Fuel Filter wont fill?

[LarryBud]

1981 Ford 3600 3 Cyl Diesel.

Changed the fuel filter following manual instructions. Trying to bleed it per instructions and it won't fill? Have 3/4 tank of fuel. Checked the fuel supply at the shut off cock and at the filter entrance. Supply at both. I do have fuel when I open the release screw but it won't fill and run out the top. Suggestions?

 

[Jim.ME]

1981 Ford 3600 3 Cyl Diesel.

Changed the fuel filter following manual instructions. Trying to bleed it per instructions and it won't fill? Have 3/4 tank of fuel. Checked the fuel supply at the shut off cock and at the filter entrance. Supply at both. I do have fuel when I open the release screw but it won't fill and run out the top. Suggestions?

Does yours have the lift pump on the side of the injection pump? If so, have you been working the priming lever to push fuel through the system? Some won't (or it will take a long time) fill the filters unless the pump is operated.

edited spelling

 

[LarryBud]

Does yours have the lift pump on the side of the injection pump? If so, have you been working the priming lever to push fuel through the system? Some won't (or it will take a long time) fill the filters unless the pump is operated.

edited spelling

I pretty sure it doesn't. I've done the change out before and have not messed with a lift pump. Thanks for the idea.
How long would one think it may take? I waited 10 -15 minutes before giving up.

 

[chevytaHOE5674]

Open the bleeder and apply air in the fuel filler. This can be done by blowing into the tank, or an air compressor blow nozzle and a rag shoved around it. If using a compressor you don't need much air, a little quick burst will do the trick.

 

[LarryBud]

Open the bleeder and apply air in the fuel filler. This can be done by blowing into the tank, or an air compressor blow nozzle and a rag shoved around it. If using a compressor you don't need much air, a little quick burst will do the trick.

I like it. Thanks!

 

[Dieseltech]

That's the CAV DPA pump, uses a gravity fuel system. For best results have the tank full as possible when bleeding the system. Also if NAPA/WIX filter is used make sure there's NO extra O ring in the filter top outer groove, that's the fuel inlet passage and must NOT be blocked.

 

[LarryBud]

That's the CAV DPA pump, uses a gravity fuel system. For best results have the tank full as possible when bleeding the system. Also if NAPA/WIX filter is used make sure there's NO extra O ring in the filter top outer groove, that's the fuel inlet passage and must NOT be blocked.

It is a Napa Filter and I used all of the o-rings.

So, there are two equal sized rings in the kit. One fits on the top and one on the bottom of the filter. I need to remove the one on the top?

 

[Jim.ME]

The top gasket ring goes in a groove in the filter housing head. It seals to the rim of the element.

 

[LarryBud]

The top gasket ring goes in a groove in the filter housing head. It seals to the rim of the element.

View attachment 138489

I have that one in currently. Thank you, thank you, thank you!! I would have been tearing apart my tractor trying to figure this out.

 

[Dieseltech]

I have that one in currently. Thank you, thank you, thank you!! I would have been tearing apart my tractor trying to figure this out.

I've made LOTS of service calls to correct that common mistake. There's three large O rings with each filter because SOME applications have a glass bowl that needs the third O ring for it. The CAV 7111 296 and 796 filters don't have this trouble.

 

[LarryBud]

Took the o-ring out, everything is good!! Whew, dodged a bullet on this one.