Fuel Leak - filter replacement =\

[iamlew]

So I went to replace my fuel filter. Only problem was when I went to remove the old one, it wasn't there =\

But the little rubber ring was.

Anyways I put in the new one and its leaking every time I start it. Any easy fixes? I've taken it off 3-4 times and tightened it as tight as I possibly could. The first time I did what it said and hand tightened then did a 1/4 turn with a strap wrench, then went to the more tight method. Also tried it hand tight, and even had someone else do it hand tight.

I thought about using that blue stuff for gaskets but have a feeling it'll be extremely hard to remove next time. I figured I'd see what you guys had to say before I waste more gas and endure that smell some more hah.

Thanks =)

 

[AllanD]

Uhhh... you have an '87-88?

If so you just screwed yourself by opening the reservoir cannister.
Which isn't supposed to have a filter in it.

You need to look further forward, inside the frame rail
RIGHT UP AGAINST the engine crossmember where you
will find the fuel filter, the '87-92 style fuel filter.

Your chances of resealing the reservoir cannister you
weren't supposed to have opened in the first place?

Not good, not good at all.

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[Cyberbeer]

If Allan is right...remove that sucker and run new fuel line. That will be your only chance at repairing the problem. Dont freak out, its really not that bad. Fuel line will run you 20-30 bux clamps another 5 or so depending on how many you need.

I'd pull the bed off if you have to replace the lines so much easier.

 

[iamlew]

wtf? wow that really sucks. Why would they put that thing there? lol

Yeah an 87, forgot to mention that part.

So why did those bastards sell me the filter for it?

No way to just use a bigger o ring?... hmmm

Man that's so lame, I even used that book,it told me to use a strap wrench on that sucker and not to tip it over, which is impossible btw.

As long as I'm replacing the lines, anything else I should do? also, is it not possible to just replace the entire canister and plug the old lines back into it? or is that just asking for trouble?

 

[AllanD]

That housing without the filter is a kind of miniature "surge tank"
Ford officially calls it a "Reservoir cannister"

the low pressure pump in the tank(s) pushes fuel up to it then the high
pressure pump mounted on the frame then draws from it.

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[iamlew]

I see, we were thinking of getting a new one and cutting the lines and getting the other one put in with new lines, then putting them into a small hose and using some hose clamps. Does this sound like a possible solution or am I stuck with tearing the whole thing out still?

 

[iamlew]

lol, so I went to the hardware store and got the smallest rubber ring that I could find. Its about 5x thicker than the original. Put it in and tightened it as much as I could. It has a small gap from being technically completely closed. But no leaks. So I'm going to re-torque it and make sure I can't get it off by hand. If I can get it off by hand I won't use it but if it'll hold (and I think it will)I'm going to hose clamp it and throw on some duct tape to super reinforce it.

See any problems with this? It ran fine when I had it going, did a few lapsin the drive way no problems yet. I'm going to fix it some day but on the college budget I think this 4 dollar fix is pretty solid...

 

[Cyberbeer]

I've been smelling fuel as well, so I checked the canister and it is moist with fuel. I've never touched the damn thing. I would be interested to know if this solution works.

 

[iamlew]

Yeah so far so good, I'd recommend a smaller o-ring, say 2-3x the size of the stock one. And just torque it down as much as you can then check it. Like I said I'm super re-enforcing it with duct tape and hose clamps just to keep dirt out/keep it from falling off.

I'll post back after I'm finished with the truck it's got a lot left before I get it road worthy

 

[HndMeDnBroncoII]

I took mine off by mistake but i went to the parts store with the piece and got a much bigger o ring and reefed it on with a pipe wrench and it hasnt leaked since
hope this helps

 

[Cyberbeer]

Checked out my leak and I found it leaking around the top seam that faces the rear of the truck. I'm not sure what caused it to leak, since I've never messed with it. What kind of sealant can I use to seal it back up? I was thinking about using some plumbers cement.

 

[iamlew]

I wouldn't use sealant... If you do use something that is rated to handle fuel,so it doesn't eat away and suck up into your injectors. Then leak again. I think the bigger O-ring Idea is the best bet for a cheap easy fix, just watch it and carry tools to fix it (should anyways...)

Or replace the fuel line, probably the best fix =p but lot of labor. And it is 100+ at my house right now.