Water Separator Wrench

[chris_the_wrench]

The great freeze was beyond the gel point of my diesel(apparently). Tractor(L3902) has been a bit grumpy. Ive got a dose of antigel in the tank and pulled the fuel filter. The water separator looks like a cottage cheese slushy, Id like to pull and clean it. None of my oil filter strap wrenches are working to get it loose, and it's bigger than all my slip joint pliers will accommodate.

I'm looking for recommendation on a specific wrench(style) to engage the retaining ring.

Something like this or I also see adjustable versions?

 

[85Hokie]

I have had great success with this type of "wrench"

this has "sand particles" for grip and works well - you will need to make sure overall diameter will grip.

 

[fried1765]

The great freeze was beyond the gel point of my diesel(apparently). Tractor(L3902) has been a bit grumpy. Ive got a dose of antigel in the tank and pulled the fuel filter. The water separator looks like a cottage cheese slushy, Id like to pull and clean it. None of my oil filter strap wrenches are working to get it loose, and it's bigger than all my slip joint pliers will accommodate.

I'm looking for recommendation on a specific wrench(style) to engage the retaining ring.

View attachment 120662

Something like this or I also see adjustable versions?
View attachment 120663

My big set of Channel Loks open to 4"
Not big enough?

 

[cthomas]

Got an old serp belt? Cut it down and wrap around the filter head, place both ends into channel locks/pliers then loosen filter.

 

[MapleLeafFarmer]

I use channel locks but small pipe wrench would work as well both used with a very gentle touch.

or ask a cook / spouse to see if they have a jar top wrench / gadget. Or wrap a kitchen silicone hot pad in that can help you get a better purchase with your hand. Or a computer mouse pad also gives a purchase that wont slip as much.

in the old days when we be real poor and not many tools a loop of rope/cord wrapped around and then a stick twisted in (think of an emergency tourniquet)

 

[Dustball]

I wonder if there's just enough swelling of the bowl that it's preventing you from turning it. Can you get some heat blowing on it to thaw it out?

 

[whitetiger]

Something like this or I also see adjustable versions?

The adjustable filter pliers or channel loc 480 pliers work great.

 

[chris_the_wrench]

I have had great success with this type of "wrench"

There's abit too much stuff going on around the area to fit that type on. I have another style where I can disengage the 'strap' and even that doesn't quite work.

My big set of Channel Loks open to 4"

I didn't measure mine, but they gotta be close to 4" and can't get a good purchase.

Got an old serp belt?

I like this, I think I do, I'll give that a try in the morning.

I wonder if there's just enough swelling of the bowl that it's preventing you from turning it.

I was kinda wondering that too.


Thanks for the great replies, Im gonna try the old serp belt in the morning.

 

[The Evil Twin]

If it's not coming loose with a strap wrench, I'd be cautious of using anything else with more force. That could break something.
Get a heat gun or hair dryer and give it some heat to liquefy the fuel again.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

I'll second The Evil Twin, warm it up before you even try and remove it.

 

[chris_the_wrench]

I'll second The Evil Twin, warm it up before you even try and remove it.

I dont have a true strap wrench. The oil filter wrench doesnt quite fit. Im going to try the suggestion of a piece of belt in the morning and see how it goes. If that doesnt work, I’ll consider warming it up.

 

[sheepfarmer]

I dont have a true strap wrench. The oil filter wrench doesnt quite fit. Im going to try the suggestion of a piece of belt in the morning and see how it goes. If that doesnt work, I’ll consider warming it up.

I'll third the idea of gently warming up that region. There are a bunch of plastic parts in that region that judging from the frost all over it are really cold. Plastic is brittle, and force may cause more troubles. It normally doesn't take much force to get the water separator off.

 

[D2Cat]

I dont have a true strap wrench. The oil filter wrench doesnt quite fit. Im going to try the suggestion of a piece of belt in the morning and see how it goes. If that doesnt work, I’ll consider warming it up.

There has been at least three folks suggest heating BEFORE attempting removal. I take it you like to gamble!!

 

[NorthwoodsLife]

Squurt it with WD40. Then, get a really big flat blade screwdriver, and lightly tap it counter clockwise with a hammer. Lightly means softly. In a few minites it will either come off or destroy only 1 lip on the "nut".

 

[SAR Tracker]

One of THESE should work. You'll have to look at them individually, and find one that fits.

 

[The Evil Twin]

The suspense is killing me.

 

[D2Cat]

Maybe he's waiting for the dealership parts counter to open Monday!!

 

[The Evil Twin]

I'm fairly surprised that no one has made a wrench for that style filter housing.

 

[jyoutz]

Locking Oil Filter Wrench

Amazing deals on this Locking Oil Filter Wrench at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[ferguson]

The great freeze was beyond the gel point of my diesel(apparently). Tractor(L3902) has been a bit grumpy. Ive got a dose of antigel in the tank and pulled the fuel filter. The water separator looks like a cottage cheese slushy, Id like to pull and clean it. None of my oil filter strap wrenches are working to get it loose, and it's bigger than all my slip joint pliers will accommodate.

I'm looking for recommendation on a specific wrench(style) to engage the retaining ring.

View attachment 120662

Something like this or I also see adjustable versions?
View attachment 120663

ducktape just rep some around oil filter wrench in a cople of spots just the size of the notches on the nut