Getting fuel filter bowl off

[Jay4200]

This is going to be a stupid question:

I've never changed the fuel filter on my L4200 in the 5 years I've owned it. I've had a new filter and o-ring kicking around for the same 5 years too...I feel shame. Never had any kind of issues, but figure being it is WAY overdue, and since I'm going to be running the tractor all winter (for the first time), I better get it changed. I've changed all the rest of the filters a few times, but could never get the fuel filter bowl open - it's always pretty spoogy, which doesn't help matters.

What I do remember is not being able to get the bowl open, and I didn't want to force anything w/o knowing exactly how it comes apart. How does the filter bowl open? There appears to be a locking ring at the top of the bowl - does the bowl spin off of this ring (turn the bowl), or does the ring spin above the bowl (hold the bowl still)? If it turns out to be stubborn (like I remember), are there any tricks to getting it unstuck?

Thanks much - JayC

 

[TripleR]

On my L5030, the notched ring unscrews and the glass bowl comes down. It is really hard to turn.

 

[jonyyuma]

I have a L3000dt and it has the spin-off cartridge, i always turn it over and pour the contents out into a jar to check for what was caught and the water contents.Most of trash will stay in the element,so I tear it open and look again just for satisfaction. We have done this for years on our gen-sets to check for Fungus in fuel..Jy.

 

[texasjohn]

Like TripleR, I get a pair of large channel locks, carefully put then on the ring above the glass bowl, carefully apply enough pressure to unscrew the ring..bowl will drop away when it is completely unscrewed. Going back on, make sure you have a new replacement filter gasket and tighten only sufficiently to stop fuel leaks.

Be aware that, at least on my L5030, there is a procedure for purging air from the system after you replace fuel filter or get air in line..... need to do this procedure else may not start/run afterward.

 

[TripleR]

Have you checked Messick's website, they use to have service stuff there.

http://www.messicks.com/blog/post/Kubota-L-40-Series-Service.aspx

 

[texasjohn]

Like TripleR, I get a pair of large channel locks, carefully put them on the ring above the glass bowl, carefully apply enough pressure to unscrew the ring..bowl will drop away when it is completely unscrewed. Going back on, make sure you have a new replacement filter gasket and tighten only sufficiently to stop fuel leaks.

Be aware that, at least on my L5030, there is a procedure for purging air from the system after you replace fuel filter or get air in line..... need to do this procedure else may not start/run afterward.

 

[Jay4200]

Like TripleR, I get a pair of large channel locks, carefully put them on the ring above the glass bowl, carefully apply enough pressure to unscrew the ring..bowl will drop away when it is completely unscrewed. Going back on, make sure you have a new replacement filter gasket and tighten only sufficiently to stop fuel leaks.

Be aware that, at least on my L5030, there is a procedure for purging air from the system after you replace fuel filter or get air in line..... need to do this procedure else may not start/run afterward.

Is the filter "gasket" an o-ring? And yes, I have to purge air as well - that part is in the manual.

JayC

 

[Transit]

Jay, can you remove the filter bowl assembly from the fuel tank? Once in your hands it will be much easer to take apart. Remember to drain the fuel tank first. Good luck.

 

[TripleR]

On the L5030, the gasket is an O ring, there should be a diagram in your manual. Our M8540 is a cartridge type where you just unscrew the old one and screw on a new one.

 

[texasjohn]

TripleR, as often happens, you are one step ahead of me with the complete and right answer.:laughing:

 

[dex3361]

Turn on the ring not the bowl. Hit the ring with some penetrating oil a day or so before trying to remove it. I have an L4400 and changed the fuel filter this evening. Took about 2 minutes to remove and cleaned it out and put it back together in another couple of minutes. Are you turning it the right direction?

 

[TripleR]

TripleR, as often happens, you are one step ahead of me with the complete and right answer.:laughing:

Well, I have this friend in Texas who gives me a lot of good info; oh wait...:laughing:

 

[ccsial]

I think the reason for the notches is so you can put a screw driver on them and tap it loose. At least thast's what I do.

 

[TripleR]

I think the reason for the notches is so you can put a screw driver on them and tap it loose. At least that's what I do.

I am sure there is a tool for that, probably similar to a motorcycle/ATV spring adjuster, but like John I use Channel Locks, but whatever works. If I can remember, I will ask the next time I am at the dealership.

 

[Jay4200]

Turn on the ring not the bowl. Hit the ring with some penetrating oil a day or so before trying to remove it. I have an L4400 and changed the fuel filter this evening. Took about 2 minutes to remove and cleaned it out and put it back together in another couple of minutes. Are you turning it the right direction?

Thanks all for the ring info! Exactly what I needed to know. I assume I turn the ring counter-clockwise (looking from the top)?

I'm going to try to get to it this weekend - the petcock assy and top of filter is covered with a good 1/2" of spooge, so I need to degrease and wash it before opening it up. I was going to do it last weekend, but it was 40 degrees outside, and I just couldn't force myself to drag out the hose (so I drank beer instead ).

Thanks again.

JayC

 

[SpudHauler]

Jay,
if it looks like the filter arrangement in the pic from Messick earlier in this post, it's ccw looking from the bottom.
I'm not a tractor guy, so you tractor guys can back me up or flame me!

 

[brain55]

Jay,
if it looks like the filter arrangement in the pic from Messick earlier in this post, it's ccw looking from the bottom.
I'm not a tractor guy, so you tractor guys can back me up or flame me!

You are correct, it is CCW from the bottom, CCW from the top will tighten the ring. If you can get channel locks on they work fine, if not a screwdriver and hammer will do the job too. As a reference, I rarely ever change the o-ring. It is nice to have one on hand, in case you have a problem getting the bowl to seal or if the old one is damaged, but most of the time I use the old one with no problems.

Brian

 

[dex3361]

Thanks all for the ring info! Exactly what I needed to know. I assume I turn the ring counter-clockwise (looking from the top)?

I'm going to try to get to it this weekend - the petcock assy and top of filter is covered with a good 1/2" of spooge, so I need to degrease and wash it before opening it up. I was going to do it last weekend, but it was 40 degrees outside, and I just couldn't force myself to drag out the hose (so I drank beer instead ).

Thanks again.

JayC

Grab the ring with channel locks to loosen move from front to back of the tractor. CCW looking at the bottom.

Mine also has the bleed valve above the filter on the injector pump. It has a round knob when you open the fuel valve let the bowl fill, then open the bleed valve start the tractor and let it run for a few minutes then shut the bleed valve.

 

[TripleR]

I did a 200 hour service on my L5030 this afternoon and ran across a small strap wrench that worked great on the ring.

I don't put new O-ring gaskets on, but have a new set if needed. I also don't clean the filter, I replace it.