WIX Fuel Filter Won't Come Off?! HELP

[brendanmitchell]

Well, guys, as the title states, I'm in the process of changing my fuel filter. There's only one problem... The thing on top of the fuel filter (it's WIX) that's about the size of a 1" socket, is completely stripped. We've tried using a mallet to get a 7/8" inch socket on there, and it just keeps on slipping when we go to loosen it up. I'm just wondering if anybody has dealt with this problem, or if anybody has any idea of how we could get it loose? I was thinking vice grips might be our only option left... Please help!

[SuperCrutyPS]

The new filter has the same top right?

You could try putting a screw driver on the outer edge of the rim and tap it with a hammer to cause it to unscrew.

[brendanmitchell]

Originally Posted by SuperCrutyPS

The new filter has the same top right?

You could try putting a screw driver on the outer edge of the rim and tap it with a hammer to cause it to unscrew.

It does have the same top, and I know which filter you're thinking of. The one I have doesn't have those little notches in it, it's a smooth surface on top, and just had a bolt looking piece of plastic where you would put your socket on to loosen/tighten. Check out this picture, this is what's on there right now, but the top is stripped...


Wix 33818 & Napa 3818 Fuel Filter: FleetFilter Secure Online Store

[SuperCrutyPS]

Yeah, that's the kind I have on mine too. I really don't like the integrated lids.

I was asking if the replacement filter is the same as the pic? I would think you could try the vice-grips, but I was suggesting above, if that doesn't work to try a flat blade on the outer rim and tap in counter clock-wise to see if it would unscrew.

[brendanmitchell]

Originally Posted by SuperCrutyPS

Yeah, that's the kind I have on mine too. I really don't like the integrated lids.

I was asking if the replacement filter is the same as the pic? I would think you could try the vice-grips, but I was suggesting above, if that doesn't work to try a flat blade on the outer rim and tap in counter clock-wise to see if it would unscrew.

Sorry about that, I just misunderstood the question. And, yes, it is the same. We tried that today, it didn't work. Maybe it's just way too cold outside today, idk. We did manage to ruin the integrity of the filter lid by breaking a piece off, and discovered that my fuel pump is working just fine by trying to just start the truck up! (aka we heard the fuel dripping underneath when we turned the key on)

[Fantom]

Darryl has the right idea, I had a similar situation to remove a broken cap (my truck's a 6.0 but same situation) I used a hammer and a chisel. I only had to hit it a couple of times to get it loose enough to unscrew. Good luck!

[shiz big red]

I had that problem last week with mine I hate the lids on the napa gold filters. I used vice grips and a lot of bad words. Make the vice grips so tight you have to use two hands to clamp them then just slowly coax it loose its tricky but my seal finally broke after about ten minutes of dicking with it with vice grips.

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[brendanmitchell]

Originally Posted by Fantom

Darryl has the right idea, I had a similar situation to remove a broken cap (my truck's a 6.0 but same situation) I used a hammer and a chisel. I only had to hit it a couple of times to get it loose enough to unscrew. Good luck!

We can always keep trying, I feel like we might have more luck when it's warm outside. Cold windy days in Oklahoma SUCK, to say the least.

[brendanmitchell]

Originally Posted by shiz big red

I had that problem last week with mine I hate the lids on the napa gold filters. I used vice grips and a lot of bad words. Make the vice grips so tight you have to use two hands to clamp them then just slowly coax it loose its tricky but my seal finally broke after about ten minutes of dicking with it with vice grips.

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Hell yeah! Well, I have the bad words part covered, no problem there. The vice grips on the other hand... I will need to buy tomorrow. Thank you!