Leaking Fuel Filter In 41 Dodge D19

[roofdown]

I've got gas leaking from my fuel filter (the little glass one outside the carb). I called around to try and find a rebuild kit (a new gasket might do the trick) but none of my go-to old parts suppliers had a rebuild. One supplier had a full fuel filter replacement assembly, so I ordered that....however, now that I received the part it doesn't match the original fittings on my fuel line (so it won't fit w/o modifying my fuel line, which I wanted to avoid).

 

So, now I guess I'm back to square 1. Anyone ever rebuild/repair a fuel filter? Know what size gasket I need and where I can get one?

 

Thanks,

-Garrett

[Young Ed]

Does your filter look like either of these? If so order the napa #s on the boxes.

 

 

[roofdown]

It looks more like the 2nd pic (#3943). On the 2nd filter do you know if the fuel line itself actually goes inside of the filter assembly a bit (i.e. 1/4 inch) before the nut secures it?...mine does.  The replacement part I originally got (that didn't fit) wouldn't allow for the fuel line to enter the filter housing to be secured (if that makes sense).  Thanks.

[roofdown]

Now that I've re-read your post & researched that filter, it looks like that just replaces the internal filter element. Does that gasket in the pic fit the glass bowl? I believe that's the root of my problem (the glass bowl gasket) b/c gas pours out the top of the glass bowl. Also, my glass bowl doesn't have a large paper filter in it now, just has a small thing in there (about 1/2 the size of a AA battery) that looks like a bunch of thin metal disks stacked together. Unfortunately I'm at work now so can't snap a pic of it.

[TodFitch]

My "local better auto supply" had fuel bowl gaskets available. Can't remember if they were sent in from the warehouse that day or if they were in stock. There are, I believe, a couple of different sizes. What I know about those gaskets is at http://www.ply33.com/Parts/group14#14-80-05 which is Plymouth centric but if you know the part number for your Dodge you might see the number in there.

[Young Ed]

Now that I've re-read your post & researched that filter, it looks like that just replaces the internal filter element. Does that gasket in the pic fit the glass bowl? I believe that's the root of my problem (the glass bowl gasket) b/c gas pours out the top of the glass bowl. Also, my glass bowl doesn't have a large paper filter in it now, just has a small thing in there (about 1/2 the size of a AA battery) that looks like a bunch of thin metal disks stacked together. Unfortunately I'm at work now so can't snap a pic of it.

 

Yes I forget which one of those gaskets came in the kit but one did and was a match for what was in there before. Sounds like you can order a filter and fix your original filter.

[Don Coatney]

Did this leak just happen? Did you have the filter disassembled for cleaning/inspection? Have you tried to snug up the bowl? It might just be loose. Also did you remove the gasket and carry it into the auto parts store for a match up? It would be helpful to know the answers to the above questions before offering assistance.

[roofdown]

Did this leak just happen? Did you have the filter disassembled for cleaning/inspection? Have you tried to snug up the bowl? It might just be loose. Also did you remove the gasket and carry it into the auto parts store for a match up? It would be helpful to know the answers to the above questions before offering assistance.

I wasn't messing w/ the filter at all. The car hasn't been driven in several months (8-10), when I went to start it, the gas was pouring out of the bowl. Bowl was tight. I didn't take the gasket to an auto parts store yet...I originally thought I could save myself bunch of time by just spending $30 on a new/complete assembly that would just bolt on (ha!), but that obviously didn't work out. When I took the old filter off last night to try the new part (the one that didn't fit), the gasket inside the old filter looked pretty cracked and shriveled. I'll try to get it out tonight, but I don't have confidence that it'll even come out in one piece (such that I can get an exact match at the auto parts store w/ it). Thanks.

[Don Coatney]

Might be that the original gasket does not like the Ethanol fuel blends available today. Can you post pictures of your new and old filters? It might be easy to install the new one but need to see both.

[Young Ed]

Ya you'll be in for a shock when you buy that napa filter to fix your old one. I think it was under $5.

[TodFitch]

. . . I'll try to get it out tonight, but I don't have confidence that it'll even come out in one piece (such that I can get an exact match at the auto parts store w/ it). Thanks.

 

Take the bowl to the auto part store. . . The key thing is the inside and outside diameter and the bowl will show them that.

[roofdown]

Might be that the original gasket does not like the Ethanol fuel blends available today. Can you post pictures of your new and old filters? It might be easy to install the new one but need to see both.

I'll take some pics when I get home tonight.

 

 

Ya you'll be in for a shock when you buy that napa filter to fix your old one. I think it was under $5.

Based on the Napa pics of the gaskets, they look different from the gasket I've got. I believe my current gasket is just a single ring, while the Napa ones aren't. I'll look again tonight though and snap some pics.

 

Thanks.

[Plymouthy Adams]

why can't you simply cut a new gasket..you got the bowl to trace for the correct size....

[TodFitch]

Based on the Napa pics of the gaskets, they look different from the gasket I've got. I believe my current gasket is just a single ring, while the Napa ones aren't. I'll look again tonight though and snap some pics.

 

Depends on the gasket. Don't know what size you need, but here are some NAPA gaskets that are just single rings:

http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/CatalogItemDetail.aspx?R=FPG773_0147594557

http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/CatalogItemDetail.aspx?R=FPG5019_0314968006

 

A decent counterman should be able to match up one for you. Or if you have the original Chrysler part number, use the cross reference tool on NAPA Online. You do have a parts book don't you?

[Don Coatney]

You might also try a small engine repair shop as many older mowers/tractors also used such filter assembly.

[busycoupe]

Many old tractors use oil and fuel filters similar, or identical to the ones on our cars.  I found my oil filter sitting on the shelf at Tractor Supply.  Perhaps they would have the fuel filter and gasket also.

Dave

[Dave72dt]

The cork gaskets tended to dry up and shrink when not used consistantly.  Water in the fuel and allowed to freeze will hairline crack the bowls.  The filter base when overtightened can be warped and cause a leak.

[roofdown]

Ok, here are some pics:

 

-New filter (doesn't fit) on the left. Original on the right.

 

 

 

 

Gasket that glass bowl mates with:

 

 

 

Fuel line entry point. I'm guessing the oring inside will become a problem soon (if not already contributing to leak.

 

 

 

Artistic side-view 

 

[ptwothree]

pic #3 looks like it would accept an inverted flare fitting like used on brake lines.  If so, no gasket would be needed........

[roofdown]

pic #3 looks like it would accept an inverted flare fitting like used on brake lines.  If so, no gasket would be needed........

Yeah, that's the "IN" side where the fuel line comes in. The fuel line does fit inside their (about 1/4") and is secured by a "nut" that's on the end of the fuel line. I couldn't tell if this particular spot was leaking or not previously, but maybe if I can just fix the large gasket on the glass bowl everything else will be ok. ?

 

Heading to Napa today to see if I can find a gasket that'll fit in where the bowl screws on.

 

Thanks.

[Don Coatney]

Are the inlet hole threads in the new filter you bought sized 1/8" or 1/4" pipe thread? I would suggest you bite the bullet and install the new filter even if it means re-working your fuel lines. Your old filter does not look like any filter I have seen on an old mopar. I personally would not trust the spring clip that is used to secure the bowl. Should it fail when you are 100 miles from home you will be in trouble.

[Young Ed]

I have one of those little ones on an old carb but its just the top-the glass is broken out. I believe they are zeniths. I agree with Don's advice fix the fuel line to match your new one.

Oh and I believe its more than just that little spring clip. The bowl threads into the filter.

Edited May 3, 2013 by Young Ed

[roofdown]

Are the inlet hole threads in the new filter you bought sized 1/8" or 1/4" pipe thread? I would suggest you bite the bullet and install the new filter even if it means re-working your fuel lines. Your old filter does not look like any filter I have seen on an old mopar. I personally would not trust the spring clip that is used to secure the bowl. Should it fail when you are 100 miles from home you will be in trouble.

 

I have one of those little ones on an old carb but its just the top-the glass is broken out. I believe they are zeniths. I agree with Don's advice fix the fuel line to match your new one.

Oh and I believe its more than just that little spring clip. The bowl threads into the filter.

 

 

FYI, I ended up making the new filter work (vs. band-aiding the old one). Wasn't too bad after all...found an adapter at Napa that would accept my fuel line & fit the threads on the filter. Had to re-bend the fuel line a bit, but it all worked out. Thanks to everyone for the advice/tips.

[Don Coatney]

Thanks for the report and I am glad to hear you made it work.

[busycoupe]

The gasket in the second picture looks like cork.  You can get thin sheets of cork at craft stores like Michaels or AC Moore.  Perhaps you could cut a new one with a little careful work with a razor knife.

Dave