Topic: fuel leak at fuel filter

[jfrabat]

So, this was the reason for the smell of gas behind the drivers side rear tire.  the filter was leaking from the seam in the middle - it was one of those with the plastic shell.  I replaced it with a new filter but there is even more leaking now.  I was going to replace the 2 small rubber hoses, but the size I have is the wrong size.  Bu any ideas as to what could be causing this?  The jeep starts, so the lines are not blocked (at least not completely!), but if I start it, it's like a water fountain near the filter!  I suspect the guy at the counter may have given me a fuel pump with too much pressure last time, so maybe when I install the new fuel sending unit the problem will be fixed, but I want some opinions first to see what else I need to check before moving on...

Also, anyone know the best way to splice the wires going into the coil?  The guy who worked on the Jeep last time changed the plug when he relocated the coil, and I want to run a standard coil, so I need to change the plug (already got the plug).

[chardrc]

i remember when i changed my fuel filter i had to get a new hose that goes into the front of the filter from the dealer becasue it was a preformed piece (only 3 inches long or so and had a sharp 90 in it). trying to use regular hose it would kink and leak considerable and that was with way less pressure than the mpfi runs at. although they may have made it more of a straight shot for the mpfi system.

[sharpxmen]

the fuel pump pressure is regulated by the FPR, so that's not the reason. I've never seen a YJ MPFI filter that is plastic, so i'm not sure if that filter was the right one. Are you sure you didn't get the 87-90 TBI instead, the pressure is lot lower on that one.

[grumpygy]

i remember when i changed my fuel filter i had to get a new hose that goes into the front of the filter from the dealer becasue it was a preformed piece (only 3 inches long or so and had a sharp 90 in it). trying to use regular hose it would kink and leak considerable and that was with way less pressure than the mpfi runs at. although they may have made it more of a straight shot for the mpfi system.

If you looked close that hose had two different sized holes in it.  That alone would be a good reason to use the factrory one.  I keep one handy and they do not age well.

[sharpxmen]

If you looked close that hose had two different sized holes in it. 

I think they did it that way so you can't install the filter backwards (if i remember correctly the filter nipples are different sizes), they could have done the hard line larger as well so you can use some regular gas hose.

[Jeffy]

I've never seen a plastic one either.  They have all been metal.  Really though, as long as the filter is big enough not to restrict the flow, it would be OK.  I replace the inlet tube with some HP fuel line and some hose clamps.  Never had any issues.

[jfrabat]

I've never seen a plastic one either.  They have all been metal.  Really though, as long as the filter is big enough not to restrict the flow, it would be OK.  I replace the inlet tube with some HP fuel line and some hose clamps.  Never had any issues.

Guess it could have been painted metal; did not really pay too much attention to the material (was more worried about the spilling fuel, to be honest!).  But it's the one with the seam in the middle of the filter, which the new one does not have, by the way...  I was planning on using a HP fuel hose, but had a really hard time getting it on the filter.  Since I am pretty sure the OEM one will cost me an arm and a leg down here, I will make it work with what I have and clamp it down nice and tight...  I WILL get another filter, though, as this one is really not working at all!

[grumpygy]

That Elbow costs an arm and leg here.

[Jeffy]

If they even carry it anymore.  Most parts stop being carried by the mfg. 12 years after the production stops.  You could probably use just about any inline fuel filter as long as you can mount it somewhere.

[sharpxmen]

if you want to get away from it you can use an -AN compression fitting adapter (aerquip or russel) and use the high pressure hose on it so you have same size at both ends, makes it easier to service too as you can take the fitting off.

[neale_rs]

Sounds like the fpr is allowing too much pressure or the return line is partially blocked.  Pretty unlikely that two fuel filters are bad.  Also, normal fuel hose has worked fine for me, no need to get the factory part.

[sharpxmen]

i had mine at 60 and didn't leak, should hold 100psi at least.

[jfrabat]

The hose before the fuel filter was shot; I replaced it and no leak now...

[Jeffy]

The hose before the fuel filter was shot; I replaced it and no leak now...

That's the one with the 90* bend.  Dirt gets in the bend then dries out the hose.

[neale_rs]

Glad to kno.w you solved the problem.