Leaking fuel filter

[clodbuster]

On my 98 2.2 Camry, the bottom fitting (flare nut) keeps leaking (pretty bad) after filter replacement. The nut is in good shape the flare on the line looks good and I’m using a flare nut wrench getting it good and tight. I’ve had two aftermarket filters, Wix and a NAPA brand filter and now a Toyota filter and all leak. The old stock filter does not leak at all.
The flare down inside the nut on the Toyota filter looks like it could be a tiny bit bigger than the stock filter but it’s not much if at all. I just can’t figure this out, I’ve installed the Toyota filter three times now with no luck.
Any ideas?

[clodbuster]

Anyone?
When I talked to a service rep at a local dealership he said Toyota considers their fuel filters "lifetime" now and I should just put the old one back on. I questioned what he told me so, I called another that said the same thing.
Comments on that??
Also, a technician at the second dealership said this is common and they don’t recommend replacing it. The only suggestion he had for the new filter was to get it super tight, which I’m certain I had done that already.

[bigbird]

hmm that is strange. ive replaced mine and had no problems. ive never noticed one but is there a washer or gasket on the stock one that is missing on the new ones?

[clodbuster]

Thanks for responding bigbird, it is strange, I've never seen anything like this. The only washers are the two that go on each side of the banjo fitting on the top of the filter. Everything goes together real smooth like it's perfect but, obviously it's not or it wouldn't leak. The only thing I can think of is the flare is just not mating up perfectly. I really tightened it down good, I was afraid if I tightened it any further I mite strip or break something.

[toyomoho]

Take a look at the flare on the line for cracks or distortions. If the old filter does not leak suggest installing it. Then look for someone with a flaring tool that can gently re-flare the fitting. Mark sure you get the flaring tool for car fuel lines, the tools are not all the same.

[clodbuster]

Thanks toyomoho, I did reinstall the original filter for now with no leaks. Redoing the flare was something that did cross my mind but was afraid I might damage the line and get myself in a deeper mess.

What do you think about not replacing it and Toyota saying it's a lifetime filter?

Just to note here: I wasn't having any problems, just doing what I thought was good maintenance.

[Hajoca]

I put on the wix fuel filter and did not experience any issues. (A multi fit is also available with more bracket/ tube supports).

[Heat]

So a new Toyota filter leaked, but the old Toyota filter did not? Weird. And no, I've not replaced the fuel filter in my Camry but I have swapped out fuel filters (three) on older cars of mine.

[pillboy]

I have received the same reply from three different Toyota dealers in the Minneapolis metro area regarding our '94 Camry...they don't change the fuel filter...life of the vehicle item. They apparently have issues with the lines when disconnecting the filter and they don't even want to take my money. So, no new fuel filter for me.

[clodbuster]

Originally Posted by Heat

So a new Toyota filter leaked, but the old Toyota filter did not? Weird. And no, I've not replaced the fuel filter in my Camry but I have swapped out fuel filters (three) on older cars of mine.

That’s correct....... and yes it is weird. What I really find weird is their (Toyota’s) stance on this.
The impression that I got was that there was/is so much trouble (the lines, as pillboy found out as well) doing some of these fuel filters, that they just decided to stop doing them and say it’s a lifetime part.

[Kep]

If you were able to reinstall the original filter with no leak and the replacement filter leaks then there must be a problem with the replacement filter. Obviously, your installation technique must be OK since you successfully remounted the original filter. Something with the replacement filter is different than the original. It almost sounds like the replacement has a different angle for the flare or it has a scratch on the mating surface. Either they should give you a filter that fits or refund the cost.

Kep

[clodbuster]

Luckily they did give me a refund at the dealership where I purchased it. I was surprised since they had to order it but, I was ready to argue the fact that it leaked and the old one did not.
The bad thing is I’m back where I started and I’m not sure I want to keep trying to find one that does not leak. And I'm really not sure about reforming the flare on the line, I may end up to where I can't get one on there that doesn't leak.

[Hajoca]

Pics available?

[ihgrad]

I had the same issue replacing my fuel filter on my 96 5sfe. I was checking the fuel pressure (long story) anddecided to swap filters while I was at it. First time, fuel leaked. Tried again, leaked again. Third time I loosen the bracket that hold the filter to the frame so the filter would have some play while I was lining it up- I figured I had thread it wrong and was not getting a tight seal- having play in the filter helped me get it seated properly. Once I had it hand-tight, I gave a turn with the wrench, tighten the bracket back up, then REALLY tighted the thing, to the point I almost thought I was going to break it. It hasen't leaked yet- knock on wood. Good thing, too because I already tossed the original...

[Kep]

^++1

The flare must be lined up correctly, tightening down a misaligned connection won't necessarily seal the connection.

I would not encourage you to try and modify the flare. If you alter it it likely won't seal on the existing filter or a replacement filter. I guess the way that I would put it would be to only do this only if you have the time to replace the fuel line if you mess it up.

Kep