Faulty fuel filter?

[Stainless]

I purchased a new fuel filter and copper washers for all my fuel lines a couple of weeks ago from Josh at DPI in an effort to resolve some leaking connections. I torqued everything down to spec, but the new fuel filter had a leak coming from the top. Thinking that the banjo bolt wasn't tight enough, I cranked on it really good. To my surprise, upon testing it again, fuel was coming out even faster than the first test.

Baffled, I removed the filter again to make sure I had the washers on the top and bottom of the fuel line, which I did. I reassembled everything, but it continued to pour out.

This time upon inspection, I discovered the real cause: the fuel filter is leaking from the top lip where the body molds to the top and not from the banjo bolt. My question is, did I cause the body of the filter to separate when I was putting it in the car, or was this a faulty filter all along? Anyone else have a fuel filter leak like that?

[Silverbullet]

I would say it was just a bad filter...

[DMC-81]

I would say it was just a bad filter...

+1, I haven't had a bad fuel filter, however, and although relatively rare, I have had a few parts over my years wrenching on cars defective "right out of the box". I would call the Vendor.

[Delorean Industries]

Over tightening will break the top free. Especially if you are holding the bottom while tightening top etc. it doesn't take much to tighten these. Quarter turn past tight is all it needs. Is the top distorted from tightening?

[eight8toy]

I didn't get mine from DPI but I can add that these filters are a pain! Just to get the lower connection to stop leaking I added pipe thread (not advised apparently) and then the whole filter bent from torquing the fitting. Thankfully no leaks now.

I suspect you may have over tightened and broke the fitting, I'm surprised I didn't either though. Possibly a weakened/defective filter, hopefully Josh can send you a new one!

[DMC-81]

Just in case you are trying to get your car mobile quickly, here are 3 part numbers to check at your local auto parts store, in order of quality (IMO):

Bosch 0-450-905-401
AC Delco GF519
Fram G3747

...from this thread: http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?932-Parts-Crossover-List

I have not heard good reviews about Fram oil filters and therefore would not put one on my cars, but I don't know if the same thing applies to their fuel filters.

[Stainless]

Over tightening will break the top free. Especially if you are holding the bottom while tightening top etc. it doesn't take much to tighten these. Quarter turn past tight is all it needs. Is the top distorted from tightening?

The body of the unit does not appear to be distorted, but it must be if it's leaking. I'll place an order for a new one and be sure not to over tighten or to tighten while holding the bottom.