I think I may have broken the black plastic bleeder valve atop the fuel filter. Is this easy to do if you turn it too much?? How far does it need to turn to open or close?

So, I just replaced all 8 injectors and also the lift pump without firing it up between any of that. So, I read in the shop manual that after doing the lift pump you should bleed the air out of the system. Fine, so I put a clear tube on the top of the plastic bleeder atop the fuel filter and then I turned the bleeder counter clockwise to loosen it up. Having never done this before I didn't know how far to turn it so I turned and turned until it was actually visibly up higher than it had been (as if it were unthreading out)

I removed the F/SOL fuse and then when I went to crank the engine fuel sprayed out around the underside of the black plastic bleeder--so I figured I opened it too far and tightened it back down-- okay, good it didn't leak from its base anymore and the fuel came out through the top and into my hose. So I let the air bubbles out of it and then when I was done bleeding it, I took off the hose and closed the black plastic bleeder down until I couldn't turn it anymore. Replaced the fuse, went to fire it up and fuel was coming out of the bleeder a bit. So I put on some gloves to get a better grip and tightened the filter bleeder down some more. Cranked again and still leaking a little bit. SOOO, I got some pliers and tightened it down another quarter turn -- went to crank it over and a strong steady stream shot out the top of the bleeder hole and hit the hood :mad:

Did I break this dang feeble plastic bleeder by opening it too much at first or by closing down too tight? How far does one normally need to be turned?

Am I missing something here or did I break it and might as well just buy a new fuel filter now. (Other one is only a few months old:(...)

too loose, then too tight.

When I've opened mine, I opened it maybe a turn or 2, then when tightening, just turn till it stops, then give it a nudge.

Time to buy a new filter filter.

too loose, then too tight.

When I've opened mine, I opened it maybe a turn or 2, then when tightening, just turn till it stops, then give it a nudge.

Time to buy a new filter filter.

Yep, and if your doin other work with the fuel system and just bought the truck I would change it anyway. That way you know when it was done. The new filter comes with the bleeder and everything.

If you have an old filter you can take the bleeder out of it and swap it over....best to buy a brand new filter though...

SNIP.... SOOO, I got some pliers and tightened it down another quarter turn --

I think that is where things went totally wrong, -probly shoulda used channel locks or vise grips :D

Just kiddin' man, -we've all been there!;)

Like the guys are saying, -just get a replacement filter, it comes with the piece you're lookin' for, -and you'll be good to go.

Welcome to TDP.

Replacing the filter is the best bet as said before. Just a note to you. Watch out for when you pull the old filter out. The new filter should come with a black rubber gasket around the outer rim. When you pull the old one off, make sure the old gasket gets pulled off the filter assembly as well. I messed this up the last time i did mine...doubled gasket and it started leaking away. Just a heads up.

All of this is good advice. I also recommend that when you pull the fuel filter out, be sure to shine a light down into the bowl, and if there is any sediment, be sure to vacuum it out of there (some use a wet vac, I used a vacuum pump designed to remove motor oil from boats) so that you don't have a bunch of gunk sitting in the bottom of the bowl.

The bleeder valve is just a little plastic thing that is supposed to be tightened and loosened by hand, I'd avoid going at it with vice grips or anything... but.. you already know that now. (I've done similar things, so hang in there!)

All the best,

Rob :)

Thanks guys. Yeah, I guess its never a bad idea to get a new fuel filter so I'll just do that.

Thanks for the advise on the gaskets and cleaning too.

I can't wait to test my truck out with the new Heath injectors, Heath Lift Pump and Warpspeed 4 inch exhaust!! :cool: