Fuel filter Install trick

[RustyBucket]

Is there some trick to getting the fuel filter installed so that the inlet fitting doesn't leak or am I just using crappy filters?

My filter that I installed several months ago started leaking at the inlet fitting. This afternoon, I attempted to replace it with another and had the same problem.

The original and the replacement filter I bought were both from CarQuest. There were two major issues with the replacement filter. First, it appears that the crush washer provided for the inlet fitting was too small. Second, when trying to tighten the inlet to a point where it would not leak, I ripped the inlet fitting off the filter.

At this point, I removed the old filter, got a crussh washer that would fit the inlet properly on the old one and reinstalled it. It still leaks. I do not want to tighten it too far for fear of destroying another filter so I've just slathered it with silicone sealant until I can get another filter.

Is there something I'm doing wrong?

[RyanD]

i would say crappy filters. I have never had that problem and i get mine from napa, advance, or autozone.

[Sordz]

Crush washer on the inlet side? Can you show a picture of how you have it? Pretty sure only the outlet banjo bolt side has the copper washers.

[F20A CB7]

Crush washers aren't even flat rite? They have a open link to them.

[evil_demon_01]

Crush washers aren't even flat rite? They have a open link to them.

Aluminium washers are often referred to as crush washers.

But as above - The inlet screw in doesn't use washers, only the banjo outlet does.
That will be the cause of your leak.

[Bongo]

I've had the same problem with every WIX brand filter I've ever installed. I ended up having to use the old washers. I tried the washers the WIX came with and it always leaks. I've never had this issue with OEM fuel filters though.

[RustyBucket]

Aluminium washers are often referred to as crush washers.

But as above - The inlet screw in doesn't use washers, only the banjo outlet does.
That will be the cause of your leak.

These particular washers are copper, but the same effect.

It does make sense based on the type of fitting, but why were there 3 washers included with the filter?

[evil_demon_01]

These particular washers are copper, but the same effect.

It does make sense based on the type of fitting, but why were there 3 washers included with the filter?

The small one is for the pressure relief screw

[Skeet Skeet]

Isnt there some kind of oring inside the oil filter assembly that goes bad and you have to get them replaced??

[Leung]

I've never replaced the fuel filter in my accord before and i want to get it right the first time but my Purolator brand fuel filter came with two of the copper crush washers, I only use one of them on install right? or both of them essentially sandwiching the banjo?

[oyajicool]

Sandwich

[Leung]

Sandwich

cool, thanks for the heads up.

[oyajicool]

It's not that difficult job. I did mine last year.

I opened fuel filler cap so there's no pressure build up during replacement due to evaporation inside the tank. Otherwise fuel would have kept dripping out, I think.