i can not for the life of me or atleast the last hour and a half get that ****ing filter to thread. i'm using eric's method with the battery removed and the only way i have been able to get a filter to thread is without the rubber grommet for the inner seal. wtf

I've had this happen a couple of times before and the inner seal from the old filter was stuck to filter housing. I'm sure you checked that and if that
is not it,I will usually kneel on radiator support while trying to spin filter on. In this position you can usually get more upward force to start filter.
Good luck.

i can not for the life of me or at least the last hour and a half get that f#*&ing filter to thread. i'm using eric's method with the battery removed and the only way i have been able to get a filter to thread is without the rubber grommet for the inner seal. wtf

This happened to me the first time I changed the fuel filter. ;) I found that the small "O" ring from the old filter was still stuck on the filter head. Remove the old "O" ring from the filter head and the new filter will go on just fine.

that was it guys..... man i feel stupid especially after getting so frustrated I wanted to light that truck on fire. appreciate the help

that was it guys..... man i feel stupid especially after getting so frustrated I wanted to light that truck on fire. appreciate the help
Don't feel bad. A lot of us have been caught off-guard by that "O" ring.

Don't fret about it; it happened to me one time too. :o:

I just read this and it will probably happen to me when I change mine in the spring. DOH

thats why i thinks its better to partially remove the inner fender skirt lets you see up in there better and can use your muscle to push up on filter while turning to get it stated.

Yeah.. after reading this thread earlier today...I just want to thank all of you who "chimed" in about the top o-ring that likes to stick up inside the housing. I know for a fact that I too would have been cursin' something fierce as usual when wrenching on my vehicles. Thanks guys for all the great help and advise. First time changing the fuel filter and no problems with taking it off or even bleeding the fuel line. Thanks again.

Does the filter go on kinda hard anyway? Or should it just spin right on like an oil filter. I think there is a rubber ring on the inside that you have to push through first right?

You do have to push up on it a bit to get the threads started. There is not a threaded post to tighten it around like the oil filter.

It's bigger than an o-ring, it's kinda like a thick bushing isn't it?

Yes you have to push pretty hard to get the threads started. I agree with taking apart the inner fender well a little bit!!!!!! It opens up the whole side of the engine and makes so much nicer

no it does not go on like a regular filter. put it in place, push up on it, it kind of has a space in there with no threads then turn it. guaranteed to work im on my 4th duramax and this comes from many fuel filter changes.

yeah it's guaranteed to work as log as the inner seal off the old filter isn't stuck up there. If you are having trouble, reach up on the center piece and pull off any black rubber seals on it. Make sure your seal is in the new filter and try again. It has happened several times where the old inner seal stays on the truck, makingit difficult to get it on.

if you lube the seals with fuel it will come apart easier next time.

I just did mine today- it was kind of a pain. I didn't take my battery out so I probably had less room but eventually got it on. I can certainly see how taking the inner fender out would help. Anyhow, I'm running a pre-oem aux. filter so I shouldn't have to do the factory filter for awhile.

I usually just stand on something and lean over the right fender when doing the filter change. Don't remove any extraneous parts other than the filter. It could be in an easier spot but it's not terrible.

I would agree that the hardest part is pushing the filter up to get the threads started.

i put a little lube on her first so i don't fight it. works for me--

i put lube on her first and it works for me.

i lube the rubber first and it works for me.

i lube the rubber first, it works for me.

What JollyRgr said!:cool:. I also am part of the club of leaving the seal from the old filter on and trying to install over top of it. It no workee that way, but you will only do it once!

Steve

I had the opposite problem and couldn't get the freaking thing off. Finally undid the fuel lines and used a 12mm to take off the bracket that holds the filter. I was able to remove the old filter on the bench and install the new one, then slip the whole the whole thing back in the truck. Didn't remove the battery or inner fender.

FWIW...

me

holy quadruple post batman!

RudeDog sure does like talkin about his lube....