Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Fleetguard fuel filter's quality?

[DeezelDood]

I've been running stock 7 micron Fleetguard FF since day one. No failures, no problems. Noting that Mopar is now offering a replacement filter kit to improve filtration to 2 micron so I am concerned that 7 micron is enough for CR engine. The attachment has to be taken with a huge grain of salt becasue it is a Fleetguard release. I am however concerned about aftermarket products. Note on web search that there is a posting about the Baldwin drop-in filter not snapping into the OEM cover. The OEM drop-in filter has a thin wafer end plate design and the aftermarket does not. The aftermarket looks beefier but is it actually better? One question I have always had with a 5 micron in original form, the size of the filter is the same so flow has to be restricted somewhat. Why hasn't Fleetguard gone to 5 micron on its original design? The finer mesh spin-on filters are much larger in size. Not pushing an opinion here, but I'll stick with OEM for now, and I'm considering the Mopar spin-on upgrade. Comments welcome.

 

[AH64ID]

That filter test data is nothing new, the BF1212 has never been used for its final filtration ratings but its f/w separation which is better than Fleetguard's FS1212. Published spec's agree, but when you compare the Baldwin PF7977 to the Mopar 7um, using the same J1985, it's a no-brainer. The PF7977 filters better, and holds more. It also exceeds the OEM filter in f/w separation.

I have been running the PF7977 for 70K miles, and it has always snapped into the housing like the OEM filter.

There is a new Mopar kit, but it's not a true 2um as current standards don't allow for it. Without publishing actual SAE J1985 spec's there is no way to validate the kit. The original Mopar kit was a 25um filter, with enhanced f/w separation as the goal. The new one is also a f/w sep, and there are very few f/w seps that are rated better than 5um.

Personally I would build your own kit with common filter sizes.

 

[DeezelDood]

That filter test data is nothing new, the BF1212 has never been used for its final filtration ratings but its f/w separation which is better than Fleetguard's FS1212. Published spec's agree, but when you compare the Baldwin PF7977 to the Mopar 7um, using the same J1985, it's a no-brainer. The PF7977 filters better, and holds more. It also exceeds the OEM filter in f/w separation.

I have been running the PF7977 for 70K miles, and it has always snapped into the housing like the OEM filter.

There is a new Mopar kit, but it's not a true 2um as current standards don't allow for it. Without publishing actual SAE J1985 spec's there is no way to validate the kit. The original Mopar kit was a 25um filter, with enhanced f/w separation as the goal. The new one is also a f/w sep, and there are very few f/w seps that are rated better than 5um.

Personally I would build your own kit with common filter sizes.

Info appreciated.

 

[AH64ID]

I should caveat that the 1212's are not used on our engines for final filtration, they may be used on their OE application for final filtration but I am not aware of what that application is. It's just a popular f/w initial filter for our trucks.

 

[mwilson]

I should caveat that the 1212's are not used on our engines for final filtration, they may be used on their OE application for final filtration but I am not aware of what that application is. It's just a popular f/w initial filter for our trucks.

The BF1212 / FS1212 filters OEM application was for Cummins NTC engines with the "PT" mechanical pump and is an upgrade from the standard BF957 / FF105 filter. It was the final and most of the time ONLY fuel filter on the unit.



http://catalog.baldwinfilter.com/Pa...iendly.asp?URL=PartEntry.asp&partnumber=BF957



http://catalog.cumminsfiltration.co...Number=FF105&partflag1=0&forPartNumber=FF5332



That same filter family and its mounting base has been used as a prefilter on many Cummins, Cat or even some Detroit Diesel 60 Series engines powering Class 8 trucks.







Just a little trivia... ...



Now the trend is towards replaceable elements rather than spin on units. Filter housings with elements from Hengst and Mann are factory items on the Mercedes, DD13, DD15, and DD16 Series engines. This is being done for both fuel and oil.



Thermo King has done something a little different on the all new Precedent refridgeration units available Jan. 01, 2013.

They have an oil filter with a thread pitch so unique that it carries a patent and therefore may not be copied.



Mike.

 

[AH64ID]

Thanks Mike!!

Always good info.

 

[SnoKing]

I just changed mine. I have a few of the new Fleetguard cheaper looking ones under the seat.
I am over 101K, last filter was at 69K. This old filter was clean as could be and bowl was spic-n-span! Fuel pressure has not fallen off at all, just thought it was time to #ad
this one!!!!

#ad


SNOKING