Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) embarrasing fix

[Piersol]

Well, I have been reading lately how many of us are having problems with a studdering in cold weather just after startup. I too had the problem. After most people thought it was a fuel problem or timing I thought about how long it has been since I changed the fuel filter/water separator. Well I looked it up and found it was a little over 40,000 miles ago. Changed it out and it runs fine in the cold. It always ran fine when warm. I decided to cut it open to see just how bad it was. The pleating was completely black. Nothing stuck in between the pleates but still bad. Always check the simple thing first.

 

[SRehberg]

Was the black just dirt etc. or was the black glossy and slimey which would indicate algae? I deal with this all the time on my boat, where I have to be vigilent with biobor and stabilizers. I know years ago, my father-in-laws VW rabbit got a bad load of diesel, and we had to pull the fuel system apart to clean the lines, tank etc. as the algae really created a mess.

 

[Piersol]

Yea, I know what your talking about and I was concerned too. I've seen that in my tractor once. However it was just "run of the mill " dirt.

 

[SRehberg]

It is funny how we're glad when it's just "run of the mill dirt", as we know the down side of the other stuff. Glad it worked out o. k. for you, and it's a good reminder to change the filter like you said; they're basically "outa sight, outa mind".