Fuel Filter cannister just fell off after I removed the top bolt!

Fixing a hose leak by preheater

Went to remove fuel filter, unscrewed the top bolt and boom, the whole
filter/cannister just fell down!
Was just replaced by my mechanic.

And the fuel I drained is completely red--he told me ATF makes diesel
engines very happy, and I can understand that it was probably more
readily available than diesel fuel to fill the filter cannister.

I only drove about 3 miles since the filter change, but shouldn't the
ATF have mixed with the diesel fuel?

 

On 97-99 thats the way they work, the center nut is all that retains the cannister.

When you put it back, make sure you "clock" the cannister correctly, there is a tab towards the front that fits in a slot on the base.

3 miles isn't enough to remove all traces of red, you probably had a mix still in there.

BTW, ATF is a no-no in mine, but to each his own.

 

Right ATF is bad ju-ju. It has friction modifiers to help surfaces to grip.
That's not something you want in a fuel system.

 

Thanks,
I'll get rid of the ATF and fill with diesel...
and thanks for the tip about how to line up the filter cannister,

saved me another post