Aux./Secondary fuel filter and Coolant filter

[jalberring]

Has anyone added either of these mods?



I recently traded my Powerstroke for this truck. I was going to add a Baldwin coolant filter (No DCA's) to the Ford but never got around to it. I would now like to add the filter to this truck. In the powerstroke the filter would have been added as shown on Bob Riley's site, www.dieselsite.com with the hoses attached to the heater hoses in a bypass manner. The coolant continually runs thru the heater core on the Ford. Will this type of setup work on the Cummins?



The second thing I would like to add is another fuel filter somewhere in the fuel line along the frame. I would like to get a heated Racor model with the water seperator. I believe that this will be a good mod for times when I get bad fuel but I am concerned adding this with all of the lift pump failures. Should another pump be added prior to the filter? Or is no/another kind of filter recommended?



One final question: Is there somewhere I can look to get tech. information? like fuel filter micron ratings, type of axles used, etc?

I haven't gotten my first issue of the magazine yet.



Thanks, Jason

 

[JJW_ND]

I would not bother with any coolant filter etc. Not needed as Cummins B engines have NO cavitation issues.



Extra fuel filter???? the 2002 fuel filter is about as easy to change as they get. Much simpler then older trucks. It has an inline heater in the prefilter screen. It was common to add additional fuel filters on older trucks to get better access to the fuel filter. I have a 96 and a 2001. It would be hard to improve on 2001 setup.



If you watch were you buy fuel you should never have any fuel problems. Big truckstops or places that get lots of intown public diesel trucks. The cheapest fuel is not neccessary the best fuel.

I have burned over 14,000 gallons through my 96.



Sometimes keeping things simple prevents lots of problems that would not normaly happen. The factory fuel delivery setup preforms great in cold weather. No need for Straight #1 or even blend as long as one adds additives below zero.



Follow the PM schedules and you will have little if any problems. If you want to do something nice to your truck replace the fluids with better synthetics (running gear atleast). Run some fuel additives once and awhile.



jjw

ND

 

[jalberring]

The coolant filter in this situation would NOT be used because of cavitation. That is why I posted no DCA's in parentheses. The filter removes casting debris, sand, other contaminants, etc. I want to keep the engine/truck for a long time so I want to make sure everything is protected. Most every "big rig" I've seen has a coolant filter. It just seems like added protection to me.



I am not going to remove the factory fuel filter. The one I am talking about would be in addition to the factory filter. Someone posted that clean fuel is essential to the life of the Cummins. I always try to get good, clean fuel but sometimes it is not possible. This filter would at least allow me some time to get to a better station or stop a bad fuel problem from developing into an engine problem.



Thanks.

 

[Un-Hemi]

Jaosn, welcome to the TDR! You've come to the right place for information and assistance for your new truck. I recommend that you take the time to learn how to use the search function above. There's a ton of information about lift pumps and filters there; it's all been done before and research is ongoing!



It wouldn't hurt to add the Racor filter just in front of the tank. If you are going to consider either moving the stock lift pump, or if you add an additional lift pump (search the archives), they would be in line between the added filter and the engine so it is protected. Most primary filters are in the range of 30 microns or so and are adequate for this purpose. I'm in the process of adding a Racor filter and gauges myself.



Gauges would be a wise investment. A fuel pressure gauge is almost a must on these trucks, as the lift pump can and does fail without warning, and this has been suspected of causing damage to the VP-44 injection pump ($$$$$$$$$!!!). Not to overly concern you, but you may as well learn from the experience of others.



Another site worth looking at is Dave Fritz's site at:

http://dodgeram.org

There's lots of useful information there also.



One more thing: please include a 'signature' line with your posts. It's useful for others to know what truck and options you have, if you ask a specific question. See below..... mine's presently short, but will change as the 'bombing' begins in the spring.

 

[JJW_ND]

Would an early coolant change provide the same???



I think we would both be surprised to find out what the long haul hotshot guys do for service. Every coin they put in their trucks is one not going in their pocket. Yet they need need to be buring fuel everday to be makeing money not broke down.



As long as the factory setup was very servicable it was left alone. I have seen several 400K -700K hotshot trucks. Same fuel filters. No fancy stuff. Talk to them about service and find out they change oil ever 10K, coolant and major lube once a year (about 100 - 150K).



Just for piece of mind you can have most any fluid (including coolant) analyized. I have had lots of oil samples checked and learn allot.



I still have the factory radiator, water pump (even hoses up until 20K ago) with two flushes and refills. Everything look clean and If I had tested it I bet was fine for continued use.



I here you on the filter, but if concerned add a duel fuel presure gauge (one before filter and one after) and monitor. You will see a change long before your pump or enigine ever sees it. Again, you will have that filter changed quicker then you can use the biffy.



Did not mean to see inconsiderate. Just trying to save you from wasting hard earner money for something that is not needed.



Sure wish I had listened when I first got my truck!



jjw

ND

 

[jalberring]

Thanks guys,



Tommy, I can see my signature when I check my posts. Is it not showing on your screen? If not, is there something I need to do?



Jason

 

[Un-Hemi]

Nah, it's working fine. Just doesn't show up when I'm replying to the thread. DOH!

Notice how I've disabled the signature on this post.

 

[jalberring]

JJW, the more I think about it you are probably right. There are a lot of trucks with many, many miles that have only had regular scheduled maintenance.



Tommy, let me know how the install goes though as I might consider that later on.



Jason