Fuel Filter Change - Now Dripping Diesel (2001 406)

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pauby
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Fuel Filter Change - Now Dripping Diesel (2001 406)

Post by pauby »

I changed the fuel filter in my 2001 406 Estate today.

It took my a while to work out that the fuel filter itself was the wrong way up (much diesel pouring out later) and it's sorted. However I now have a small drip coming through from, what looks like, a drain on the side of the filter (see here https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/279 ... -drain.jpg). Note this isn't the fuel drain for the fuel filter - that is underneath with a nice big what screw tap.

While I was doing the fuel filter change something did fall down through the engine - I never saw anything and I had no idea where it came from or went so I ignored it - I actually thought it was just some gunk that fell.

I have a feeling this 'drain' should have a cap on it (and maybe that is what fell)? Can I just pop a small bag over this and a cable tie?

Anybody know about this?
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steve_earwig
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Re: Fuel Filter Change - Now Dripping Diesel (2001 406)

Post by steve_earwig »

That's where the water-in-fuel sensor goes. It's blanked on mine. I can't imagine one just falling out but... Anything dangling about on a length of wire?
Unskilled meddling sin©e 2007

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jasper5
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Re: Fuel Filter Change - Now Dripping Diesel (2001 406)

Post by jasper5 »

Looks like the leak is higher up, maybe the top seal?
pauby
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Re: Fuel Filter Change - Now Dripping Diesel (2001 406)

Post by pauby »

@steve_earwig - nothing dangling on a wire that I can see.

@jasper5 - I've made sure the top of the fuel filter is sealed. I've cleaned the top to make sure there is nothing coming out of there. It is definitely coming out of the 'hole' that I put on the picture.

This morning when I started the car it was coming out fairly fast. Stopped the engine and started it again. It seemed to have stopped (although it was still dripping from the first engine start). I drove the car about 3 -4 miles. When I came back and checked the engine the pipe underneath was wet but nothing dripping. I cleaned the pipe and started the engine again. Nothing. Revved it. Nothing. Let is sit idle for a few minutes. Still no drips.

I'm not saying the problem is resolved but for the moment I cannot see any more drips. Is it possible that this hole allows water / diesel out and if there is no water nothing happens? Should I blank off the end with 'something'?
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