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Soaked in Diesel Fuel!

Installed the new Nicktane/Cat fuel filter system on the new truck. Straightforward and easy installation, and on a whole a well thought out and designed system (though I did have reservations about using the rubber fuel line and supplied nylon fuel fittings). Given a choice I would have rather cut the factory fuel line in the middle and spliced in new line, but the factory fuel line didn't lend itself to this.

I tried to pre-think and analyze every aspect of the installation before hand. Installation of bracket required drilling 3 holes in the bed rails outside the trucks frame. Bolts had to be placed in the holes from inside the bed rails, which was easily done using a piece of close hanger and making a homemade tool I've been using for years.

But as with everything one lapse in judgement, or forgetting a step can have drastic results. In this case forgetting to remove the tanks filler cap. Thank god I started with a full tank or it might have been worse. Being 102 degrees outside didn't help. Using the suggested Lisle AC/Fuel Line Disconnect Tool Set I bought from Sears for $10 (while it wasn't perfect, it was probably the only way to remove the fuel line without buying a factory tool) I removed the end of the fuel line at the cooler.

It was like having the end of a fire hose, and somebody suddenly turning on the hydrant! Thumb pressure over the end of the hose would halt the flow. But there I was under the truck and nobody else within shouting distance, or even at home (kind of like having your finger stuck in the dike). <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

After some pause, and trying to figure out how to get out of this mess, I stuck the end of the fuel line up between the back of the cab, and the bed of the truck (high enough to equalize the pressure) shutting off the flow. Then getting out from under the truck (drenched in diesel) to remove the cap. Probably didn't loose more than a quart of fuel all on my clothes, but sure made the rest of the installation miserable, and I could smell and taste diesel for days afterwards. After removing the cap there was no problem.

Pre filling the filter with fuel kept me from having to bleed the system, truck started right up and didn't even hick-up. Put in the given amount of Primrose 405C and the fuel system is done. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Stupid Mistakes! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />


Phil

Phil,

I got a little diesel on me as well when I installed my Nicktane and lift pump--this was the secons lift pump nd secondary fuel filter I had installed. I too would prefer braided hose, but the the diesel compatible rubber seems to be fine.

I wouldn't have had any qualms about cutting the factory line, had I fittings available to put in 2-90 degree fittings routing new line to the filter. And somewhere in a box I haven't seen in 4 years or so (since moving into the house) I have new stainless braided fuel line and a whole [bleep]-pile of miscellaneous fittings for plastic tube type fuel line. It was those nylon quick connectors that has me worried. But as you say, everything seems to be holding up fine. And there's no leaks.

Phil

Nick's nylon connectors work great. When you find your braided, make sure it is diesel compatible. The first install I did I didn't use diesel compatible hose and it didn't last.

My system is set up so the line goes from the tank to the lift pump to the filter than into the line above the fuel cooler. It is a very clean install, though making my lift pump mount was a pain.