Accidentally put fuel filter on for oil filter

[bronc076]

I'm typically very meticulous so this mistake annoys me for numerous reasons.

While performing my 50 hour service on my L4701 I put the fuel filter element on instead of/in place of the oil filter. Ran the engine for a couple minutes After changing oil and HST filter. Dash lights all functioned as expected.

I realized my mistake when I went to change the fuel filter. The filter I thought was the fuel filter would not screw on. I called the dealer thinking I had gotten the wrong filter but the clarified the purpose of each part number.

At that time I put the correct oil filter on and I need to buy a new fuel filter as that one was contaminated with engine oil.

The tractor appears to function fine. I'm sure the fuel filter is smaller micron. I'm wondering if i did any damage?

thanks!

Rob

 

[jimh406]

Probably not. I do wonder why the markings on the Kubota filters aren't more descriptive. But, at least I can't confuse my fuel filter for any of the other filters. It's a totally different type for my tractor. It doesn't help that the other filters are typically grey at first service.

 

[Fordtech86]

I'm wondering if i did any damage?

I doubt it…

Change the fuel filter and keep on tractoring.

me thinks the fuel filter may have a larger thread then the oil filter… it may have threaded on for the oil filter, but luckily it didn’t blow off.

 

[bronc076]

Probably not. I do wonder why the markings on the Kubota filters aren't more descriptive. But, at least I can't confuse my fuel filter for any of the other filters. It's a totally different type for my tractor. It doesn't help that the other filters are typically grey at first service.

Thanks for the positive encouragement, hope it is fine! Yes mine were all still painted from the factory.

 

[bronc076]

I doubt it…

Change the fuel filter and keep on tractoring.

me thinks the fuel filter may have a larger thread then the oil filter… it may have threaded on for the oil filter, but luckily it didn’t blow off.

Agree on the thread size. Fortunately I could not get the incorrect filter on the fuel system.

On a side note I was impressed with the build of the HST filter, nice machined aluminum. I've not seen a filter like that before. I understand the price now. I'll pick up a new fuel filter and be good for a while.

The dealer recommended I swap out the fuel filter more frequently than the service schedule 400 hour recommendation. They said they see a lot of fuel system issues and filters are cheaper than injectors. I'll probably follow their advice although I am good about watching my water separator and keeping my tank full to reduce condensation in the tank. I only put 20-30 hours a year on the tractor.

Thanks for the reply!

 

[Fordtech86]

Agree on the thread size. Fortunately I could not get the incorrect filter on the fuel system.

On a side note I was impressed with the build of the HST filter, nice machined aluminum. I've not seen a filter like that before. I understand the price now. I'll pick up a new fuel filter and be good for a while.

The dealer recommended I swap out the fuel filter more frequently than the service schedule 400 hour recommendation. They said they see a lot of fuel system issues and filters are cheaper than injectors. I'll probably follow their advice although I am good about watching my water separator and keeping my tank full to reduce condensation in the tank. I only put 20-30 hours a year on the tractor.

Thanks for the reply!

Probably not a bad idea. Common rail fuel systems do not tolerate water in the fuel, if it makes it into the high pressure side it will destroy the HP pump which then sends debris down line to injectors. The entire high pressure side then needs replaced and the low pressure side thoroughly cleaned (same thing happens if they get filled with gasoline instead of diesel).

Mines not common rail, but for me I just do a yearly oil and filter (air and fuel) change every spring.

 

[whitetiger]

I'm sure the fuel filter is smaller micron. I'm wondering if i did any damage?

You should be fine, the Kubota fuel filter on a common rail fuel system is 4 or 5 microns depending on the unit. I do not remember right off what the engine oil filter micron rating is.

 

[hodge]

New oil, very little to filter. I wouldn't fret over it.