Fuel Filter Bolt Broke

[maxse]

Has this happened to anyone else? One of the 3 bolts snapped as I was torquing it down. The other two are in and holding the assembly in place. There are no visible leaks after letting the engine run for 5 minutes.

The bolts are not sold separately of course.

Is it safe to run like this as there are no leaks and it’s just 1 of the 3 bolts?

 

[Bt Doctur]

If there is no specific reason for the thin center, replace with a normal bolt.
What value did you torque it to?

 

[maxse]

If there is no specific reason for the thin center, replace with a normal bolt.

This would be possible only if I drilled out the plastic on the canister. It’s like that to prevent losing the screw.

 

[Ididntdoit]

ive got a spare if you need it - im in western ma - can you get the broken bolt out of the housing?

 

[maxse]

I think I should be able to get it out. I was able to find one on eBay in eastern MA I will see if I can get it tomorrow if not I will definitely take you up on the offer and happily pay you for it. Like I said no leaks but I would feel much more comfortable with it on 100%

 

[maxse]

The bolt is right below the surface so I think I will have to replace the entire fuel module. Has anyone tackled this before?

 

[Ididntdoit]

if the module is already updated, i would attempt to save it - if not, just buy the new style bare housing and transfer your pumps and stuff over

 

[maxse]

I’m going to pull the alternator and belt so I can get at it to try an extract it with a bolt extraction bit

 

[maxse]

I may have to wait for the new fuel module. Can anyone recommend a permanent sealant that I could apply around the base of the oil filter cover so I can run the boat?

It is not leaking with just 2/3 bolts but would prefer to be safe.

 

[ZZ13]

I may have to wait for the new fuel module. Can anyone recommend a permanent sealant that I could apply around the base of the oil filter cover so I can run the boat?

It is not leaking with just 2/3 bolts but would prefer to be safe.

I've dealt with this several times. For a temporary fix we clamped it down with a big enough C clamp to span the top to bottom of the unit. We aligned the clamp over the broken bolt hole.

 

[maxse]

I had the service team replace the cool fuel module entirely and the new filter. Now I have a leak - seems like from the fuel pump gasket. Everything is tightened down I’m wondering if something cracked...

 

[scoflaw]

Don't look new

 

[Ididntdoit]

there is an o-ring seal on the cover that fits in a groove, a special o-ring on the fuel line coming out and 2 o-rings on the regulator - are you sure its fuel? A leaking valve cover gasket or careless oil change/check/fill could easily drip oil there....

 

[maxse]

there is an o-ring seal on the cover that fits in a groove, a special o-ring on the fuel line coming out and 2 o-rings on the regulator - are you sure its fuel? A leaking valve cover gasket or careless oil change/check/fill could easily drip oil there....

They replaced the cool fuel module not the pump FYI. It is 100% fuel you can smell it before even opening the bilge hatch...I guess either they didn’t put back the o-ring or it needs to be replaced. Pretty bad they didn’t check for leaks before telling me the job was done.

 

[techmitch]

They replaced the cool fuel module not the pump FYI. It is 100% fuel you can smell it before even opening the bilge hatch...I guess either they didn’t put back the o-ring or it needs to be replaced. Pretty bad they didn’t check for leaks before telling me the job was done.

Especially with a fuel issue. Please be careful.