Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Bad Fuel and Fuel Filters

[BMelhuish]

I had an experience that I'd thought I'd share. Several months and 3500 miles ago I installed a DDRP lift pump and an ISSPO Fuel Pressure Gauge. FASS intructs you to install a micro filter between the tank and lift pump. After installation, I was getting 17-18 lbs at idle and 12-13 lbs at highway speeds. I planned a trip from Florida to South Carolina and fueled up at the local Hess.

As I drove I watched with some concern as the fuel pressure began to drop. By the time I got to where I was going the pressure was was at 10 lbs at idle and 4-6 lbs at highway speeds. Under load, it dropped lower. The next day, beginning with the simple, I pulled the fuel filter and blew out this gummy sludge. After cleaning it out and reinstalling the filter, the pressure was back to normal.

FASS instructs to change the filter every 6000 miles. Further, the truck was not running noticably different. The addition of the fuel pressure gauge just paid for itself by alerting me to an issue that would have resulted in a failed VP 44 and me on the side of the road. Since I wasn't at home with all of my nice tools, I would have had to pay someone else to do the work. If I hadn't installed the gauge, I would not have known until failure.

Thanks to all for convincing me that adding a fuel pressure gauge was a good idea!

 

[JR]

Can you elaborate on the filter you are using before the pump?
Are you running any kind of bio fuel?

It really only needs to be a "catch all" type filter to collect any big particles that may jamb the pump. Too restrictive and it may plug like you experienced.
:For instance, the AD100 I use draws through the water seperator filter before pumping through the other filter and is rated at something like 25um. It is more or less equivelent to a window screen in terms of filtering capabilities, it's primary purpose is to seperate the water from the fuel and catch any large particles that may be suspended in the fuel. Recommended service intervals are replacement every 2nd fuel filter (unless you get a bad batch of fuel)

 

[cerberusiam]

It s a rock catcher for all intents that goes in front of the DDRP to help it live longer. If it was a black sludge in the filter that is the asphaltenes cooking out the crappy ULSD. Need a diesel fuel conditioner specifically designed t limit their formation. If it wasn't black then suspect the fuel station as the source of som eunknown contaminant.

 

[BMelhuish]

It was a Fram micro filter that Geno's included with the pump. The sludge was a yellowish color. I don't use bio fuel. The situation did not entirely correct itself until I ran the tank almost dry, changed the filter, and filled up with fresh fuel. Pressures are now back to normal. I plan on changing the filter every oil change now.

 

[cerberusiam]

The sludge was a yellowish color.

Yeck! Not sure what that is but it wasn't good. Suspect you got some bad fuel at some point.