I got tired of worrying if the small leak I had found on the fuel heater wire-harness connection would promote any fuel pump problems.

Rather than try and seal the leak at the fitting, I bit the bullet and went to my friendly jeep dealership and purchased an entire OEM filer assembly (includes filter head, heater puck, water seperating fuel filter and water sensing probe) all for the price of $155. Not bad for peace of mind.

Bolted on the new assembly, connected the fuel lines, primed the system and away it went.

The entire job took less than an hour - including the time spent fishing out the 11 mm wrench I dropped into the engine! I think the change out was actually easier and cleaner than changing out the filter element.

I did notice a section in the service manual that states:

"CAUTION: Cranking the engine for an extended period of time with out a fuel supply may result in damage to the high pressure fuel pump."

maybe this could be the gremlin that has cratered a couple of fuel pumps recently?

_________________
2005 CRD Limited, Black 205k Miles (Timing Belt Changed at 100k and 200k), GDE Eco-Tune, Carter in-tank lift pump
2005 CRD Sport, Black - Ingested Valve at 170k miles R.I.P.

Go buy yourself a lottery ticket my friend, you're on a roll!

_________________
Mitchell Oates
'87 MB 300D Diamond Blue Metallic
'87 MB 300D - R.I.P. 12/08
'05 Sport CRD Stone White
Provent CCV Filter/AT2525 Muffler
Stanadyne 30 u/Cat 2 u Fuel Filters
Fumoto Drain/Fleetguard LF3487 Oil filter
V6 Airbox/Amsoil EAA Air Filter
Suncoast TC/Shift Kit/Aux Cooler
Kennedy Lift Pump/Return Fuel Cooler

I thought it was common knowlodge to have the system primed after a filter change before cranking?

In the case where the fuel pumps cratered, it sounded like the engine ran for a while and then quit. Possibly from a "no fuel" situation.

If the starter was cranked in this condition, it would possibly damage the high pressure pump, since it relies on fuel for lubrication.

My take away from all this: If the engine ever stalls, make sure the fuel system is primed before cranking the starter.

_________________
2005 CRD Limited, Black 205k Miles (Timing Belt Changed at 100k and 200k), GDE Eco-Tune, Carter in-tank lift pump
2005 CRD Sport, Black - Ingested Valve at 170k miles R.I.P.

I think this will be a bit too expensive every 12,000 miles. If you had a leak at the fuel heater plug, should be warrenty. I believe that the connection is the real cause of the melted plastic. Be sure to grease the connector and prongs with dielectric grease.

_________________
2006 Black Jeep Liberty CRD Limited
K&N, Samco Hoses, Michelin 245/70-16 LTX A/T2, Fumoto F-102, V-Force Muffler, Mopar, Hitch, Trailer Wiring, Skid Plates, Slush Mats, Rear Shelf, Predator Stage 1, Transgo, ORM & CodeReader, Facet 40109 Pump
"IT'S A DIESEL THING, YOU WOULDN'T UNDERSTAND"
Certified Services Auto & Truck Repair

"I think this will be a bit too expensive every 12,000 miles. If you had a leak at the fuel heater plug, should be warrenty. I believe that the connection is the real cause of the melted plastic. Be sure to grease the connector and prongs with dielectric grease."

I didn't notice the leak until 68,800 miles on the original filter assembly.

$155 for that life range is a bargain in my book!

_________________
2005 CRD Limited, Black 205k Miles (Timing Belt Changed at 100k and 200k), GDE Eco-Tune, Carter in-tank lift pump
2005 CRD Sport, Black - Ingested Valve at 170k miles R.I.P.

I guess at that mileage it would be too big of a fuss trying to get the dealer to warrenty it. I wouldn't do it at regular fuel filter change intervals, which is 12,000 miles. That chage could be extended with a simple addition of a pre-filter. Another big reason that could be the cause CP# pump failer of the CAT filter mod is dirt and grit. With this fuel system, everything must be operating room clean or damage can happen.

_________________
2006 Black Jeep Liberty CRD Limited
K&N, Samco Hoses, Michelin 245/70-16 LTX A/T2, Fumoto F-102, V-Force Muffler, Mopar, Hitch, Trailer Wiring, Skid Plates, Slush Mats, Rear Shelf, Predator Stage 1, Transgo, ORM & CodeReader, Facet 40109 Pump
"IT'S A DIESEL THING, YOU WOULDN'T UNDERSTAND"
Certified Services Auto & Truck Repair

I hope you filed a report with the NTHA or whatever it's called. If a recall is ever issued they might reimburse you

_________________
Atlantic Blue 06 CRD Limited (his)
Joined by a 2000 XJ Classic (hers)

[quote=
I guess at that mileage it would be too big of a fuss trying to get the dealer to warrenty it. I wouldn't do it at regular fuel filter change intervals, which is 12,000 miles. That chage could be extended with a simple addition of a pre-filter. Another big reason that could be the cause CP# pump failer of the CAT filter mod is dirt and grit. With this fuel system, everything must be operating room clean or damage can happen.[/quote]

I thought it was 25K interval for the fuel filter?

Dave

That's what my book says.

_________________
'06 CRD Sport, Silver build date 09/05
LoTek 2 pod pillar w/60 psi boost guage & egt
CRD Frankinlift, BFG-AT 31-1050/15 on crager soft 8's
Suncoast converter in a rebuilt trans with new pump and shift kit.
Yeah, It's got a diesel.

SOLD FOR GMC PICKUP

Reported the filter head to NTSB from their website : http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/ . Have not heard back from them.

The interval for filter change is 25,000 miles.

My comment regarding the 68,000 mile lifespan was for the filter head assembly (where the leak was), not the filter element.

I will be as happy as a pig in mud if this filter head goes another 68,000 before springing a leak!

_________________
2005 CRD Limited, Black 205k Miles (Timing Belt Changed at 100k and 200k), GDE Eco-Tune, Carter in-tank lift pump
2005 CRD Sport, Black - Ingested Valve at 170k miles R.I.P.