OK, total newbie this is a lame problem I'm sure but need to finish now...

After fixing a fuel line leak,
Need to reattach the fuel filter (was only 3miles old)

a 98 12v, filter screws on from bottom.
All 3 gaskets intact

I have a compressor hose into the gas tank with rag, to speed priming filter.
Bleed screw open.

When air is gone from fuel filter cannister, and I close the air bleeder on top of the fuel cannister,

fuel starts pouring from the filter cannister around the top
I've reattached it twice, lubed the orings with diesel, doesn't seem
to take very many turns of the nut on top to seat the cannister to the top

What am I doing wrong???

 

OK,
I thought I was probably putting too much pressure into the system
with the compressor, took it out

I tried to reseat the fuel cannister to the top, paying attention to the
notch on the front

Still leaks a ton when I prime with the hand pump

Is there a trick to get the top gasket to set in right?

 

The top gasket should be sitting flat inside of the lid. Are you tightening up the 10 mm bolt enough?

Have you seen this?:

http://www.dodgeram.org/tech/dsl/fil...uel_filter.htm


The first time isnt a lot of fun.


BTW, I think its only around 5-10 psi if you are pressurizing the fuel system from the tank.

 

I don't know if my 96 model is similar to your 98, but, when I remove my fuel filter the old washer does not come off with the fuel filter. I always have to pull the old washer off. Could your old washer still be on the fuel filer assembly and you now have 2 washers in there? Just a thought.

 

I can't explain how this happened,
but when I removed the filter, there was a gasket in the bottom of the cannister that doesn't go to anything. Thick, about 2/3 as big as the large lid gasket.
Of course, I wasn't able to tighten the cannister enough.

???Can't explain it, but second try at installing the filter worked fine, of course.
And no leaks from the hoses I replaced either.
Whew! thanks for responding, I guess I kind of panicked.
I just didn't see how something as simple as a fuel filter could go so wrong...

 

I would be willing to bet you didn't have the slot in the cannister lined up exactly right with the tab on the top.

My first time went exactly like yours, freaking out and all.

Now I get it up close, get the nut started hand tight, and make sure I can only twist the cannister back and forth the clearance of the slot so I know it is engaged.

Glad you got it!