Losing/damaging 0-rings when changing fuel filter? [B2601]

[Mossy dell]

Getting ready for my first fuel filter change for my B2601, I watched a video of someone's 50-Hour B2601 Service. The large and small o-ring washers that help seal the filter in the bowl came free with the old element. The person had to use a knife to fish out the small one from the top of the fitting on the filter.

It appears that the o-rings are easy to lose or damage in a change. So I called Messick's, where I bought my service supplies, and the guy said I shouldn't need to mess with the o-rings because they usually stay in the top of the fitting that stays on the tractor. I got thinking about it, though, and that was not what the YouTuber showed happening.

QUESTION 1: for those of you who've done this, should I order the o-rings as insurance before changing the filter?

QUESTION 2: is it necessary or desirable to fill the fuel filter bowl manually with diesel or is it okay to let the fuel system do that before it starts? I run down to the corner to fuel up and realized in the midst of this I have no diesel fuel around.

 

[GeoHorn]

Confirm your replacement filter comes equipped with new O-rings. Lubricate them with silicone or dielectric grease for installation. And consider ordering a spare set of O-rings to have on-hand. They are amazingly cheap.

See your Owners Manual for filter replacement and fuel bleeding instructions. My manual does not specify or require O-ring replacement but I never re-use old rings or gaskets. It also does not require the bowl to be refilled after the filter change. My manual fuel bleeding instructions are simple: OPEN the fuel shut-off valve (which you should have done before removing the filter for replacement). Start the tractor and let it run 30 seconds.

 

[Steve67]

Personally I change the o rings but be careful with the small one . Make sure you don’t have more than 1/2 tank of fuel so when you unscrew the fuel filter it doesn’t keep running out. Once you screw the new filter on it will fill with fuel

 

[Mossy dell]

George, my filter needs o-rings but does not come with them! You have to order them separately, and I couldn't find them on Messick's site. The helpful parts person there gave me the numbers and like an idiot I didn't go ahead and order them.

 

[Mossy dell]

Personally I change the o rings but be careful with the small one . Make sure you don’t have more than 1/2 tank of fuel so when you unscrew the fuel filter it doesn’t keep running out. Once you screw the new filter on it will fill with fuel

Thanks, Steve. I guess I'll go try it . . . Nah, can't decide! Maybe order them and let that part of the service wait . . . Richard

 

[Henro]

George, my filter needs o-rings but does not come with them! You have to order them separately, and I couldn't find them on Messick's site. The helpful parts person there gave me the numbers and like an idiot I didn't go ahead and order them.

If you have the part numbers it might be helpful to others in the future, that have the same tractor...should this thread turn up in a search.

 

[Fordtech86]

The B2601 takes the same filter as my L3200.

My experience…the little oring sticks with the filter when removing, the big one is on the cup. I have reused them (first time before I noticed they didn’t come with new filter) but now I just get them when I get filters. No need to worry about fuel level or bleeding. There is a valve that drops down to block fuel flow from the tank as you unscrew the filter. When you screw it back on the filter will push it back up and the cup will fill. Then just start it up.

 

[GeoHorn]

Universal O-ring “kits” are available from many sources and I keep a couple of them in different types materials (nitrile/buna are most often used) onhand in my shop. It really helps out in the middle of various jobs.

 

[Mossy dell]

If you have the part numbers it might be helpful to others in the future, that have the same tractor...should this thread turn up in a search.

Great idea. Here are the parts according to Messicks the other day:

Small ring: 6A320-59950

Large ring: 6A320-59940

 

[mikester]

QUESTION 1: for those of you who've done this, should I order the o-rings as insurance before changing the filter?

I'd recommend buying one set of o-rings and keep in stock with your filters. If you decide to do a service Saturday afternoon after the dealer closes and accidentally pinch an o-ring when putting in a new filter you will be happy you did. They are cheap insurance, speaking from experience.

QUESTION 2: is it necessary or desirable to fill the fuel filter bowl manually with diesel or is it okay to let the fuel system do that before it starts? I run down to the corner to fuel up and realized in the midst of this I have no diesel fuel around.

If you bleed the fuel system after it shouldn't be a problem to install them dry. Doing them wet sometimes results in wet hands and slippery filter housings and pinched o-rings.