G'day.
As Yorkie stated, "why bother". I've had mine since new an I agree totally with your thinking. Seems a ridiculous location I know but as so many members have stated, no problems. I'd be more worried about the fuel lines rubbing through than the filter/location. My 04 does not have the water sensor but a white plastic drain plug. I carry 4 spares and have never needed one. And my thoughts on covering the filter with PVC pipe ect, the Defender has a factory cover available, but, because the TD5 heats the fuel up to and over 80 deg C, I feel that having the filter swinging in the breeze only adds to the cooling and that's a good thing. So in summary, focus your attention elsewhere!;)
Regards
Robbo

