Changing The Fuel Filter On A Detroit Series 60 Engine

The Detroit Diesel Series 60 was the most popular on-highway, heavy-duty diesel engine sold in the United States between 1989 and 2008. Hundreds of thousands of these engines are still in use, and they require regular maintenance, including periodic fuel filter changes. This guide will cover how to change the fuel filter on a Detroit Diesel Series 60 engine, including locating the fuel filters, removing and replacing the filters, and priming the engine.

Locate the primary and secondary fuel filters

The Detroit Diesel Series 60 engine was the most popular on-highway, heavy-duty diesel engine sold in the United States between 1989 and 2008. Depending on the model of the Series 60 engine, there will either be two spin-on fuel filters (primary and secondary) or one spin-on (primary) and one element cartridge (secondary).

The primary and secondary fuel filters are located on the engine. The primary filter has a 1" x 12 thread, while the secondary filter has a 13/16" x 12 thread. The word "Primary" or "Secondary" is cast onto the top of the respective adaptor. The fuel filter adaptors are attached to the block with two bolts each. Torque these bolts to 58-73 N·m (43-54 lb·ft).

The spin-on filter cartridges consist of a shell, element, and gasket combined into a unitized replacement assembly. No separate springs or seats are required to support the filters. An optional fuel filter and water separator assembly may be installed in place of the strainer.

To replace the fuel filters, first place a suitable container under the filter. If a fuel shutoff valve is installed, turn the handle to the closed position. Using a suitable band-type filter wrench, remove the primary and secondary fuel filters. Dispose of the filters according to state and federal (EPA) recommendations.

Loosen and remove the primary fuel filter

To loosen and remove the primary fuel filter on a Detroit Series 60 engine, follow these steps:

Place a suitable container, such as a bucket, under the primary fuel filter to catch any spills. This is important for preventing messes and disposing of the old fuel filter properly.

Get your filter wrench ready. You will need it to loosen the filter. Place the filter wrench over the primary fuel filter and turn it counterclockwise. Keep turning until the filter is loose enough that you can continue to turn it by hand.

Once the filter is loose, continue to turn it by hand and remove it from its housing. Place the old filter in the bucket that you have placed underneath to catch any spills.

Now that you have removed the primary fuel filter, it is important to prepare the new replacement filter. Fill the new filter with clean fuel oil and coat the gasket lightly with the same clean fuel oil. This will help create a tight seal and prevent leaks.

With your new filter ready, you can now install it. Thread the new filter onto the adaptor until it makes full contact with the gasket. You should not be able to move it from side to side. Then, rotate the new filter an additional half-turn by hand to secure it in place.

Finally, check for leaks. Start the engine and carefully inspect for any signs of fuel leaks around the new filter. If you notice any leaks, shut down the engine immediately and retighten the filter by hand.

By following these steps, you can safely and effectively loosen and remove the primary fuel filter on a Detroit Series 60 engine. Remember to dispose of the old filter properly and always be cautious when working with fuel.

Remove the secondary fuel filter

To remove the secondary fuel filter from a Detroit Series 60 engine, follow these steps:

First, locate the secondary fuel filter. It is part of an element type fuel filter system and is located on the right side of the engine. Place a bucket underneath the filter housing to catch any spilled diesel fuel.

Next, turn the drain valve to the open position to drain the diesel fuel. You will need to use a Davco filter wrench to loosen the black ribbed collar connecting the plastic filter bowl and the filter housing. Turn the wrench counterclockwise until the collar is loose enough to be removed by hand. Once the collar is removed, lift the plastic bowl and take out the filter cartridge, placing it in the bucket.

Now, you can install a new secondary fuel filter. If it is an element cartridge, push the element into the filter housing. Place the plastic bowl over the element and secure it with the collar, tightening it by hand.

Finally, locate the access plug at the top of the bowl and remove it. Pour diesel fuel into the bowl until it reaches the same height as the element. Screw the access plug back into the top of the bowl.

You have now successfully replaced the secondary fuel filter on a Detroit Series 60 engine.

Lubricate the primary fuel filter's rubber seal

To lubricate the primary fuel filter's rubber seal, you will need to apply a light coating of clean fuel or grease to the rubber seal. This will help to create a tight seal and prevent any leaks.

Firstly, make sure you have placed a suitable container under the filter to catch any spills or drips. Next, using a suitable band-type filter wrench, remove the primary fuel filter. Now, take your chosen lubricant—either clean fuel or grease—and apply a light coating to the rubber seal of the new filter.

Once the rubber seal is lightly coated, you can proceed to install the new primary fuel filter. Thread the new filter onto the adaptor until it makes full contact with the gasket and no side movement is evident. Then, rotate the filter an additional one-half turn by hand.

After the primary fuel filter is installed, you can move on to the secondary fuel filter and repeat the same process. If your secondary fuel filter is an element cartridge, simply push the element into the filter housing and secure it in place.

Finally, locate the primer pump on the primary filter housing. It will be a black rubber button, about 1 inch in diameter. Continuously push the pump up and down until it stops pumping. Your engine is now primed and ready to start.

Install the primary and secondary fuel filters

To install the primary and secondary fuel filters on a Detroit Series 60 engine, follow these steps:

First, ensure that you have the correct replacement filters. The primary filter has a 1-inch x 12 thread, while the secondary filter has a 13/16-inch x 12 thread. The adaptors for these filters are also different sizes to prevent mismatching.

Next, fill the new filters with clean fuel oil and coat the gaskets lightly with oil. Then, thread the new filters onto their respective adaptors until they make full contact with the gasket and no side movement is evident. Finally, rotate each filter an additional half-turn by hand to tighten them securely in place.

It is important to note that mechanical tightening of the fuel filters is not recommended, as it may result in seal or cartridge damage. Hand-tightening is the preferred method.

Additionally, if your engine has a fuel shutoff valve installed on the discharge side of the secondary fuel filter, ensure that it is in the open position (in line with the valve) after installing the new filters.

Now that the new primary and secondary fuel filters are installed, you can proceed to start the engine and check for any leaks. If the engine fails to start, you may need to prime the fuel system using a specialized tool, which can be done at authorized Detroit Diesel service outlets.

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