Urgent help - fuel filter leaking

Replaced fuel fileter on GTI, seemed to be weeping so tightened a bit more. Then started dripping  :evil: . Tried old filter, just in case it was the fitting - the old filter is now also leaking. The bolts and unions look clean and unkmarked, but the rubber inlays in the metal washers either side of the bolts into the filters ends look worn and have become detached from the washer. Are these the likely culprits? Anything else likely? Where can I get these from in a hurry?

Cheers

its gotta be the washers if they are worn

try them halfords must have some if not vw!

Mines fitted with copper washers and not the Dowty style ones.

Simon

Checked Haynes - always good to do after attempting the job  ops: . Says renew washers everytime. Having said that, last couple of times filter was changed by garage and the rubbers washers look ancient.

SIMAC - what do mean by Dowty ones? I have copper washers, but they also have smaller rubber O-rings that fit inside them. These look mangled assume these are needed to help prevent leaks under high pressure?

Cheers

Mine just has copper washers.

I think the idea of the copper washer is as it's softer than steel / aluminium, as you tighten the nut down, the copper deforms to form a really good joint.

The reason you have to renew them is once the copper has been moulded to fit the joint in the certain position, the chances are it will leak if removed and re-tightened as it won't be in the same position the second time round.  Sometimes you can get away with it, sometimes you can't. As they only cost pence, it's best to renew them.

Thanks Maniac, that makes sense. Better stock up on washers.

New washers did the trick and only 30p   .  Ok this may all seem obvious, but recent Mk1 expriences have left me paranoid and I couldn't believe that I finally fixed something quickly, cheaply and the first time  :wink: .

Cheers

If you have got a blow lamp, just heat the washers up, then let them cool. This will make them soft again.

carlbeardsmore said

If you have got a blow lamp, just heat the washers up, then let them cool. This will make them soft again.

All the ones I have seen have never had any rubber. Just plain old copper.

The ones I removed from mine had rubber inserts, but the repalcement ones (from a Bosch specialist) were just copper washers.

Cheers