BMC 1500 Fuel filter problem

[andrew1000]

My first post! I am learning my way around a new boat to me a Colvic Victor 34. I am getting a very small discharge from the upper join of the CAV primary fuel filter. I replaced the old filter (bought from ASAP) and added a see through water isolator at the foot with a longer bolt. I had real trouble in seating the filter back up and kept getting leaks. I thought it was sorted but after use the filter leaks just a little. I have checked that I haven't got 2 seals stuck together which I have heard is a regular problem. I have tightened up the bolt some more.
I am now at the stage of thinking I must replace the housing but before I do was wondering if I have missed anything obvious? If I do replace the housing is this an opportunity to install a different type of filter that might make changing filters easier? If so recommendations welcomed. Thanks in anticipation. Andrew

[Wotname]

Good-day Andrew, welcome aboard CF. Interesting first post - the CAV filter is hated by many but is ubiquitous around the world. I actually like it (or more correctly I have a love / hate relationship with it).

When it doesn't leak, it's great and replacement elements can be found in any village anywhere that has a diesel engine somewhere nearby but when it leaks, it is darn hard to fix...

My only suggestion is to first make sure you are using the rectangular cross section seal rather than an O ring. If it a new seal, then tighten up the bolt a tiny bit more ( a quarter of a turn a time). Keep going until it seals or you break the bottom bowl (water isolator)...

Repeat - a tiny bit each time until the leak stops.

[Crew of Turning]

Totally agree, square seal on top and round on the bottom and we use the seal through a couple of changes if it does not leak. Not broke dont fix theory of application.

[Wotname]

Originally Posted by Crew of Turning

Totally agree, square seal on top and round on the bottom and we use the seal through a couple of changes if it does not leak. Not broke dont fix theory of application.

+1.

Especially as every now and then, you gotta use one or more of those "saved" top seals to get the bludi thing airtight again.

[andrew1000]

Many thanks. I shall re-check the seals are the right way round and tighten a small bit!

[Compass790]

I agree with everything wotname suggested. Just to add further I broke the glass bowl overtightening it. Repaired with glassfibre & epoxy. ( got more time than money) Found that using loctite mastergasket on the seals worked well to stops leaks with little pressure on the bolt but it's messy so try without first.

[Diesel Bill]

Welcome to the forum. Sorry your having leaking problems with the filter. It can be aggravating for sure. Aside from the great advise posted above, I found while the bolt is still loose to grab the whole filter and bowl assembly in one hand and lift and twist as you snug up the bolt. What this does is seat the filter on the rubber seal squarely while the bolt draws every thing up tight. I've had to do this more than once on stubborn leakers, but it
usually works the first time. Good luck and enjoy your new boat.