Leaky diesel filter

[global_odyssey]

I've just started my engine (first time for 16 months) and found that my new fuel fitler/water separator is leaking slightly.
It's a standard CAV296 filter on a Lucas body with a glass bowl underneath. The leak is only a slight seepage around the glass bowl, (I think), but it gets worse with the fuel tank taps open (more pressure).
No instructions came with this contraption.

How tight should the main bolt be (the one which holds the body/filter/glass bowl and base together)? It doesn't strike me as being the sort of thing I should keep tightening up until the leak stops.

It seemed like a good idea to buy one of these - I liked the idea of actually being able to see the diesel - but in reality there are so many joins. I just hope I never have to take it apart at sea!

Any ideas or solutions to this problem greatly appreciated.


<hr width=100% size=1><<<<Common-sense in a screwed up world!>>>>

 

[tillergirl]

I never know how tight to do this either but I put a bit of gentle pressure on a medium length spanner and then check to see if there is any seepage. I guess the sealing rubber is perished or not sitting properly. You get a new set of sealing rings with a replacement filter. The 296 has many commercial vehicle applications so you can get a replacement at many car accessory shops/Halfords and its not a lot of money. I replace mine every year and you'd be surprised how much muck builds up in them. I used to get my diesel through the yard from an agricultural source in gash drums and took get care to fill up the tank without getting muck in. Now I fill up at a marina and the amount of muck in the filter has, (it seems) increased greatly.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[ashanta]

You would have received new seals with the unit, so I doubt the problem is the seal being perished?
I suggest you dismantle the unit and check that the seals are properly positioned and re fit. You are right not to put too much pressure on the main bolt but you do need to ensure sufficient tension also, so dont be too cautious.
Be prepared to carry out this kind of task when at sea. This kind of task, although messy, is something that you must anticipate carrying out when at sea. Being familiar with the details will make it much easier to do and if your confident then so is your crew.
Good luck

Peter.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Talbot]

Do you have a rubber ring between the glass bowl and the new CAV filter? Quite often these things are sold with the ring for glass bowl to bottom of the base, ring for filter to the top of the body, and ring for the bolt, but not the one that holds the glass bowl to the filter. Should be available from the same place you got the filter.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[global_odyssey]

Thanks for all replies - I'll check all the seals, then put it back together.
With hindsight, I actually think the top bleed screw might be missing its seal and could be weeping.
I guess I was hoping not to have to drain it down - but am now resigned to this unpleasant task!


<hr width=100% size=1><<<<Common-sense in a screwed up world!>>>>

 

[longjohnsilver]

Not that unpleasant a task, should only take 5 - 10 minutes, place a container underneath to catch the diesel, clean the glass bowl and re-assemble and then bleed the air out. Make sure that there aren't 2 seals under the metal top part, the O ring often sticks in its groove and very easy not to see this and try and put another in.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Twister_Ken]

2 tips

On my installation, bizarrely, the sealing ring that goes between at the top of the removable filter and that at the bottom twixt filter and bowl are different sizes. But only be a couple of mm, so it's easy to get them buttocks about face and wonder ehy the damn thing keeps dripping. Could yours be the same?

If you don't have space to get a can under the filter, buy a pack of disposable nappies and use one under the filter to catch and absorb the drips whlie you are working on it. It will soak up quite a lot of diesel before becoming saturated.

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.writeforweb.com/twister1>Let's Twist Again</A>

 

[Dave1258]

Change the seal in the filter housing, a shirt pin or needle is the best method of getting the old blighters out IMHO!

Dave


<hr width=100% size=1>Someday my ship will come in, and with my luck I'll be at the airport!!<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by Dave1258 on 31/01/2004 20:48 (server time).</FONT></P>