XC70 early 2007, seized paper fuel filter cover

[FORTYVALVE]

Hi All, XC70 early 2007, 2.4 diesel, I have a filter remover (rubber strap, placcy handle, has never failed) but even after heating up the plastic "capsule" with a hot air gun, to change the paper fuel filter I just cannot shift it. Any suggestions gratefully received!
Thanks, Forty

[XC70Bob]

I would suggest trying the proper spanner.
It's a large ring that fits round the filter housing which you turn with a standard ratchet.

Example
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/273805022...vCQs66UGAAAAAA

[Faust]

I had the proper filter housing tool and my filter housing was a right swine to shift...

I had to use a meter long breaker bar and (carefully) apply force to get the damn thing off. Didn't break anything, which kind of surprised me.

I also sprayed the threads with Duck Oil release spray a few times to help things along.

[FORTYVALVE]

Thanks Bob and Faust!

I had thought the heat would do it, tho getting all the way round with the hot air gun wasn't possible but even so it was too hot to touch on two sides which I thought would help. As I apply the pressure, and as it's not a very easy place that pressure isn't massive, even then it kind of twists the whole housing around til I feel something has to break. But from what you say, Faust, I can apply a bit more. The handle on my rubber band/placcie handle tool is maybe only a foot long at most. For such a supposedly simple job, I'm almost pulling my hair out.As you suggest, Bob, I should get the proper tool which will make the pressure I can apply more definite.

Will let you know "what gives" - I hope it isn't the mounting on the holder!

[Faust]

Originally Posted by FORTYVALVE

Thanks Bob and Faust!

I had thought the heat would do it, tho getting all the way round with the hot air gun wasn't possible but even so it was too hot to touch on two sides which I thought would help. As I apply the pressure, and as it's not a very easy place that pressure isn't massive, even then it kind of twists the whole housing around til I feel something has to break. But from what you say, Faust, I can apply a bit more. The handle on my rubber band/placcie handle tool is maybe only a foot long at most. For such a supposedly simple job, I'm almost pulling my hair out.As you suggest, Bob, I should get the proper tool which will make the pressure I can apply more definite.

Will let you know "what gives" - I hope it isn't the mounting on the holder!

Yep, that horrible 'twist' the whole housing does... sounds familiar.

100% recommend getting the correct tool. For about 10 quid you can't go far wrong. Mine has a half inch drive, so it'll fit a wide range of extensions etc.

[Joe Harding]

Perennial problem. I had two fracture in use - total loss of power and diesel pouring down the road. Both times I think it was due to efforts by garages to remove the canister to replace the filter. It was so much easier with the metal cartridge type.

Due to its location and my dodgy back, I give it to our local garage to sort out. The thread is too coarse, any grit in there locks it solid.

So no easy answer, I'm afraid.

[FORTYVALVE]

Thanks so much, all. I've got the ring tool on order. Yes the twisty mounting does worry me a bit. My feeling is that if they are this hard to remove, who will bother with the, maybe annual, filter change?! I've got a longterm needle in haystack hunt going on. It's a judder on hills, with occasional loss of power as if on limp mode. Been through decoking turbo and some parts replacement, mega flushing of transmission, changed inlet pressure sensor last week. Finally in desperation took it to main dealer recently who say possible injection/fuel system issue and transmission solenoid problems, so my first thought, after reading on here, was the fuel filter. Start with the easy bits first... NOT so easy.

BTW the way the most fantastic, seriously long-lasting thread and electrical part waterproofing and lubrication is Anhydrous Lanolin. I've used it in marine applications for decades, so when I re-fit this fuel filter housing the threads will get the treatment.

Hoping the remover tool will arrive very soon. will update....

Thanks again. Forty

[FORTYVALVE]

Thanks to all suggestions on this one. I did get the tool for the job and the housing finally gave in. Horribly tight but as you all said, that tool is the only way!
Thanks again

[CricketyJimin]

I have this job to do on mine. I've got the correct tool, but I still keep putting it off