Leaking fuel filter

skrizan · #1 02-08-2009, 03:13 PM

1995 s10 2.2 235,000 miles

Change fuel filter today and it had a slow leak on the 'out' side of the filter. I tried to tighten it a little more, but it didn't seem to help. It is very slow, if I dry it off I can see it slowly spread up the line, but no drip forms. Will it seal itself on its own eventually? If not, any ideas how to fix it? I believe it is a compression fit, no o-ring or anything.

rhandwor · #2 02-08-2009, 04:35 PM

I would take apart this end and clean both the filter end and thread fitting. Then I would put it back together. I think this filter has thread fittings on both ends. The filter also may be slightly deformed. I don't think it will stop on its own. My filter I use a 20mm and a 16mm or 5/8 line wrench for the final tightning.

j cAT · #3 02-08-2009, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rhandwor

I would take apart this end and clean both the filter end and thread fitting. Then I would put it back together. I think this filter has thread fittings on both ends. The filter also may be slightly deformed. I don't think it will stop on its own. My filter I use a 20mm and a 16mm or 5/8 line wrench for the final tightning.

the filter is defective or dirt may be interfering with the seal...
since it did not leak prior to replacing,,, the filter is the only difference ..

secure the fitting as you normally do and do not over tighten..

Godofwarmike · #4 02-09-2009, 02:52 AM

not sure if it would work or not but you could try to use some plumping tape like they use on threads. Could pick some up at any hardware store cheap.

old_master · #5 02-09-2009, 02:41 PM

There's a fuel rated O ring on each end of the filter. The O ring fits over the steel line before installing the filter. That is what makes the seal, over tightening or thread tape will do nothing to stop the leak. Make sure neither one of the O rings are deformed before installing the filter. Use a dab of anti sieze on the threads, (to help with replacement next time).

skrizan · #6 02-10-2009, 08:44 AM

I plan to take it apart again this weekend, It is more of a vapor leak currently, not even a drip, just wet threads and a the line is wet for about an inch, so no big deal to wait for the weekend and replace the oring.

Thanks,

j cAT · #7 02-10-2009, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by old_master

There's a fuel rated O ring on each end of the filter. The O ring fits over the steel line before installing the filter. That is what makes the seal, over tightening or thread tape will do nothing to stop the leak. Make sure neither one of the O rings are deformed before installing the filter. Use a dab of anti sieze on the threads, (to help with replacement next time).

I don't believe that this has an O ring....its just a compreesion fitting....the quick disconnect type like my impala has an O ring..this you would place a drop of oil on before connecting the filter...

the silverado has I believe the same filter set up just compression fittings no rubber..they do rust up...and this may interfered with the sealing...

the 94 s10 has the same type as the silverdo..I could be wrong as I never seen a 95...

old_master · #8 02-10-2009, 10:08 PM

Here's a link to the fuel filter: http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/pro...Type=4&PTSet=A

Here's a link to the "O" rings: http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/pro...goryCode=3120B

Here's a link to the fuel line repair kit, it even comes with a new "O" ring: http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/pro...tNumber=800153

The compression fitting is used on the existing steel fuel line in the vehicle. A small dab of oil on the "O" ring isn't a bad idea, but not mandatory.

j cAT · #9 02-11-2009, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by old_master

Here's a link to the fuel filter: http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/pro...Type=4&PTSet=A

Here's a link to the "O" rings: http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/pro...goryCode=3120B

Here's a link to the fuel line repair kit, it even comes with a new "O" ring: http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/pro...tNumber=800153

The compression fitting is used on the existing steel fuel line in the vehicle. A small dab of oil on the "O" ring isn't a bad idea, but not mandatory.

if his vehicle has the fuel line repair kit installed, that will indeed need a new O ring....with this type of line you must replace that O ring when changing the fuel filter,,,,with the rust I have seen it is very possible he has this type now installed..

if his vehicle uses an O ring in the OEM filter set up,, as built,, I would be afraid of the O ring getting squeezed to much and possibly enter the fuel flow...

the drop of oil on the O ring is from the 96 impala/caprice fuel filter instructions,, as it has the quick disconnect type...I prefer this type over the compression type used in the 94/2000 vehicles...as there is less chance of rust entering the fuel system....

old_master · #10 02-11-2009, 05:18 PM

The straight end of the repair line is spliced onto the OE steel line using the supplied compression fitting. The opposite end has a fitting that is identical to the OE line and requires an "O" ring, it is NOT a compression fitting.

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/pro...tNumber=800153

j cAT · #11 02-11-2009, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by old_master

The straight end of the repair line is spliced onto the OE steel line using the supplied compression fitting. The opposite end has a fitting that is identical to the OE line and requires an "O" ring, it is NOT a compression fitting.

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/pro...tNumber=800153

yes I agree the repair line requires a O ring....the O ring on this would require replacement every tiime the filter was replaced...

I didn't see that he has a repair line installed..on his vehicle...

skrizan · #12 02-13-2009, 01:33 PM

Sorry, didn't know the post continued after Old Master's reply. Mystery will be solved tomorrow when I take it apart again. This is the second time I have changed the filter on this truck and I know I didn't do anything with O-rings, and I have never purchased a fuel line repair kit.

I am wondering why both ends of the filter look exactly the same, with a little metal shelf on the inside, if one is compression fit and one uses and o-ring.

I will let you know what I find.

rhandwor · #13 02-13-2009, 01:55 PM

From the online picture of the fuel filter it is the same size as my 2000 Chevy Silverado. Their is no rubber o-ring in it. You can purchase a piece of steel tubing with flare nuts on both ends. Make sure it threads into the filter then cut it in half. Buy one or two copper compression fittings and a tubing cutter.
I used a 3/8 inch elbow to repair a fitting that was cut off when cutting the bed to change a fuel pump with a saws all. This was for a 1997 GMC 5.8L so they will hold. If I remember correctly the return is 5/16 and the big line is 3/8 diameter. Check before you go to the parts store.

skrizan · #14 02-14-2009, 08:03 PM

I took the line off the leaking 'out' side of the filter this morning and at first I thought it was a compression fit and that there was some rust build up on the line. But the rust turned out to be what was left of a brown o-ring. I replaced it with a new one and the leak is no more. It makes sense, the filter has a flat metal shelf for the o-ring, a compression fit wouldn't work well with this.

old_master · #15 02-15-2009, 11:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skrizan

I took the line off the leaking 'out' side of the filter this morning and at first I thought it was a compression fit and that there was some rust build up on the line. But the rust turned out to be what was left of a brown o-ring. I replaced it with a new one and the leak is no more. It makes sense, the filter has a flat metal shelf for the o-ring, a compression fit wouldn't work well with this.

Thank you! Both ends of the filter and both lines are identical because both ends use an "O" ring. The "little metal shelf on the inside" of the filter is what the "O" ring seals against. Glad you got her fixed.

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