I'm having an issue with getting the fuel filter to seal ('91 CRX Si). I replaced the filter on this car about 300 miles ago. This was, of course, and aftermarket filter provided by one of the on-line supplies. After installing it, with the new sealing rings provided, it was weeping fuel at the banjo connections. I R&R'd them several times with no improvement.

So I replaced that filter with another I had on hand with the same results! So I installed a third one, which seemed to seal OK for about a week, but now is doing the same thing. So what it going on here? Anyone else have these issues.

A little back story. On the 15K maintenance prior to this one I had a similar problem. I "fixed" it by removing the new aftermarket filter and reinstalling the NLA Honda version I had removed. Is there an issue with the aftermarket filters? Do you think annealing the AL seal rings before installing them would help? I have ordered a higher-priced Wix filter from a local auto parts house to see if that makes a difference also.

 

As long as your banjo fittings and bolts don't have a deformed surface, they should not leak with good washers.

How are you tightening it? Service manual says 16ft-lbs, I usually go hand tight until the seal can be felt to crush a little.

If you are getting aluminum seals, try with copper. It should seal better on the steel surface.

 

I solved the problem. I don't think it was the filters themselves all along, but the washers (as you said). The supplied washers are too hard to crush.

So remembering another issue from long ago, I annealed them with a propane torch. After doing that everything sealed up as it should.

I looked up annealing AL on line. If you don't have a temperature crayon (and most people probably don't) you can use a black Sharpie. Color or stripe the item with it, and heat until the black goes away. Hot enough. Much past that and the AL begins to blister and eventually melt. Since it's so sensitive to that I would recommend a propane torch only. Acetylene too hot.