I changed my fuel filter last night and i forgot to coat the o-ring with diesel or oil or anything... i can't believe i forgot to do it. question do you think it will be ok for 10k miles or should i worry about it? thanks everyone
Eric

 

If it isn't leaking I wouldn't be too concerned. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't start leaking. The reason for putting oil, diesel or any other kind of lube on it is to prevent the o-ring from tearing or twisting out of place while tightening the canister lid. It basically just lubes the o-ring for installation purposes. Chances are if it isn't leaking now it will be fine.

 

Thanks Gord
I wasn't sure if it was to prevent dying out while in place also

 

If it was going to leak, it would do it immediately. 10k miles isn't enough time for it to dry out to cracking, that's usually seen on gaskets on engines that haven't ran in years.

 

I always thought one of the main reasons of lubing the gasket is so that it can easily be removed. Remember how fun it was doing the first oil change when the truck was new? At any rate I wouldn't worry about leaks at all if it hasn't leaked by now.
mishkaya

 

awesome, thanks everyone for the help

 

Need to change mine for first time 03 . Do i need a special tool to get the filter out? I see the filter but dont know how it comes apart any help? Sorry im new to Diesel engine. I bought a wix filter today would like to put in this weekend.

 

its really easy,
drain the water seperator valve to get all the fuel out
take a 1 1/8" socket and unscrew the top
remove filter
remove o-ring
put new o-ring on (lubricate the o-ring)
put new filter on
screw the cap with the filter attached back into the housing
turn key to on position untill you hear the pump stop running, do it again for a second time and start it
that simple...

 

I wouldn't worry unless this O ring is for the space shuttle, ifso yer up a crik!

 

I have heard that the reason to coat the O ring was b/c the ring actually expands from the lubrication after installation. This helps to seal the canister.

Just what I've heard,

Jamie

 

That's my thinking as well. It's going to seal when you tighten it up. The lube helps on removal.

 

i am suprised that it did not rip when tightening.

 

Thanks for the help did mine today real easy.