Those new WIX plastic fuel filters....

[rustie]

Well, got me some of those new WIX fuel filter 33960XE with the glass media and "full flow" feature, and attempted to install it last night.....

It's pretty slick, with a pre-installed large O-ring at the top, requiring only the lower )-ring to be installed on the WIF sensor. Lightly oiled them, and spun the filter into place. Surprisingly, the filter only requires about half the number of turns to install. It seated perfectly.....

....then the pumping began....and more pumping....and more pumping....and more pumping. Musta pumped that little cap more than 200 times (no exaggeration either!) So, it wasn't priming for whatever reason.

Removed the filter, which was as easy as the install....then filled the unit right to the brim with fuel. Since it's a little shorter (WIF sensor installed too), it went back in easy....a coupla turns and it seated.

....then the pumping began....and more pumping....and more pumping....and more pumping....and STILL more pumping. Musta pumped that little cap ANOTHER 200 times (STILL no exaggeration!)

Anyway, that mofo would NOT prime worth a damn. Removed it and went back to my only remaining new filter "in stock"....the older white can type, but it was still brand new and sealed. Installed that difficult to place upper O-ring and WIF sensor...filled the filter....then began pumping.

It primed in only a few pumps (maybe 20~25). Screwed down the bleeder, and pumped another 20 times or so. The increase in resistance is noticeable, but it never gets real "hard". Just to check, I stopped pumping and slightly opened the bleeder....and instantly, a stream of pressurized fuel spurted out. Tightened the bleeder once more...gave it a few more pumps, and VOILA! ....it WORKED perfectly. Engine started with no problems whatsoever.

I'm left to wonder WTF is wrong with those new WIX 33960XE plastic filters???

Little is left up to the installer....the troublesome large O-ring is already factory installed. Spins on with ease and tightens up just like the original metal unit. There is no room for error....EXCEPT.....that inner filter section was not completely centered (it moves around a little), and you can't feel that rubber seal "engage" just before spinning like you can feel on the metal filters.

Checked the seating all around the top of the filter, and the plastic outer casing edge was completely seated against the filter mount surface....NO WAY that large O-ring did not seat. And the WIF sensor never leaked one dam bit even with the filter FILLED with fuel. But even after HUNDREDS of priming pumps (with one damn strong left arm now), that filter was DOA!!!

Ennywon gots enny ideas heer???

IMHO, I consider this new "WIX" filter a "POS"....

Sticking with the metal cans until someone can show me the "LIGHT".....

[mmangels22]

Double check the tightness on there. Then try to prime it again. You should pump it at least 100 times or so from what I remember.

[LambofGod]

appreciate the info....I won't order on until I get some positive feedback.

[moze]

Thats good to know. I was thinking about getting those ones too. I have 2 of the metal ones left so I wont need a new one for awhile. Hopefully it gets figured out what the problem is.

[Dennis_PHX]

Originally Posted by mmangels22

Double check the tightness on there. Then try to prime it again. You should pump it at least 100 times or so from what I remember.

Are you saying pump 100 times after prime for the new plastic filter?

I haven't used the new plastic one but with the AC Delco metal ones I've only had to pump maybe 4 times to get prime and then maybe 8 or 9 times to get pressure.

Seems like an awful lot of pumping to get pressure.

[Duratime]

I have one, and had not issues with it. I think you must not had it tight enough to make a good seal, or it's cracked/defective.

[mmangels22]

Originally Posted by Duratime

I have one, and had not issues with it. I think you must not had it tight enough to make a good seal, or it's cracked/defective.

Thats what I meant. Once you seat the filter you need to release the bleeder screw and then pump the primer pump I think its 100 or so times I don't remember off the top of my head.

[theunderlord]

I just installed the new plastic NAPA Fuel filter last night.

Thoughts: Much easier to install than the old design, because it's skinner, I bet it's going to be easier to remove as well.

I think I had to push the primer maybe 8 times tops? No leaks, started right up, simple as pie.

[Brad92]

The plastic NAPA Gold one is alot better. Thats what I am running now...

[Mike Miller]

I have a NAPA installed also. Knock on wood no problems, but plastic & me don't get along well. This was the first one to be use by me. The real test will be in the removal process. Plastic tends to crack more easily in cold weather.