Fuel leak (poss from rear fuel filter ???)

wilko33 · 03-10-2008, 20:37

I have bought a Corsa XE from a friend and I have a slight problem. I have filled the car up for the first time and got home to notice fuel leaking underneath. On closer inspection the fuel is dripping from the fuel filter sitting just infront of the drivers side rear wheel. Having spoken to the guy I bought it off, he insists he has never noticed this before (and I believe him before anyone asks!) but he did say he only ever half filled the tank.

It had been sat for around 3 months before I bought it off him but has just passed an MOT 4 days ago (with no fuel in the tank).

How liable is it that this fuel filter would split??...and how easy is this filter to replace?

Any other advice is highly welcome!

Mark_F · 03-10-2008, 21:23

Very unlikely it has split. Very easy to replace. Check the pipes for splits if you do replace it.

Best to clamp the lines before undoing the jubilees, but its not really necessary but be prepared for spillage, I believe it is a single 10mm bolt that clamps the filter in place. Some people submerse the new filter in fuel before fitting it, I don't bother as again, its not really necessary. Note the fuel flow direction printed on the new filter.

djivesp · 03-10-2008, 21:27

yeah, as above - i dont see how fuel level would affect the filter

i reckon there's a hole in the tank somewhere up there, the fuel seeps out and runs down the fuel pipe, dripping off the filter connection.

Mark_F · 03-10-2008, 21:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by djivesp

yeah, as above - i dont see how fuel level would affect the filter

i reckon there's a hole in the tank somewhere up there, the fuel seeps out and runs down the fuel pipe, dripping off the filter connection.

Good point, what side is it dripping from? I just assumed the pump side. If the drip is on the other side, if its not a split in the pipe it will be coming from the tank, again, possibly a split pipe of a leak from the tank.

Pipes are the most likely option.

wilko33 · 03-10-2008, 22:27

thats what I thought but there is a clasp holding the filter in place and the fuel is dripping from that, right in the middle.

I looked above and from what I can see there is no fuel coming off the edge of the fuel tank but in better light I will check again. Hope the fuel filter has come loose or got a hole, how bad is a new fuel tank?? I've replaced a nova from carb to injection fuel tanks before but is the corsa along the same lines as far as the job goes?

wilko33 · 05-10-2008, 16:37

Right, started the car first thing this morning and... no leak. Went for a run in it to warm it up a little.... no leak . Warmed it up some more by driving about 15 miles round to work and back... no leak.

Then went back down to work and it had started again?!?! Got home and the took these pics.

The only difference I can see is the black rubber cushion between the clamp and the has expanded and is now rippled, where as in the cold it was relatively tight around the filter.

Guessing that means the hole is underneath there???? There is nothing dripping onto the filter from above. Do the filter warm up enough for this to happen??

Mark_F · 05-10-2008, 16:40

I wouldn't think it gets hot enough for expansion to take place really. Mine certainly doesn't. Have you tried removing the filter to inspect it as both pipes to the filter look bone dry.

wilko33 · 05-10-2008, 16:58

I cant get under the car enough to do at home... are the clips on the end simple enough to get off?? The clamp looks rusted to **** too so no doubt that will just snap!!! The pipes are bone dry, nothing on the ends just seems like fuels leaking out the middle!

Mark_F · 05-10-2008, 17:26

Park the drivers side on a kerb. Clip is a clip, can't make them out but they shouldn't take a tool kit to get them off. Clamp looks rusty yeah, I've seen worse though. Even if you just undo the clamp, the filter should slide out if there is enough slack on the front pipe. Should let you have a look at it. 10 min job to replace it really.

wilko33 · 06-10-2008, 20:40

Cracked filter! Got it replaced today by a mate in his lunch hour at kwik fit for beer money so cant moan.

The rubber was sealing the crack until it warmed up and stretched then the leak came. Cold mornings have done me a favour I guess!