D3 fuel filter unit change, and aquestion on wiring to the unit.

[vbrab]

Am OVER the dodgy fuel filter unit on my D3.
Either filters do not seal when replaced and leak, and then have to be replaced again (often will take a couple of filters before they lock up and stay dribble free).
Service people threw away the water alarm on the bottom years ago because they reckon they couldn't stop them leaking.
AND Have had the filters vibrate loose on corrugated roads. Which is a great deal of fun when you are 300k's from anywhere useful.

I'm looking to take out the current LR filter unit and replace it with a Delphi CAV HDF296/5836B100 unit, becaue it loooks like it could be mounted in similar area, or at least where I could get at it, but where it would be protected.
IF anybody knows a better option unit let me know, beacause I don't want to reinvent the wheel if somebody has done a changeover already on a D3.
Is there a better engineered unit perhaps on another model LR (say late model Defender), that might be adapted?

MY QUERY IS: Does it matter if I don't connect up the wiring that plugs on to the top of the current filter unit? (Not sure what that does in the scheme of things). Is there a system reset that can be done to sort it if there is a "problem" with not connecting the plug
Not worried about the wire for the water sensor, that was obsolete after they threw away the sensor.

[101RRS]

Well all I can say is that you have an operator/installer problem with the filter and water sensor.

If I can replace mine and regular intervals at home with no issues - anyone can. No leaks or sensor issues.

There is no design issue though where they have located the filter could have been better thought out. Remove old filter clean area - new gaskets - insert filter and twist - sensor needs to be screwed in finger tight then a little more - and more and the plastic will crack causing to leak - new sensor required $$$$$$$ cheaper to buy a whole kit that comes with a new housing, filter and sensor.

Oh - you have not said which filter you are talking about - filters from about late 06 are different (are a twist on canister) from the earlier filters with pipes at the top.

If yours is leaking there is an issue - fix that and all will be good - put the water sensor back.

garry

[Ean Austral]

You sound like you have a piece of old O-Ring stuck in the top of the housing where the filter locks into. Its not in a user friendly place and if something is lodged in either the part where the o-ring seals or in the bracket where the filter tabs lock into then the filter wont lock home. I have seen this sort of thing catch out many a good mechanic , even seen many expierenced engineers on our trawlers get caught by the same sort of thing.

Mine and am sure plenty of others have been over many corrugated roads with no issues at all. Before you start changing the wheel , maybe investigate you don't have a bent spoke first .

Cheers Ean

[vbrab]

Thanks to Garrycol and Ean for their insights, and I agree likely an "operator problem" fitting the original water sensor, and then throwing it away without asking me what I wanted.
I didn't have a problem fitting new filters before they tossed the sensor, and I have been caught out on the having the top section of the seal still stuck inside.
(A two piece seal.......why??)
I managed to get 1 filter fitted (out of 3), and no signs of leaks so headed to Darwin (350k's).
Kept checking (paranoid) for leaks on the way, no problem.
After 50k's about town I smelt the diesel and sure enough a bit of a drip showing.
By the time I am back in Katherine I am leaving a trail of diesel, and underneath is awash with it.
Have had this problem of leaks developing after an apparently secure filter is fitted and then will decide to start leaking after 100's of K's.
Have unplugged the wiring on top of the filter housing and the car still starts and no nasty messages, so looks like that won't present a problem if I cannot install it with whatever i replace the system with (if I do).
I agree that probably cheapest option is to buy a whole new filter housing with all the bits and re-fit. Cannot see any cracks, but it is just a flimsy plastic mounting so possible there is some problem I cannot detect.
Mine is a 2007 so I should have the later fitting filter (i'd hope).
I have to do a few runs to Alice springs and back over next month and don't want to be sitting out that way in a puddle of diesel.
Will keep at it, but am running out of filters.

Well all I can say is that you have an operator/installer problem with the filter and water sensor.

If I can replace mine and regular intervals at home with no issues - anyone can. No leaks or sensor issues.

There is no design issue though where they have located the filter could have been better thought out. Remove old filter clean area - new gaskets - insert filter and twist - sensor needs to be screwed in finger tight then a little more - and more and the plastic will crack causing to leak - new sensor required $$$$$$$ cheaper to buy a whole kit that comes with a new housing, filter and sensor.

Oh - you have not said which filter you are talking about - filters from about late 06 are different (are a twist on canister) from the earlier filters with pipes at the top.

If yours is leaking there is an issue - fix that and all will be good - put the water sensor back.

garry

[Ean Austral]

Do. You have the filter that has the 4 prongs ( for the want of a better word ) on top like the early 05 model or the smaller filter that fits in above the cross member and has the screw on drain on the bottom .

cheers Ean

[vbrab]

Do. You have the filter that has the 4 prongs ( for the want of a better word ) on top like the early 05 model or the smaller filter that fits in above the cross member and has the screw on drain on the bottom .

cheers Ean

I have the "later" type with the bottom sensor, and 3 "lugs" to lock in into the plastic upper holder. (There might be a problem with that plastic holder??)
Am trying to source best priced full unit at present as I have to get it sorted to head to Alice Springs (towing large trailer) by end of month, and I do NOT want to be leaking by the side of the road. (Not the vehicle anyway.)
I have found 1 seller ex UK (genuine part) at A$165, just waiting on a freight quote.
Thanks, Vernon

[Ean Austral]

Have you removed the housing and tried to see what is stopping it seating home. From memory there are only 3 bolts holding it in . You will need to do that if you replace it so worth a closer look.
I am looking at fitting a bigger water trap filter , behind the fuel cooler is a bracket which I was going to mount it from but work commitments have slowed progress on it .

cheers Ean

[LRD414]

I'm bumping Vernon's thread after moving it here, the main D3/D4 section, just in case someone else has some insight.

Regards,
Scott