Fuel filter Black Stuff

[MMeilicke]

Well, I have successfully installed my new fuel filter on my 2004. 5. All of the directions I received were great. If I can do it, anyone can. But one questions, the old filter was black. Does anyone know what that black stuff is? I had 18,000 miles on the old filter.

 

[nickleinonen]

it's the dirt that didn't get through the filter element. can be wax [diesel fuel has lots of paraifn in it], sludge from the bottom or underground fuel tanks, bio stuff [algi growing in fuel]...

 

[Pawpaw]

Yup. I've changed mine 3 times now and it's been black every time. 40,000 miles on the clock now.



Bob

 

[JVolpe]

I am not sure, mine is that way every time I have changed the fuel filter. I change every 7,500 miles. Have changed 3 times now and always is black.

 

[Badunit]

There were a few threads about this subject back when the 2003's were new and people were first changing their filters. As I recall, the theory was that most of that black stuff was from the inside of the new tank, probably something to do with manufacturing. Mine was very black the first time (with just 3K miles on it) and, even though the filter's been dark every time I've changed it, it's nothing like it was that first time.

 

[JVantreese]

Pick your fueling station with care.

I work 3 blocks from my home so I only use my CTD for trips and don't put many miles on the truck. This last month I changed my fuel filter for the first time with 11,000 miles and one year on the clock. The filter was a light brown to tan with no signs of water or any black area. I try to fill up at commercial truck fueling stations thinking that I'm getting fresher fuel then what is available at the smaller stations or those that pump mostly gas. I think I will continue this practice of using high volume stations.

 

[Texasrattler]

I read somewhere that the black is some form of ashfalt that's results from the diesel. Personally, I give it some credibility. I will ask one of our chemical engs.



Pete