Engine: D5: Fuel Filter Bypass Question

[Stellaman94]

Hi everyone, enjoyed my time yesterday having my fuel filter housing leak diesel all over the floor, it seemed to be leaking from the o ring at first, I removed the cup, retightened to see on the odd chance it was loose (it wasn't, it was tight!) car started, ran perfectly for about 5 minutes then BANG! Cup hit the floor hard (no damage) and fuel filter ran across the car park. From what I've gathered the plastic threads have weakened over time, why volvo would use plastic to cater to seriously high pressures I don't know.

Anyways, I got a local brokers situated on the A1 who are very good, I want to try and bypass the fuel filter to get me about short term. I've read a few articles on the forums about some members doing it but they haven't really explained how.

Is it simply just source an inline filter and connect the pipes to them or is it a little more involved, if so, which one would you recommend as I'm curious the pressures would make them explode.

[Clan]

Originally Posted by Stellaman94

Hi everyone, enjoyed my time yesterday having my fuel filter housing leak diesel all over the floor, it seemed to be leaking from the o ring at first, I removed the cup, retightened to see on the odd chance it was loose (it wasn't, it was tight!) car started, ran perfectly for about 5 minutes then BANG! Cup hit the floor hard (no damage) and fuel filter ran across the car park. From what I've gathered the plastic threads have weakened over time, why volvo would use plastic to cater to seriously high pressures I don't know.

Anyways, I got a local brokers situated on the A1 who are very good, I want to try and bypass the fuel filter to get me about short term. I've read a few articles on the forums about some members doing it but they really explained how.

Is it simply just source an inline filter and connect the pipes to them or is it a little more involved, if so, which one would you recommend as I'm curious the pressures would make them explode.

You have a unique problem with yours , overtightened and cracked probably this has not happened before .. The pressure is only 5 bar max it's well within the capability of the plastic vessel , these have been around for 20 years now .. .
Don't ever run without the filter , the finest speck of dirt could cost you over £1000.maybe £2000 if it gets in an injector.

[Stellaman94]

Hi clan, thanks for the response, I only ever do up my filters hand tight, but that's not to say the previous didn't go over board, I'll try source a spare today, I know my local breakers have 06 plate d5s in so hopefully it'll match the late 07s.

I just had the assumption from skimming through the forums they weaken over time and ultimately just blow off.

[Clan]

Originally Posted by Stellaman94

Hi clan, thanks for the response, I only ever do up my filters hand tight, but that's not to say the previous didn't go over board, I'll try source a spare today, I know my local breakers have 06 plate d5s in so hopefully it'll match the late 07s.

I just had the assumption from skimming through the forums they weaken over time and ultimately just blow off.

yes a second hand one will be fine . don't believe everything you read on the internet , in fact its best not to believe anything ! They give no problem whatsoever in my daily experience with them over the last 20 years ..

[Stellaman94]

Would you recommend putting a fresh filter in the second hand one whiles it's off the car, also I'm guessing the two bolts that hold it to the body are sat at the top and not the bottom, sounds like a nightmare job while jacked up on the drive.

[Clan]

Originally Posted by Stellaman94

Would you recommend putting a fresh filter in the second hand one whiles it's off the car, also I'm guessing the two bolts that hold it to the body are sat at the top and not the bottom, sounds like a nightmare job while jacked up on the drive.

they hook on the side of the tanks plastic bracket depending on the year .. have a close look , yes make sure it is spotless inside and a new filter ..

[Crash Bang]

About 3 years ago I had one let loose while towing a caravan through Germany.

Cost a bomb with the recovery and subsequent replacement of a new filter housing at the agents. Perhaps someone had cross threaded the filter housing at sometime or other and as I had lost my sense of humour by then I didnt bother even trying to establish the cause.

Do yourself a favour, if you dont have a fuel filter "spanner" buy one it makes the job a LOT easier.

[Stellaman94]

Hi crash bang, I managed to get a lift to the local breakers and got a housing for £25, nightmare getting it off as the bolts on the tank were rusty and getting a ratchet on the bolts were a chore where the housings mounted, haven't fitted it yet but today's heat is too much.

[Crash Bang]

That seems a great price.

As regards the "o" ring that fits near the top, I am sure I read somewhere that you should NOT rub a bit of diesel on it when fitting as it swells when it comes into contact with diesel.

Apologies if this is covered elsewhere but maybe someone can confirm this or not for you/us.

[Willow place]

I have just changed mine (Metal canister) and just checked the old one which I used Diesel on the "O" ring and there is NO swelling .