03 fuel filter

[Slow Six]

I seen the topic here last week on results of fuel filter change. Since I was almost due for the first change I did mine before heading out with the fiver for the weekend. First off, what a treat to change this filter compared to my 94. I finished the job and started up. I knew something had changed as the engine sounded different. It even felt different just moving and hooking up to the trailer. As soon as I got on the highway I knew I had found my missing ponies. This truck never had much for power since new. I gained a full gear on all the hills and mileage seems to be better. I really like this truck now. I let the filter drain and I took a look at it today. There seems to be a lot of a black very fine dirt in the filter. What ever it was it was restricting flow. Thanks to whom ever posted this last week. This is a great site. I get a lot of pleasure taking TSB,s etc to the dealer and seeing the looks they give me because they usually don't even know what I am talking about.

 

[Prairie Dog]

I wonder if the black stuff is plastic from the manufacturing of our fuel tanks?

 

[MattSt]

Originally posted by Slow Six

I seen the topic here last week on results of fuel filter change.



I gained a full gear on all the hills and mileage seems to be better. I really like this truck now.

It was me, and I feel EXACTLY the same way! Seriously feels like I got 50 hp from changing it out.

 

[RankRam]

How many miles on the filter?

 

[MattSt]

Originally posted by RankRam

How many miles on the filter?

Mine had 10,000 when it started to feel sluggish. Then at 15,000 it was completely clogged and I couldn't get enough fuel to even get over 65 mph. It really would depend on how much junk you end up getting in the fuel I guess.

 

[RankRam]

Thanks for the heads up, I only have 5k on her I'm gonna wait and change it @ 10k intervals and have a spare with me just in case.

 

[MattSt]

Originally posted by RankRam

Thanks for the heads up, I only have 5k on her I'm gonna wait and change it @ 10k intervals and have a spare with me just in case.

I honestly think it all came from one bad batch of fuel and some of it I SWEAR came in the tank from the factory.



All I know for sure is, the 2 trucks just like mine that I test drove had ALOT more power than mine did when it arrived. I was mad at first but then wrote it off that maybe I got a real tight one. I towed and towed and drove it hard. Finally it's feeling good and has more power than the ones I drove. (with the box off of course)

 

[robobx]

mine lost power and mileage at 11,000 but I didn't change it until 19,000 what a difference. I'll never let it go to even 15k again!

 

[RankRam]

Yes I agree with the nasty fuel theory, I always keep an extra fuel filter with me. Hey it's not a bad idea to keep a few filters for that one bad load of fuel.



By the way the truck is running real strong and actually out pulls my very good running 99!



I should mention the 99 had an EZ on it too.

 

[JBraun]

I was planning on changing mine this weekend. Is there anymore to it than draining the fuel out of the canister/separator, and replacing the filter? Any special tools, gaskets, or tricks of the trade? This is my first diesel so please forgive the ignorant.

Jason

 

[Prairie Dog]

Its really easy, no special tools. Just open the valve on the bottom and turn on your key for a few seconds (dont start it), this will get the fluid drained quickly. then close the valve and unscrew the top of the housing. Replace the filter and don't forget to install the new O-ring that comes with the filter. When done, turn on the key and again w/o starting it, let the pump run 30 seconds or so - repeat a couple of times and your finished.



Scotty

 

[JBraun]

Thanks for the reply, when I ge off midnight shift this week I will change it.

Jason

 

[bighammer]

I was going to do mine, but the drain valve doesn't seem to do anything. Nothing comes out at all.

 

[bighammer]

I found the answer here.



Thanks

 

[Dean Upson]

Originally posted by JBraun

I was planning on changing mine this weekend. Is there anymore to it than draining the fuel out of the canister/separator, and replacing the filter? Any special tools, gaskets, or tricks of the trade? This is my first diesel so please forgive the ignorant.

Jason

Very easy to do, just be sure that when you take the top of the cannister off you use the socket (1 1/8"?) do not use your socket extension in the square hole, you could crack the housing. The cover will be snug at first because of the gasket. You just "bump" the starter a couple of times to prime and you are back in business. Don't forget to close the drain valve .



Dean

 

[rhino_50]

fuel filter

What is the part number for 03 fuel filter. I would like to change mine. I was told donaldson filters were better than fleetguard. because they have more plets. thanks any help would be great. RHINO-50

 

[Dean Upson]

FS19579



Dean

 

[rhino_50]

FUEL FILTER

THANKS DEAN I supose this is a fleet guard # Rhino -50

 

[Dean Upson]

That is the Fleetguard.



Dean