Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Black fuel filter element

[hcpBILL]

I would like to know what turns the fuel filter elements black. I use the Fleetguard filters and change them at the recommended intervals. I have a fuel pressure gage and the black filters do not seem to restrict the fuel, the pressure is the same.

Thanks

Bill

 

[JFaughn]

My guess is that because of hearing for yrs that diesel #2 fuel is dirty , maybe not black as you fill the tank but over time [ filter change intervals ] allowable particulates , then there is other issues , I had a freeway entrance ramp repair station with pumps , over the yrs I heard stories like some outfits would go into the trucking bis , hauling fuel & waste oil , they wouldn't send the waste oil of for recycling , but dump in diesel fuel , so I think that there are lots reasons , how well are the tanks that the fuel is put in are maintained ??? many tanks , tank farms , refiners , fuel trucks & stations .

 

[Joe G.]

I have read that the black stain is from asphalt compounds in diesel fuel. Every fuel filter I have cut open has been stained black with no evidence of any other contaminents.

 

[Nate]

Mine are black, but my diesel fuel is black too from the waste oil I run.

 

[Wyomingcowboy]

Petroleum products are dirty, even gasoline. It is just a dirty product no matter how much you refine it. Coming from the pump it doesn't appear that way, but it is. That is also the reason bio-diesel will plug fuel filters at first. The bio is much cleaner and actually breaks up deposits left from years of petro leading to the filter clogging. No big problem, just the way it is. (Thats one of the reasons why they put filters on everything. )

 

[Bunyan]

Mine are black, but my diesel fuel is black too from the waste oil I run.

Are you running you're used oil in with the diesel?

Thanks, Bunyan