Thread: Leaky Fuel Filter

Originally Posted by 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

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

Originally Posted by CanadianRyan

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.