I had to remove the banjo bolt on fuel filter housing outlet (leading to the IP), and even though I had two rags stuffed tightly in the space around and below the fuel filter, enough fuel came out to fully soak those rags...

Is there a way to relief pressure in the fuel system before opening it up to avoid this mess? Would it be better to unscrew the fuel filter first maybe?

Another question: I am planning to hook up a gauge at the fuel filter housing outlet, and the gauge uses NPT fittings... Do those seal ok on their own, or if not, should I use teflon tape or some kind of a sealant on those brass fittings?

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84 300SD - bought in April '06 with 237,000 mi

There is no pressure when the engine isn't running. You probably drained the system of fuel higher than the service point. This usually happens when the fuel tank is full.

Sixto
87 300D

The hole you need to install the NPT fitting in needs to be Pipe Taped and you can use Pipe/Teflon Taped but it is not recommended.
Because, this is one of the areas you need to be careful. If a piece of the Pipe/Teflon Tape breaks off it is going to go directly into the Fuel Injection Pump and there is noting to filter it out.

If you plan to drill and tape the outlet Banjo Bolt for the NPT fitting I recommend degreasing the Banjo Bolt and Fitting with brake cleaner and assembling the Fitting to the Banjo Bolt with Loctite; or another liquid sealant. That way there is no issues with the Tape.

If for some reason you have to use the Teflon Taped The procedure use to be to make sure you did not wrap the Tape over the first 2-3 full Threads of the end of the Fitting. But, that depends on the fit.

In this case you will be able to tell how far back to use the Teflon Tape if you screw the Fitting in without the Tape and can see how many Threads stick out after that.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

you need to be sure the front of the vehicle is higher than the rear... otherwise, it'll just continue to drain the tank...
you could also use a pair of hose pinch pliers to pinch the fuel hoses that feed the lift pump, and the filter outlet/return.

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
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My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!