Yanmar Fuel Filter Removal

[vicwa67]

I am unable to unscrew the engine fuel filter on my Yanmar 180 hp engine. Even with a 24" handle on the oil/fuel filter strap wrench, it will not unscrew. Does anyone have a suggestion?

Wayne Bernhardt
Tuggo, R-27

 

[Brian B]

Is this the secondary filter, the one mounted on the engine? It most likely was overtightened when installed, the gasket swells and makes it even tighter. This was a problem removing the factory installed filters years back, hope yours has been changed since then. I recall some had to remove the filter bracket and put the bracket in a large vise and put a lot of pressure to break the filter free. It was screwed on so it has to screw off. Here's a more recent thread on the Volvo with the same issue.
viewtopic.php?f=5&t=9401&p=64985&hilit=yanmar+fuel+filter#p64985
When the new one is installed oil the gasket, hand tighten, directions are printed on some of the filters.

 

[Red Raven]

There are also a couple of suggested techniques in this thread (in the later half). It can defnitely be a challenge in the Volvo as well as the Yanmar!

http://www.tugnuts.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=8465&hilit=+Robot

Regarding my personal experience here were the keys:

The appropriately sized wrench (for filter size and maximum handle length that will fit in the space, be prepare to destroy it!)
Plenty of friction tape to make the wrench grip the filter.
Some form of lever arm (I used a crow bar against an engine mount and wrench!)
A means to secure the lever arm to the wrench and pivot point (engine block). Duct tape is an option just to keep it from slipping! 😀
All the force and energy you can produce. (I took me nearly an hour of to get it off with rest stops!)
As Brian B says, don't put the replacement on so tight!

Curt

 

[Two killicks]

Here is A messy option if all fail and the location permit, stick a screwdriver thru it and then it will turn... messy perhaps but always work.

 

[nzfisher]

If you are reluctant to drive a screwdriver through filter attaching a large hose clamp near top of filter so that you can tap the bolt with a hammer and drift will often break it loose. Really tighten the hose clamp and use 2 face tape if necessary.

 

[YukonRon]

Here is A messy option if all fail and the location permit, stick a screwdriver thru it and then it will turn... messy perhaps but always work.

I have tried this trick on a car in the past, with disastrous results. The tin filter is so weak that it tore open around the screwdriver like a can opener. The more I pried, the more it tore until it ripped right off. Now I had nothing left to grip at all!! Big Problem!! Maybe marine diesel filters use stronger tin? I don't know. Be forewarned - use this method as a last resort only.

 

[Romakeme IV]

Sometimes a pair of large channel lock pliers will work - sometimes a pair of chain vise grips - sometimes turning it at the base to avoid the force lost to "twist" - sometimes when it is cold or hot - sometimes the screwdriver trick will work - and yes sometimes it will open the filter like a can opener - ah the fun a mechanic has and people still think $29.95 for an oil change at Jiffy Lube is too much 😛 😛