Leaky Fuel Filter

[101RRS]

For quite a while now I have been getting the occasional drip from my fuel filter - it runs across the cross member and occasionally the drips onto the ground but only after the car has been running and does not continue dripping when the car is parked up.

Now it is most likely the water sensor and I know all about these having broken my last one when I last changed the fuel filter and having to pay $250 for a new one - late Friday afternoon and needing the car.

However I have heard that the housing that the fuel filter twists up into can develop a crack and also leak.

This week I will changing the fuel filter and while it is out I want to take a close look at the housing to see if it has cracks.

Can anyone tell me what I should specifically be looking for and where on the housing?

Thanks

Garry

[CanadianRyan]

For quite a while now I have been getting the occasional drip from my fuel filter - it runs across the cross member and occasionally the drips onto the ground but only after the car has been running and does not continue dripping when the car is parked up.

Now it is most likely the water sensor and I know all about these having broken my last one when I last changed the fuel filter and having to pay $250 for a new one - late Friday afternoon and needing the car.

However I have heard that the housing that the fuel filter twists up into can develop a crack and also leak.

This week I will changing the fuel filter and while it is out I want to take a close look at the housing to see if it has cracks.

Can anyone tell me what I should specifically be looking for and where on the housing?

Thanks

Garry

Interestingly, I was at my LR garage last week buying filters and got to chatting about fuel filters. He said they recently had a batch of aftermarket ones which developed leaks. Apparently the shape of the profile isn't quite right, and now they have a whole box of them to go in the bin. Not sure if this is your issue, but he recommended using only the genuine LR fuel filter to prevent this issue.

[Odysseyman]

I also had a leak after a service where my Indy did use a genuine filter.
They removed the filter again and thoroughly inspected it for any cracks or damage. There were none!
However we (I became involved at the workshop) suspected the sensor had possibly been overtightened resulting in a distorted O-ring. I took the old O-ring to Bearing Wholesalers and they were able to supply exactly the correct size and quality (I can’t remember the name of the type used for diesel fuel systems). We fitted the new o ring to the sensor and have not had a problem since. I now carry a supply of O-rings for future use. It seems that Land Rover no longer supply the sensor O-ring with new filters.
It is important to not overtighten the water sensor when refitting the filter.
I hope this helps.
cheers,
David

[101RRS]

I do you use aftermarket but always the same brand and not had a previous issue - but it had crossed my mind.

If I do find the sensor ok and no obvious cracks in the housing then I will have to look closer at this aspect.

Thanks

Garry

[Eric SDV6SE]

R
I also had a leak after a service where my Indy did use a genuine filter.
They removed the filter again and thoroughly inspected it for any cracks or damage. There were none!
However we (I became involved at the workshop) suspected the sensor had possibly been overtightened resulting in a distorted O-ring. I took the old O-ring to Bearing Wholesalers and they were able to supply exactly the correct size and quality (I can’t remember the name of the type used for diesel fuel systems). We fitted the new o ring to the sensor and have not had a problem since. I now carry a supply of O-rings for future use. It seems that Land Rover no longer supply the sensor O-ring with new filters.
It is important to not overtighten the water sensor when refitting the filter.
I hope this helps.
cheers,
David

I use the Aftermarket Britpart fuel filters from Rimmer Bros UK, never had an issue, follow the fit up guidelines in the box.

i believe diesel fuel suitable o rings are made from viton rubber

[TFromT]

Have seen this crack form at the underside corner where the inlet tube first joins the top of the housing mould. It's pretty hard to see without the fuel tank out. But, if you are getting dripping then that sounds like a lot and you will probably get a feel for where it is coming from once you get the front facing shield off.

[Ean Austral]

Just remove the water sensor and fit a plastic tap that usually get supplied with a new filter. Worse case fit a short bolt , think the are M6 from memory.
but don't take that size as the gospel

I have helped 3 or 4 D3 owners who have leaking fuel filters from the water sensor with the plastic drain that usually comes in the box with a new filter.

Cheers Ean

[101RRS]

Thanks for those comments - yep familiar with the sensor cracking and leaking and know what to look for there, but when I take out the filter in an hour or so I want to confirm I do not have a crack in the housing.

Cheers

Garry

[101RRS]

Ok job done - no sign of leakage from the top but lots from the bottom. In my desire not top break that $250 water sensor like I did with the last one I did not tighten it enough and it was simply leading.

Now a point was made about inconsistent aftermarket fuel filters. My local spare parts shop carries Cooper brand and that is what I have been using for a while with no issue.

I have a Cooper on it now BUT the protrusion on the bottom of the filter seems a bit longer that in the past - so much so that the big O ring that goes in the water drain does not seal against the bottom of the filter. My solution was to use the seal that is used if you use the spare plastic plug that comes with the filter and you do not use the water drain or water sensor.

As a result I still have a water sensing capability but as the bottom of the fuel filter is now sealed off I am unable to drain the filter without taking the whole assembly out. Not such an issue.

New Cooper filter in and no apparent leaks but in future I think genuine fuel filters only. I have replaced about 5 filters in the time I have had my car and I still cannot believe what a crappy location and what a crappy design.

Garry

[Odysseyman]

R[QUOTE=101RRS;2909641]Ok job done - no sign of leakage from the top but lots from the bottom. In my desire not top break that $250 water sensor like I did with the last one I did not tighten it enough and it was simply leading.

Yes, it seems there’s a happy medium with the tightening. Not tight enough and it leaks or overtightening and it leaks or breaks. Overtightening is what distorted the O ring and made it leak in my case.
Good that you found it, and no cracks!

cheers
David

[vbrab]

Ok job done - no sign of leakage from the top but lots from the bottom. In my desire not top break that $250 water sensor like I did with the last one I did not tighten it enough and it was simply leading.

Now a point was made about inconsistent aftermarket fuel filters. My local spare parts shop carries Cooper brand and that is what I have been using for a while with no issue.

I have a Cooper on it now BUT the protrusion on the bottom of the filter seems a bit longer that in the past - so much so that the big O ring that goes in the water drain does not seal against the bottom of the filter. My solution was to use the seal that is used if you use the spare plastic plug that comes with the filter and you do not use the water drain or water sensor.

As a result I still have a water sensing capability but as the bottom of the fuel filter is now sealed off I am unable to drain the filter without taking the whole assembly out. Not such an issue.

New Cooper filter in and no apparent leaks but in future I think genuine fuel filters only. I have replaced about 5 filters in the time I have had my car and I still cannot believe what a crappy location and what a crappy design.

Garry


I'm with you on the crappy location and design of the fuel filter. Utterly ridiculous place and fitment.
Why they went away from a threaded 'screw on" filter to something that appears to be a "friction fit" relying on 3 lugs to keep it in place, is beyond reason.

My service bloke was evidently having trouble fitting new fuel filter and stopping it leaking afterwards at the water sensor, so he just threw the water sensor away (didn't ask me) and put a bung in it.
Therafter, whenever I went to change the filter I had this problem of getting something to seal the bottom from leaking.
Found putting small O ring inside a the larger O ring on bung fitted nicely on that bottom bung bolt, and that did stop it.
ALSO. Whenever on corrugated roads, the fuel filter would vibrate loose and I would have a vehicle leaking diesel all over.
Have had filter shake loose on remote Pilbara road and it took all my reserve 100 litres to get home as it bathed all underside of vehicle leaking fuel. Leaking from top, would not tighten.

I now carry 2 spare fuel filters and a COMPLETE fuel filter assembly including mounting plate and new filter.
Next service they can fit the new item and leave the water sensor in place.
vbrab

[vbrab]

For quite a while now I have been getting the occasional drip from my fuel filter - it runs across the cross member and occasionally the drips onto the ground but only after the car has been running and does not continue dripping when the car is parked up.

Now it is most likely the water sensor and I know all about these having broken my last one when I last changed the fuel filter and having to pay $250 for a new one - late Friday afternoon and needing the car.

However I have heard that the housing that the fuel filter twists up into can develop a crack and also leak.

This week I will changing the fuel filter and while it is out I want to take a close look at the housing to see if it has cracks.

Can anyone tell me what I should specifically be looking for and where on the housing?

Thanks

Garry
Apologies, I forgot to mention, once you have the filter off, get a bright light and shine up inside where filter centre fits on to housing.
Run a seal pick or similar fine tool inside where the filter seal usually sits.
Sometimes the old O ring (part of filter where it fits on to centre of mounting pipe plate) can stay stuck up inside.
Very hard to see, and will give you a leak if you don't see it.
vbrab

[vbrab]

Interestingly, I was at my LR garage last week buying filters and got to chatting about fuel filters. He said they recently had a batch of aftermarket ones which developed leaks. Apparently the shape of the profile isn't quite right, and now they have a whole box of them to go in the bin. Not sure if this is your issue, but he recommended using only the genuine LR fuel filter to prevent this issue.


RE aftermarket fuel filters
I have found that some after market filters do leak and appear impossible to seal.
The ones that leaked worst were the house brand filters I sourced from British Parts UK,... could not get them to seal. (Branded "British Parts", but not to be confused with "Brit Parts")
Have also had them vibrate off on corrugated roads. !@#$%!!
Have just checked my spares of fuel filters and although the box is labelled "British Parts component", the contents are now "Ralux" filters and the bottom appears to have been re-designed from what British parts were sending previously. (I hope these work when I need them).

Genuine do appear to stay sealed once fitted.