Thread: Leaky Fuel Filter

Originally Posted by 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

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.

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 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

R

Originally Posted by 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

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

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.

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

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

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