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Is this safe? A better way?

#1

J

JDH12

I just finished winterizing my X300. One of the items was replacing the fuel filter. Once the hose clips were slid back, it was still impossible to pull the hose from both ends of the filter. So I got out my heat gun and heated up the hoses where they connected to the filter. That worked. However I was pretty nervous about it due to gas fumes and the glowing red heating element even though it wasn't an open flame like from a torch. So is that how it's done or is there a better way?


#2



Deleted member 97405

On a unit that new, the fuel lines shouldn't be super stiff yet. NEVER use a heat source around gas fumes, or you may end up on YouTube :) Rather, once you slide the clamps back, grab the fuel line on the filter nipple with your pliers and rotate the filter by hand to break the 'seal'. Once the line rotates, you can then pull it off the filter. Hope this helps!


#3

R

RayMcD

JDH12 said:
I just finished winterizing my X300. One of the items was replacing the fuel filter. Once the hose clips were slid back, it was still impossible to pull the hose from both ends of the filter. So I got out my heat gun and heated up the hoses where they connected to the filter. That worked. However I was pretty nervous about it due to gas fumes and the glowing red heating element even though it wasn't an open flame like from a torch. So is that how it's done or is there a better way?
Click to expand...
Sir, I'm glad you are ok, please never use any heat source or open flame near gas. We don't what to learn of you on the evening news...Cheers. Ray


#4

ILENGINE

ILENGINE

Will1988 said:
On a unit that new, the fuel lines shouldn't be super stiff yet. NEVER use a heat source around gas fumes, or you may end up on YouTube :) Rather, once you slide the clamps back, grab the fuel line on the filter nipple with your pliers and rotate the filter by hand to break the 'seal'. Once the line rotates, you can then pull it off the filter. Hope this helps!
Click to expand...
Twisting of the fuel line is not recommended due to it will tear the low permeation liner in the fuel line which will result in clogging and or debris in the carb. There is a special tool to pry the line off of the filter nipples.


#5

B

bertsmobile1

The tool Illengine is talking about looks like a tyre lever with a slot at either end ( cheap version ) or a pair of reverse action pliers with a slot in the ends ( expensive professional version ).
I use a pair of 45 deg long reach pliers as a LEVER to push the hose off because that is the tool I use to move the clips.
If that fails to shift it then I go for the hose tool .
Before getting the hose tool I used a small claw hammer.
If the end of the hose is damaged or deformed then cut it off .
You can usually trim the hose 4 to 6 times before it gets too short and after that I fit a longer filter so get another 1/2 dozen trims


#6

J

JDH12

I didn't know there was such a thing. Is this what you're talking about? I'll get one if it is.


#7

B

bertsmobile1

That looks like a cheap & nasty copy of a quality tool but yes it is the general idea
But get one that is not made from cardboard strength steel from a real tool store not AMMOZONE


#8



Deleted member 97405

Y'all making removing a fuel filter from a simple fuel line a complicated task! To each their own, I guess. I'm more of a simple, farmer-minded individual. Give it a gentle twist and pull. And you're done. It will not tear an inner liner or anything if you're gentle with it. You can do this safely without having to buy a special tool! Been doing this over 25 years without issue, but, again, to each their own. Not ragging on anyone here. I'm all about doing the same job simply as possible.


#9

StarTech

StarTech

It also could that fuel line is harden from age and heat. Some are nearly possible to get off. Those lines get replaced when they are harden.


#10

S

SeniorCitizen

Will1988 said:
Y'all making removing a fuel filter from a simple fuel line a complicated task! To each their own, I guess. I'm more of a simple, farmer-minded individual. Give it a gentle twist and pull. And you're done. It will not tear an inner liner or anything if you're gentle with it. You can do this safely without having to buy a special tool! Been doing this over 25 years without issue, but, again, to each their own. Not ragging on anyone here. I'm all about doing the same job simply as possible.
Click to expand...
We aren't dealing with fit and finish quality we had 25 years ago . Not even close . Hot water will usually soften hose safely .


#11

J

JDH12

@bertsmobile1
I do this once a year so the Amazon one will probably work. The lines could be replaced, I just don't have the motivation to do it until there's no other option. I have the Amazon version in my cart waiting on more stuff to order. Thanks all for your help. There's usually a specialty tool available to do a specialty job, if you just know about it - which I didn't. Glad I didn't catch my mower on fire by using my uneducated way.


#12



Deleted member 97405

SeniorCitizen said:
We aren't dealing with fit and finish quality we had 25 years ago . Not even close . Hot water will usually soften hose safely .
Click to expand...
You are correct, but the same rules for removing a simple fuel filter on an X300 haven't changed in my opinion. I'm not arguing this point any further. Good day.


#13

Hammermechanicman

Hammermechanicman

The infamous Hazard Fraught has a 3 piece set of hose pliers that the small pair is perfect to grab the hose and twist on the filter nipple to loosen it and hold the hose while pulling the filter out. I have the Lisle hose removal pliers but rarely need them for fuel lines. Changing a fuel filter is not that complicated unless a JD engineer decided to bury it with short hoses or mount it underneath on a frame rail.


#14

S

SeniorCitizen

JDH12 said:
I just finished winterizing my X300. One of the items was replacing the fuel filter. Once the hose clips were slid back, it was still impossible to pull the hose from both ends of the filter. So I got out my heat gun and heated up the hoses where they connected to the filter. That worked. However I was pretty nervous about it due to gas fumes and the glowing red heating element even though it wasn't an open flame like from a torch. So is that how it's done or is there a better way?
Click to expand...
Hot water normally works to soften most any kind of hose when a torch is questionable .


#15

4getgto

4getgto

When all else fails...
61HD2J7E4vL.jpg


#16

B

bertsmobile1

Will1988 said:
Y'all making removing a fuel filter from a simple fuel line a complicated task! To each their own, I guess. I'm more of a simple, farmer-minded individual. Give it a gentle twist and pull. And you're done. It will not tear an inner liner or anything if you're gentle with it. You can do this safely without having to buy a special tool! Been doing this over 25 years without issue, but, again, to each their own. Not ragging on anyone here. I'm all about doing the same job simply as possible.
Click to expand...
Difference is Will, you and I are techs
We know exactly how to do a lot of things properly without damaging anything
That is something we learned over years of doing this .
I probably change 100 filters a year and as already mentioned usually use the pliers I already have with me the lever the hose off.
We both know that pushing the hose off the barb is better for the hose than pulling it
However JDH12 is not a tech to the point he has great difficulty removing the hose so no I don't believe we are over complicating matters.
The phrase I believe is "work smarter not harder"


#17

B

bertsmobile1

4getgto said:
When all else fails...
View attachment 62935
Click to expand...
Actually box cutters are not all that good for cutting fuel line
Parrot nose tube cutters are by far the best tool to use
After that bypass secateurs come a close second


#18

D

DeadmanRoss316

JDH12 said:
I just finished winterizing my X300. One of the items was replacing the fuel filter. Once the hose clips were slid back, it was still impossible to pull the hose from both ends of the filter. So I got out my heat gun and heated up the hoses where they connected to the filter. That worked. However I was pretty nervous about it due to gas fumes and the glowing red heating element even though it wasn't an open flame like from a torch. So is that how it's done or is there a better way?
Click to expand...
I used a 90 degree pick, careful to not stick in hose put move it between nipple of filter and hose and they come apart nicely


#19

M

mmoffitt

We'll he's still here to do it a little differently ,next year!! SAFELY!
Happy and healthy to all in the coming New Year!
Love the site thanks for all the wisdom that is shared so freely
Martin


#20

J

JDH12

The hose pliers should be here tomorrow so them plus long reach needle nose pliers to move the clip back should work fine. I'll know for sure next November. Thank you all for your suggestions, especially the one on the hose pliers. I didn't know there was such a thing.

JD was a bit skimpy when they put the fuel line in, it's really tight with no play whatsoever. On both sides of the filter. Replacing the back one seems rather daunting without actually getting under the tractor and looking. It's buried way back in the engine compartment, hard to get to it's clip without long reach pliers. I may get a few more years out of the line by using the hose pliers before I have to deal with replacing it due to hardening up.


#21

smhardesty

smhardesty

I'm a newbie on here, but I'll say that if the hose can't be removed with slightly more than gentle twising and pulling, I automatically replace the lines. I do that even if there is enough extra line to cut the line off. I figure if the hose has gotten hard enough to make removal near impossible, it's time for a new line. Gas line is fairly cheap and replacing the lines on both sides of the filter will make the filter replacement lots easier during the next service. Just my two cents worth.


#22

StarTech

StarTech

Normally any that makes work easier to do without damage the item being is good.

For the fuel on the X300 it goes under the fender pan to the top of the fuel tank so the fender pan has to be removed to replace that line.
1670787262526.png
IN the image "A" is the fuel line. "B" is the seat switch harness.


#23

D

Draggin

JDH12 said:
I just finished winterizing my X300. One of the items was replacing the fuel filter. Once the hose clips were slid back, it was still impossible to pull the hose from both ends of the filter. So I got out my heat gun and heated up the hoses where they connected to the filter. That worked. However I was pretty nervous about it due to gas fumes and the glowing red heating element even though it wasn't an open flame like from a torch. So is that how it's done or is there a better way?
Click to expand...

1670850628106.png​

Hose Removal Tool from tinytach.com​



#24

Jetman

Jetman

JDH12 said:
I just finished winterizing my X300. One of the items was replacing the fuel filter. Once the hose clips were slid back, it was still impossible to pull the hose from both ends of the filter. So I got out my heat gun and heated up the hoses where they connected to the filter. That worked. However I was pretty nervous about it due to gas fumes and the glowing red heating element even though it wasn't an open flame like from a torch. So is that how it's done or is there a better way?
Click to expand...
I bought a pair of long nose pliers, heated them up and bent them to a small 90 at the end, about an inch long. I use these to pry the fuel line off, it's always worked for me.


#25

A

Alton R

JDH12 said:
I just finished winterizing my X300. One of the items was replacing the fuel filter. Once the hose clips were slid back, it was still impossible to pull the hose from both ends of the filter. So I got out my heat gun and heated up the hoses where they connected to the filter. That worked. However I was pretty nervous about it due to gas fumes and the glowing red heating element even though it wasn't an open flame like from a torch. So is that how it's done or is there a better way?
Click to expand...
A fuel filter can be difficult to remove sometimes.
But don't use heat. You can pry with a screwdriver in between the filter and the hose. I've found if you hold the hose and twist the filter that sometimes works. And if you have enough fuel line I would just cut the lines off from the filter. Yes it sometimes can be hard, if you don't give up I assure you it will come loose. I never seen one that didn't.


#26

L

loco-diablo

JDH12 said:
I just finished winterizing my X300. One of the items was replacing the fuel filter. Once the hose clips were slid back, it was still impossible to pull the hose from both ends of the filter. So I got out my heat gun and heated up the hoses where they connected to the filter. That worked. However I was pretty nervous about it due to gas fumes and the glowing red heating element even though it wasn't an open flame like from a torch. So is that how it's done or is there a better way?
Click to expand...
Yikes! Please don’t use a heat gun near a fuel source.. cut the hose with a razor knife if needed the re-attach.. buy new fuel line if needed.. you’re a lucky man!


#27

T

Timbuktu

Are you using ethanal gas? Ethanal can be hard on rubber and plastic over time. That's what Iv'e been told, but don't use it at all so just going by what I was told.


#28

G

gkitf16

Never any heat source. I'd try a little bit of silicone spray or WD40 on the old line, let it soak thru for a moment then pull/twist. That should get it loose. If all else fails, and it's that hard & crispy from age, get a fresh section of line, cut the old piece off carefully and replace it. Preferably with genuine Tygon tubing.


#29

R

Roymg

JDH12 said:
I just finished winterizing my X300. One of the items was replacing the fuel filter. Once the hose clips were slid back, it was still impossible to pull the hose from both ends of the filter. So I got out my heat gun and heated up the hoses where they connected to the filter. That worked. However I was pretty nervous about it due to gas fumes and the glowing red heating element even though it wasn't an open flame like from a torch. So is that how it's done or is there a better way?
Click to expand...
I use a silicone spray to soften the rubber and then wedge a flat head screwdriver between the gap in the hose and the metal hose connector, then twist the hose.


#30

Smithsonite

Smithsonite

Get yourself a set of hose removal pliers like this: https://www.vividracing.com/-p-153726444.html

You'll thank me later.

I used to use a flat blade screwdriver - I would twist it so that it acted like a press, and forced the line to move. Never had to heat one in 30 years of work.

Ahh, someone beat me to it. I should've read first, THEN posted ...


#31

G

Gord Baker

JDH12 said:
I just finished winterizing my X300. One of the items was replacing the fuel filter. Once the hose clips were slid back, it was still impossible to pull the hose from both ends of the filter. So I got out my heat gun and heated up the hoses where they connected to the filter. That worked. However I was pretty nervous about it due to gas fumes and the glowing red heating element even though it wasn't an open flame like from a torch. So is that how it's done or is there a better way?
Click to expand...
With a common pliers, grasp hose over the Filter nipple and while holding the filter work it back and forth. Hot water may help.
Perhaps put a little lube on the Filter when reinstalling. Do not use heat gun or open flame.


#32

C

coder

JDH12 said:
I just finished winterizing my X300. One of the items was replacing the fuel filter. Once the hose clips were slid back, it was still impossible to pull the hose from both ends of the filter. So I got out my heat gun and heated up the hoses where they connected to the filter. That worked. However I was pretty nervous about it due to gas fumes and the glowing red heating element even though it wasn't an open flame like from a torch. So is that how it's done or is there a better way?
Click to expand...
The heat gun has a red-hot heating coil inside. If there are any fuel vapors present, it is hot enough to ignite them. In a closed space, an explosion, and possibly fire can be unpleasant.
In this case, you could argue that prior to pulling apart the fuel line connection, there were no fuel vapors present, so you lucked out. Still seems like a bad idea to use a heat/spark source near gasoline, esp in a closed space. To take apart a stuck fuel filter connection I usually use a twisting motion, twist the filter back and forth while holding on to the line over the filter's stub. Rubber gloves may help to grip better.
If absolute worst comes to worst, the line usually has enough slack so that it can be simply cut near the filter.
I remember my dad (may he rest in peace), was overhauling an engine, while using an electric heater to keep the garage warm, had spectacular results. (He survived with a slight burn)


#33

C

coder

coder said:
The heat gun has a red-hot heating coil inside. If there are any fuel vapors present, it is hot enough to ignite them. In a closed space, an explosion, and possibly fire can be unpleasant.
In this case, you could argue that prior to pulling apart the fuel line connection, there were no fuel vapors present, so you lucked out. Still seems like a bad idea to use a heat/spark source near gasoline, esp in a closed space. To take apart a stuck fuel filter connection I usually use a twisting motion, twist the filter back and forth while holding on to the line over the filter's stub. Rubber gloves may help to grip better.
If absolute worst comes to worst, the line usually has enough slack so that it can be simply cut near the filter.
I remember my dad (may he rest in peace), was overhauling an engine, while using an electric heater to keep the garage warm, had spectacular results. (He survived with a slight burn)
Click to expand...


#34

Hammermechanicman

Hammermechanicman

Hoser.jpg

Hose stuck? Git er done.


#35

K

KeystoneKid2121

JDH12 said:
I just finished winterizing my X300. One of the items was replacing the fuel filter. Once the hose clips were slid back, it was still impossible to pull the hose from both ends of the filter. So I got out my heat gun and heated up the hoses where they connected to the filter. That worked. However I was pretty nervous about it due to gas fumes and the glowing red heating element even though it wasn't an open flame like from a torch. So is that how it's done or is there a better way?
Click to expand...
I know what your talking about, I ran into the same problem when I tried to remove a Factory installed Fuel Filter recently and it would not budge, even after trying to use a set of Small Vice Grips, The only way I could get the old Filter off was to use a Small Razor knife and Split the Hose on both sides at the ends of the filter, It was then that I notice that they used some sort of Lock Tite or Lubricant that they must use in order to get the Filter to slide into the Hose easier during assembly, the only problem is when this stuff hardens it make the removal of the Filter nearly impossible because it Welds the Plastic to the Rubber hose.
As for using a Heat Gun to warm up the Fuel Line, I would consider that a Risky move, especially if its done while still attached to the Fuel Tank, to be honest with you Fuel Line is Cheap, and I ended up with the Lines to Short after cutting so I purchased 2' of replacement Fuel Line at my locale Auto parts store for less then $4.00 and I still have enough left to do another job.


#36

R

Rabbit929

I’ve only replaced my fuel filter when it became a problem, which is once, at 600 hours 12 years ago. Every mower (3) since still has factory fuel filter.
if I decide I want to change it that’s the first thing I check, is if I can crack it loose. (Rotating method) if not, I hear from a distance with A map-gas torch. (Yes, I’m not smart.) obviouslyl keep your distance, and smell for fumes first. Have extinguisher ready.

im not suggesting anyone do this though 😂 but I’ve done it.
in most cases, after about 3 years I replace my fuel lines as well as filter. The only time I’ve had a plugged filter is because the ethanol ate my line up from the inside, so I have since flaired a short stainless 1/4in tube after my fuel filter, then use rubber up to that. So no rubber in my carbs.

my advice is if you can’t get it off the fuel line, just replace the line. Cheaper and better than having to buy another specialty tool you’ll use seldomly. It takes about 6 years for rubber to start to dry-rot. faster if you run ethanol. So I just replace the lot every 3-4 years. Never had a problem but I’m also not commercial anymore.

my biggest suggestion is to install a ball valve to shut your gas off when you park for winter. Let it run till it dies. I started doing that after my quad-carb motorcycles had issues every summer because of junk in the carbs, with staible/sea foam. The small quantities of fuel in the carb evaporate quickly and cause issues, 15 years I’ve been running all my small seasonal equipment empty and everything starts and runs as the day I parked it, original carbs on everything.
best thing I’ve ever done.


#37

H

Hal12

JDH12 said:
I just finished winterizing my X300. One of the items was replacing the fuel filter. Once the hose clips were slid back, it was still impossible to pull the hose from both ends of the filter. So I got out my heat gun and heated up the hoses where they connected to the filter. That worked. However I was pretty nervous about it due to gas fumes and the glowing red heating element even though it wasn't an open flame like from a torch. So is that how it's done or is there a better way?
Click to expand...
Slit the hose over the filters nipple. Pull off. And if you have enough slack left reinstall new filter. If not get new hoses.


#38

goodO1boydws

goodO1boydws

JDH12 said:
I just finished winterizing my X300. One of the items was replacing the fuel filter. Once the hose clips were slid back, it was still impossible to pull the hose from both ends of the filter. So I got out my heat gun and heated up the hoses where they connected to the filter. That worked. However I was pretty nervous about it due to gas fumes and the glowing red heating element even though it wasn't an open flame like from a torch. So is that how it's done or is there a better way?
Click to expand...
Others have said I'll paraphrase it.
If you use a HEAT GUN, around FUEL you'll likely be trading it for a harp at some point.

The easiest way is to avoid the hassle is to just put in a fuel hose that's inches longer than it needs to be to reach tautly and clip off the first 3/4" or so om the ends each time you switch filters. (Every few years isn't too often to change a fuel hose, either.)

In re. tools for the job:
There's a steel automotive DOOR PANEL TOOL with a screwdriver type handle that works for this-especially if you're not concerned about possibly damaging the filter. If you ARE worried, be sure to break the seal between the filter and hose before prying. You'll notice that it has different width slots so you can do a couple different diameter fuel lines or even file it to fit. Once you have this tool you'll easily find other uses for it- opening paint cans and prying off wheel covers are 2.

It looks like this:
www.ebay.com

Car Door Panel Remover Body Retainer Clip Auto Trim Upholstery Pry Hand Tool | eBay

Door Panel Remover Tool.
www.ebay.com


#39

R

RayMcD

bertsmobile1 said:
Actually box cutters are not all that good for cutting fuel line
Parrot nose tube cutters are by far the best tool to use
After that bypass secateurs come a close second
Click to expand...
Nothing like a good pair of pruning shears for cutting gas lines.. Cheers...


#40

R

RayMcD

RayMcD said:
Nothing like a good pair of pruning shears for cutting gas lines.. Cheers...
Click to expand...
Life must really be difficult for some folks.....


#41

Hammermechanicman

Hammermechanicman

I am surprised the government doesn't require a fire safety team be on hand to change a fuel filter. LOL.
As a contractor at Wright patterson AFB if i wanted to use a soldering iron i was supposed to inform base safety, cordon off a safe area with caution tape and have a fire extinguisher with me. I can't believe how long this thread is to get a hose off a filter. Never put that much thought i to something that usually takes 15 seconds.


#42

StarTech

StarTech

Hammermechanicman said:
I am surprised the government doesn't require a fire safety team be on hand to change a fuel filter. LOL.
As a contractor at Wright patterson AFB if i wanted to use a soldering iron i was supposed to inform base safety, cordon off a safe area with caution tape and have a fire extinguisher with me. I can't believe how long this thread is to get a hose off a filter. Never put that much thought i to something that usually takes 15 seconds.
Click to expand...
I surprise they didn't a fire truck with the hose ready. Boy talk about throwing common sense out the door.


#43

tosh

tosh

I've spent plenty of money on replacement fuel lines in recent years trying to find something flexible at low temps and most of all resistant to Ethanol. Most recently I've used TYGON tubing, which is a modified PVC of some kind. So far I've found it to be very good although it's expensive. Because it remains flexible and non hardening (at least so far) it's easier to install and remove from filters, carb and tank fittings etc. Available in several diameters and lengths on-line. I've bought in 10' lengths and used the stuff for about a year. Made in Canada!


#44

Smithsonite

Smithsonite

If you want line that lasts forever - and I mean FOREVER, with ethanol or regular gas, get Tygothane / Versilon (the name changed a few years back) formulation C-210-A. Thank me in 10 years when your lines are still soft and flexy.

I've tried the fluorescent-colored Tygon in the past. It sucked. Hard as a rock in 2 seasons.


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