While performing a number of things on the CRD last night, I noticed that the fuel line going to the fuel filter positioned closest to the engine was very moist around the connection to the fuel filter unit. The other one right next to it was bone dry.

I turned the screw on the hose clamp and it made a nice squish with some mosture coming out and almost looks to have cut into the line a bit at the edge of the hose clamp.

Is it possible these fuel lines (the rubber part) can rot?

Should I cut off this end and slide fresh hose over the connection?

Just leave it and observe it now that it's tighter and the outer cover of the line is slightly cut by the compression of the hose clamp?

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'05 CRD Sport born on 06/20/05, bought on 9/23/05, L.O.S.T. on 9/27/05 - modding ever since:

Daystar 2.0" Lift, P255/70R16 Revos, Boulder Bars, Reese Front Hitch w/9k Hooks, Poison Spyder Rock Ring, MOPAR Skids/Bug Shield/Roof Rails/Mats, WARN Hitch Shackle(Rear), 10k Hitch Hook(Front), Custom Tilt/Slope Meter, Ammo Box Mod, Rotella T 5W-40.

I only know that both of those clamps were extremely loose on mine (build date 03/16/06), although I didn't have any visible sign of leakage. I tightened both until they slightly bit into the hose as you describe, which didn't take much. I think there was a torque spec of 62 in/lbs but I may be confusing it with another. I would leave it & observe. I don't think it could rot/dissolve.

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2006 Jeep Liberty Limited CRD w/275000 miles

Honest opinion: I don't like this style of fuel line for a diesel, especially on the suction side of the filter. They can (and will) soften over time and implode or pinch/close where they round a corner. Would like to see hoses with a stainless steel brade in the hose body (helps support the shape) and compression or flared fittings.

Start by tightening the hose clams. If the hose material appears to "swell" then cut the end and reattach. Hopefully they left a few inches of slack to play with.

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2005 Liberty Sport CRD, Lt Khaki, sunroof

Thankful to now be an EX-CRD owner.

I briefly suspected exactly that when i first began experienceing my limp mode incidents. Was really surprised how soft they were given the system design. Doesn't seem it'd take much to collapse.

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2006 Jeep Liberty Limited CRD w/275000 miles

I have a bad feeling these lines will soften over time with biodiesel usage. I'm sure the high heat under the hood isn't helping to keep these lines open. Oh well, this wouldn't be the first diesel I had to re-plumb.

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2005 Liberty Sport CRD, Lt Khaki, sunroof

Thankful to now be an EX-CRD owner.