Help, fuel filter leaking.

NEW911SC2 · 07-24-2005, 01:00 PM

Hello all. I just finished changing out the filter and now it's leaking from the bottom (inlet side) of the filter. I tried tightening and then loosening and then re-tightening with no luck. Any tips? Initially when I installed it, I had removed the filter and the accumulator together. And then I installed the filter out of the car. When it began leaking, I tried to fix the problem without taking everything out again. Can I use Teflon tape? Or is this a no-no with gasoline? Thanks for any and all info.

HarryD · 08:15 PM

Where is the leak coming from: between the adapter fitting and the filter canister or between the hose (or hard line) and the adapter? THe seal betweent he filter and the adapter requires a crush wahser that you need two wrencehs to properly tighten. The other end is has no such washer but requires a very clean surface with no scores on the mating surfaces.

Below is a picture of my '73 with a later filter, to help you see the two points:

The filter on the left should look like yours. The top has a stock adapter while the bottom has a custom made adapter to allow me to attach a hose to fit my car.

TerryH · TerryH's Garage

If this filter says "Italy", toss it and get a better one from our host. Some had unfinished threads that won't seal.

NEW911SC2 · 07-24-2005, 09:23 PM

Hello Terryh and HarryD,
Terry the filter is from Pelican. I don't think that it says Italy on it. I'll check anyway. I did take it apart again and I looked at the internal threads and they seem to be ok.
Harry, from what I can tell, the leak is is between the adapter and the hardline connection. Initially there was no leak at idle. I had my wife hold the acceleartor down for a few and then the leak began. How tight is does this connection need to be? I can really tighten the crap out of it but I don't want to bust or strip anything.
Right now I have the filter installed and the hard line is hand tightened. Should I pull the whole thing out again (hard line and accumulator) in order to get better leverage when tightening? Or should I tighten it installed? What do you suggest? Thanks for the help.

pa911 · 09:36 PM

Do you have the copper color washer on there? some I believe also have an O-ring.

bigchillcar · bigchillcar's Garage

i've had this problem almost every time i change mine..i use teflon tape and it must help because eventually i get the leak stopped.
ryan

HarryD · 07-24-2005, 10:59 PM

Be sure both mating surfaces on the hose end and the adapter are clean and smooth. You will need to tighten it a bit more than hand tight but if you overtighen, it can deform and leak. A turn of teflon tape on the threads would not hurt.

Give it a slight turn with a wrench. Be sure to use two wrenches (one to hold the adapter and one for the hose fitting).

NEW911SC2 · 07-25-2005, 06:41 AM

Ok on the tightening. Yes I have been using two wrenches. I will give the Teflon tape a shot hopfully that will do the trick. Thanks all.

911FL · 07-25-2005, 06:47 AM

Had this problem as well with the Italian filter from PP. An excessive amount of torque using two wrenches and I haven't had any more leaks. I don't believe these filters should be so difficult to get a seal on unless there is a manufacturing defect on some...

NEW911SC2 · 07-25-2005, 06:53 AM

Do you know where on the filter it would indicate "italy"? I thought the PP filters were German. Learned something new. Thanks.

ryanmt · 07-25-2005, 07:05 AM

I had the same problem a couple of months ago. I had a leak from the hard line. I tightened it as hard as was physically possible and it was a drop every 5 minutes. About a week later when I got the new filter I inspected it and it was not leaking. I didn't use any dop or teflon tape. Someone suggested putting oil on the treads before tighening.

911FL · 07-25-2005, 07:17 AM

Can't remember where on the flter it said Made in Italy but I recall seeing it and thought it was somewhat odd.

NEW911SC2 · 07-25-2005, 08:38 AM

911FL I'll take a look for it on the filter. Thanks.

Ryanmt, the idea of oil on the threads may help to seal it. Although I'm not sure. I do know that when I initially connected the line, that I had completely cleaned off the threads, so they were dry. Thanks.

Jim Sims · 07-25-2005, 09:33 AM

These filters do not seal on the threads; they seal on metal to metal mating surfaces (sometimes with metal "crush" washers). Adding tape or compound to the threads will not help with leaking. If the metal surfaces are scored or otherwise damaged they can leak. If the surfaces are damaged one could coat the surfaces lightly with a compound such as Curil-T then retighten. If still leaking, then new filters/fittings (or knowledable polishing of damaged sealing surfaces) are in order. Jim

HarryD · 07-25-2005, 05:50 PM

Jim,

As usual, you are correct about the mating surfaces. As I believe you know, teflon tape does not seal anything, it just lubricates the threads to permit you to tighten something a bit more and hence get a good seal on the sealing surfaces.

bigchillcar · bigchillcar's Garage

Quote:

teflon tape does not seal anything, it just lubricates the threads to permit you to tighten something a bit more and hence get a good seal on the sealing surfaces.

interesting..guess that explains how teflon tape stopped my leaks.
ryan

Jim Sims · 07-25-2005, 07:09 PM

If one wants to reduce thread friction grease would be easier to apply and will not jam the threads like Teflon tape can if too much is applied. Cheers, Jim

Noney · 07-28-2005, 12:47 PM

I just got burned by the Italian filters, too (is this some kind of Ferrari conspiracy??). Mine was leaking at the junction between the coupling and the filter, through what looks like a paper washer. Thinking I just had a defective part, I purchased another one (also Made In Italy), and it too was leaking at the coupling junction.
HIGHLY pi$$ed off, I purchased filter #3 (this time a German one), and Voila!, no leaks.....

Gavin English · 08-09-2005, 04:39 PM

I have the exact same problem with my fuel filter. I just replaced and like yours it is also leaking between the filter and the adapter. I noticed my metal washer wasn't in the best of shape. (scored and a little beat up) Does anyone know where I can buy a new one of these brass crush washers? Does PP stock these? Can I just go to the local Auto Parts store for one?

Thanks,
Gavin