Better fuel filters - why?

[Gary - K7GLD]

For some time now, I have been running a Frantz fuel filter, along with the Frantz oil bypass unit. In the past, I have posted pics of the trash/residue caught by the Frantz fuel filter, and here's another taken a few minutes ago - only about 3000 miles on this particular element because I wanted to switch the outer canister:



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While it's not as evident as I'd like, that coating seen around the outer half of the TP element is a copper colored deposit with the consistency of flour - very fine, with a few larger flakes of what appears to be brass particles.



Since my truck is a '02, and uses a Carter Lift pump combined with another Carter pusher pump, it seems logical that the deposits seen here are wear particles from the motor sections of the 2 pumps, probably from the commutator and motor bushings.



Since the VP-44 Injection Pumps in these model trucks are prone to early failure, the evidence seen here might suggest one potential source for VP-44 issues - since the OEM fuel filter is not nearly as efficient as the Frantz sub-micron filter I use to supplement my fuel system filtration.



Just food for thought - maybe a few other members might want to look into supplementing their fuel filter as well...

 

[JOdell]

Hey Gary. Nice work as always. What does that do to your Fuel Pressure? This might be something I would like to get. I have had 3 VP44's replaced in the first 5 years of my trucks life. I am a little gun shy. I now change my fuel filter every 5,000 miles to be safe. -Jason

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Hey Gary. Nice work as always. What does that do to your Fuel Pressure? This might be something I would like to get. I have had 3 VP44's replaced in the first 5 years of my trucks life. I am a little gun shy. I now change my fuel filter every 5,000 miles to be safe. -Jason

The Frantz I use is pretty restrictive compared to others available - I lose about 4 PSI nominal across the filter, way too much for a stock '02 fuel system. BUT, the added pusher on my truck provides enough additional PSI and the larger lines and opened up banjo fittings I use more than make up for the loss...



Here's a shot of another used element with about 10K miles on it, showing the trapped Brass particles it has caught:



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[Gary - K7GLD]

From another forum:

I bet alot of the dust is catylist dust from the cat cracker at the refinery



Good report Gary... ... ... . My main fuel tank is in the bed of my truck and goes directly to a 10 micron spin on filter before it hits my fass II... ... ... ... ... . I have been meaning to cut one of them apart some day and check it out:thumbsup

Could be - although that seems like a lot of stuff to come from the refinery in only 3000 miles or so worth of fuel. It's pretty hard to get the same easy visual inspection evidence from cutting a regular pleated paper element apart - the relatively denser and smaller area of what I use works out pretty well.



One thing lots of us overlook, is that the fuel in our diesels, regardless of year model, is constantly recirculating a significant volume of fuel, and wear metals from various sources just keep right on recirculating as well, if they're not properly filtered out - and they have the potential to cause increased wear on the injection pump, and to clog injectors.



Better to get 'em outta there!

 

[keimmmo]

JOdell,



Actually, you will filter out smaller particles with LESS frequent fuel filter changes! The more nearly plugged the filter, the smaller the particles it will filter. That is why I run a fuel pressure gauge and run the fuel filters until I get a pressure drop. When the pressure drops, I change filters. I can often run over 30k miles between changes!



Steve Keim

 

[dpuckett]

Hey, I have been thinking I want to get a fuel fitler canister from a newer truck to run the 7micron filters in to protect my newly rebuilt pump and injectors. This looks to be worlds better. What is the filtration rating, and what kind of ballpark price are we looking at? ALso be a good excuse to upgrade my lift pump system.



Daniel

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Hey, I have been thinking I want to get a fuel fitler canister from a newer truck to run the 7micron filters in to protect my newly rebuilt pump and injectors. This looks to be worlds better. What is the filtration rating, and what kind of ballpark price are we looking at? ALso be a good excuse to upgrade my lift pump system.



Daniel

The Frantz is rated as a sub-micron filter, which is also why it's pretty restrictive - no problem with LP upgrade mods. Not sure about price, give Deb at wefilterit.com a call...