change!

 

[Daybreak]

Hello Gents, I recently picked up a low hours rebuilt MEP802A, and went to change the fuel filter…I tried every tool in my tool box but couldn’t get the filter off. So I took the paneling off and just removed the entire housing. I've basically stripped the filter down to the metal that contacts the housing at this point. I cant possibly seem to take it any further with out damaging something or more likely myself.

The question is, now that I have it broken down this far, should I change anything? Or go back with what should be there?

I read someone swamped to a FM100 setup, has anyone else done that or recommend it? I am not even really sure what this is, but researching it now.

Cheers!

PS - I tried uploading a photo of me just lighting the filter on fire, slightly out of curiosity and mostly out of anger. But I am not sure I can upload yet. It still didn't budge.

Howdy,
Start here in this thread. The 1st post has your filter info. The 2nd has quick links to things of interest. 3rd has the links to the manuals here.
MEP-802A MEP-803A Filters and Parts | SteelSoldiers

Here is the fuel filter info which you have found first hand.
MEP-8xx Fuel/Water spin-on filter | SteelSoldiers

Welcome.

 

[Guyfang]

You have now paid your dues into a club that has more members then the Catholic Church.

 

[kgtgv4]

I've found my people...

I literally don't think its coming off the housing and I don't see a part number for the housing. GreenMountian has the fuel filter housing but I don't see a fuel/water separator housing. The Engine Parts TM doesnt seem to address it either. Am I missing something?

This is where I left it...

 

[Zed254]

Did you try tapping a 1/4" pin punch downward on the left filter hole to unscrew the filter top?

 

[kgtgv4]

Did you try tapping a 1/4" pin punch downward on the left filter hole to unscrew the filter top?

Unfortunately I did. I haven't tried spraying some penetrating oil in there now that the threads are kind of exposed though. I might give that a shot today.

 

[Light in the Dark]

I have a spare separator mount, if you are interested.

 

[Daybreak]

I've found my people...

I literally don't think its coming off the housing and I don't see a part number for the housing. GreenMountian has the fuel filter housing but I don't see a fuel/water separator housing. The Engine Parts TM doesnt seem to address it either. Am I missing something?

This is where I left it...

View attachment 861026

Howdy,
I had 1 unit which I had to take the whole block off as well. I was able to put the block in a bench vise, and crank on the filter section. Yes, I thought I was going to break something. I finally got the filter off. It seems they were put on dry, and tightened by king kong.
Keep working on it. Some way, some how you will finally get it off.
Good luck.

 

[nextalcupfan]

I doubt it's the threads that are stuck it's the rubber seal.
I would pry the remaining filter case from the housing.(being careful not to damage the surface of the filter housing)

 

[uniquify]

I think the filter base is very similar to the Donaldson P560382. The main difference I see is the location of the bleeder screw.

I put one of them on a custom trailer because it used the same filters as my 803.

You can probably find them cheaper if you shop around.

Amazon.com: P560382 Donaldson Original Head Assy : Automotive

Buy P560382 Donaldson Original Head Assy: Engine Parts - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

 

[kgtgv4]

I think the filter base is very similar to the Donaldson P560382. The main difference I see is the location of the bleeder screw.

I put one of them on a custom trailer because it used the same filters as my 803.

You can probably find them cheaper if you shop around.

Amazon.com: P560382 Donaldson Original Head Assy : Automotive

Buy P560382 Donaldson Original Head Assy: Engine Parts - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

View attachment 861034

Thanks! I'll check my local Fabick Cat shop here I think they are a distributor for Donaldson.

 

[kgtgv4]

I have a spare separator mount, if you are interested.

View attachment 861029
View attachment 861030

Thank you! I'll try a bit more to find something local, but might be reaching out soon for this one.

 

[Light in the Dark]

Thank you! I'll try a bit more to find something local, but might be reaching out soon for this one.

$40 plus the ride down to you. Just send me a direct message if/when you decide. Would include the right angle fittings as shown. Thanks

 

[kgtgv4]

Got it! Turns out you just need a bigger hammer. I ended up putting it in a vice and using a VERY large pipe wrench. I had to take off the fittings so that I could get the wrench around it. Hopefully I have better luck getting it back together and started. Thanks all for your input.

 

[Daybreak]

Howdy,
On the fuel filter, little canister cup, make sure you line up the top lip gasket. Even a dab of grease to hold it it place. The also line up the cup top edge when putting it all together.
Make sure your batteries are fully charged.
Good clean diesel in the tank, all fuel lines in place, all filters in place, Turn the S-1 to "Prime & Run" let it sit there for a long while to bleed the air out of the fuel lines. It will fill the filters, and run back to the tank via the fuel return lines. (A good 5 minutes will do.)