Next time you pull the filter off look at the sealing surface. I've seen some of them get scratched up and leak. If that's the case you'll probably have to put in a good used one or a new one. I think I may have one if your interested.

What would you recommend as an interrim solution? Would rather not chuck the whole thing, but cant have diesel leaking out, causing 25.5MPG and leaking on the hoses...

Thanks!

If you can determine if one or more of the small banjo bolts are leaking, they all have two washers, one on either side of the "swollen" part of the banjo bolt.

You may need to simply replace those.

Nope, none of the banjos are leaking... Checked that first.

Its as if I can't torque the new bosch filter down tight enough to seal, and it leaks at the gasket...

Your going to have to take the filter off. I'm guessing the housing is scratched. If you can clean the seal you might be able to put a thin coat of sealant on the rubber seal of the filter, then put the filter back on. You'll also have to clean the housing really well so the sealant does it's job. Might be best to use a new filter as well. Just don't put a ton of sealant on or you may plug up the filter head.

Do you think torquing it down tight until next time it is due would be acceptable???

Some of these filters have a crush washer and some have two o-rings on that bolt. Mine has the o-rings. Check which design you have.

I've never used my primer pump (not ever in 28 years). I prefill the canister, tighten everything up, and start the engine. A few times, it has stumbled a bit but not died.

Okay, good and yes, your car has a crush washer, (see the 01 in the part number on your fuel filter head?, that tells me) make sure it's in good condition, they are one time use parts.

He's stated a few times now, and I missed it myself, that it's not leaking at the bolt or banjo fittings. It's leaking where the filter seals to the filter head. Though new crush washers are a good idea.

Go for it.

Be prepared to replace it, though.


The other option is to 're-finish' the sealing surface with some very fine sandpaper on a very flat surface (like an old window or something).

OK, thanks.

Wonder what happened to it... If overtorquing it caused the proposed damage to the filter head or what. Ill have to remove and see when we get a nice day... Key for now is to stop leaking... I assume replacement isnt terribly tough?

Could be the gaskets on the filters themselves.

I would try a different brand of filter. Preferrably one not made in some 3rd world country.

It is a bosch, not that this means much anymore...

I haven't seen Bosch fuel filters around here, but the last Bosch oil filters I saw were from India.