Thread: Dirty Diesel? / Best Second Filter for Puma Defender?

I’ve emptied the old Lucas water trap plenty of times of water and particles. But my old 110 doesn’t have a fuel cooler.

I stupidly replaced the water trap with a Racor filter/water trap. The Racor picked up more water and more junk. I didn’t realise the Racor filter was 2 micron, so blocked and stopped the car.

I went back to the original Lucas part as a good primary filter. I will refit the Racor in the engine bay, post water separator, as a good filter. Any year now. Don’t drive the 110 much any more so not a big priority.

Originally Posted by goingbush

That said Ive never had any water in the fuel of any of my 4x4's , in 35 years ,( not even the one I submerged ). Regular filter changing will deal with any water that condenses in your tank.

Originally Posted by DazzaTD5

This statement x 2

Those statements minus 1
In my case I believe the damage was done from one tank fill, although this is the first time, I'd had any problems.

A write up of my experience - Lime Milkshake.

I check/drain my filters every 4-5 tanks and I always get more water out of the secondary filter than the primary, often I get none out of the primary, I put it down to the bowl trapping the water away from the filter element so it doesn't get sucked back up into the flow. Others may have a more proven explanation.

The diesel care option isn't the most cost effective, but it's got all the bits needed and I fitted it to my MY12 Puma in about 1 1/2 hours.


Cheers Glen

Originally Posted by Dorian

Originally Posted by goingbush

That said Ive never had any water in the fuel of any of my 4x4's , in 35 years ,( not even the one I submerged ). Regular filter changing will deal with any water that condenses in your tank.



Those statements minus 1
In my case I believe the damage was done from one tank fill, although this is the first time, I'd had any problems.

A write up of my experience - Lime Milkshake.

I check/drain my filters every 4-5 tanks and I always get more water out of the secondary filter than the primary, often I get none out of the primary, I put it down to the bowl trapping the water away from the filter element so it doesn't get sucked back up into the flow. Others may have a more proven explanation.

The diesel care option isn't the most cost effective, but it's got all the bits needed and I fitted it to my MY12 Puma in about 1 1/2 hours.


Cheers Glen

Yes but it’s a known issue on Pumas with the breather needing modification from what I recall

Originally Posted by djam1

Yes but it’s a known issue on Pumas with the breather needing modification from what I recall

I had addressed the breather issue prior to the water incident (or MR Auto had). The water got in either from the fuel or from filling the tank. It was ****ing down at the time so could have been the later.
I check the filters for water every 4 or 5 tanks (yes, I'm paranoid ) and always get something out, it's usually only a small amount (say 1/4 or less of a teaspoon- probably less) so assume it's from condensation inside the tank.

Point is, IMHO the primary filter does nothing to remove the water as since my incidence, the primary filter has hardly ever dropped any water, where as the secondary has always given up a small amount.

Cheers Glen

Hi Glen,
After I installed the fuel filter, I think (I am not sure) the engine is a lot quieter.
Have you experienced the same? Is it possible as all?

My engine used to make the typical tdci sound. like a pair of acrylic dentures rattling again each other, dadadadada
I can easily hear a tdci in a bt50 or ranger transit

But now that sound is gone...But sure what is the case....

Originally Posted by Dorian

I had addressed the breather issue prior to the water incident (or MR Auto had). The water got in either from the fuel or from filling the tank. It was ****ing down at the time so could have been the later.
I check the filters for water every 4 or 5 tanks (yes, I'm paranoid ) and always get something out, it's usually only a small amount (say 1/4 or less of a teaspoon- probably less) so assume it's from condensation inside the tank.

Point is, IMHO the primary filter does nothing to remove the water as since my incidence, the primary filter has hardly ever dropped any water, where as the secondary has always given up a small amount.

Cheers Glen

Originally Posted by martnH

Hi Glen,
After I installed the fuel filter, I think (I am not sure) the engine is a lot quieter.
Have you experienced the same? Is it possible as all?

My engine used to make the typical tdci sound. like a pair of acrylic dentures rattling again each other, dadadadada
I can easily hear a tdci in a bt50 or ranger transit

But now that sound is gone...But sure what is the case....

Hi Martin,
I think that it runs better, my recollection is that it used have "rattly" episodes every so often and the exhaust smoke would be greyish instead of black. I don't get that anymore.
However to be fair, the filter went on straight after I had the fuel system replaced (both pumps, injectors and the pressure control valve/s), so it went from shockingly bad to pretty keen. I suspect that my fuel system had been on the downward slope before hand and the water was the push over the edge so to speak.
So while I think the filter has made things better, I wouldn't be betting my left leg on it.

Cheers Glen

All you need to get water in your car tank is have the servo running low on diesel in the underground tank.

I've had the water alarm go off a few times in a Patrol from farm fuel, and that was just condensation buildup in the farm tank.

I've seen plenty of vehicles stop due to water after filling up from dodgy servos.