John Deere 85G – 500 Hour Service Interval Tasks Part 4

In the third post of this series, we completed servicing the engine of the 85G Excavator. Check out our previous post about changing the engine air filters if you want to catch up. 

In this post, you’ll learn how to replace the fuel and water separator filters as part of the 500-hour service interval.

Do you prefer to see a video tutorial instead?

Need to save time? The following table shows every filter you need for the complete 500-hour service interval:

Open up the compartment on the right side of the excavator.

There are always leaks when changing the fuel and water separator filters. Put a paper towel or any other absorbent cloth below them to protect other components and minimize the clean-up after completing the job.

You can use filter straps or pliers in this case. Grab the filter at the top with the pliers and unscrew it, turning clockwise.

Before taking the filter out, slip up a plastic bag on it to catch fuel dripping.

Make sure the new filter has its two seals before installing it. No need for pliers now. Tighten up the filter by hand.

Start by disconnecting the water and fuel sensor connector harness.

Turn off the shutoff valve (by putting up the lever) to prevent fuel from getting inside the separator.

Open the drain at the bottom of the separator to drain the fuel. Collect it with any plastic reservoir you find.

Gently use the filter pliers to unscrew the water and fuel separator bowl — the bowl is made of plastic and will break if you apply too much pressure with the pliers.

When the red ring in the bowl floats, it indicates water in the fuel. We recommend draining the water in the bowl daily.

Remove the old filter and put it inside a plastic container to catch the fuel dripping.

Clean up the sediments at the bottom of the bowl.

Replace the top and bottom o-rings seals if needed.

Pop the new filter in its canister and reinstall the plastic bowl — hand-tight.

Ensure the drain is tight, connect the water fuel sensor, and turn the shutoff valve on.

Prime the fuel system by turning the ignition on for about 30 seconds (don’t start the engine). Turn the ignition off, and crank the engine for 15 seconds. If it doesn’t start, repeat the first step.

In part 5, we’ll show you how to change the cabin air filter of the John Deere 85G Excavator.