Fuel filter removal

[Tim M]

I have a transom mounted "Tempo" fuel filter/seperator. I have had the on-going problem of never being able to remove the filters without a real fight. So much so last time I couldn't get the filter off I had to buy a whole new filter unit. A few months on I'm in that situation once again. I could not get the filter off - I tried with a filter wrench, that didn't work - the filter started to buckle under the pressure but didn't move an inch. In the end I took it off the boat, and attempted removal in the shed. After much swearing I hammered a screwdriver through the filter and tried using that as a lever. Still didn't move - ended up ripping the filter quite a bit though. Left it in a bucket of water for a while, then let it dry out so it did't have any petrol in it. Put it in the oven hoping that some heat could break the seal, still nothing. I've just sent half an hour with an angle grinder cutting the filter in half so I can see what's going on inside. I'm still none the wiser though.

So, my question is, how do I get the filter off? To clarify, it's the cheap white Tempo variety which apears to be made of thin steal. It screws into the black cast top bit, but will not come off!

[Dirk Diggler]

Grease the central thread, and change it more often.

[jwalker]

Grease the seal too and only nip it up enough to make seal. The rubber expands considerably when in contact with fuel.

[Tim M]

I greased it last time and that was only about 2 months ago.

I eventually got it off by chiselling bits off. This time its not on very tight at all so hopefully that will make it easier next time.

[Chris]

Remember... Righty Tighty Lefty Loosey