fuel filter changed - more power!?

[650mphDiesel]

I posted this over on "first time cummins owners" and thought I would get some input here. I changed out my fuel filter at just under 15K mi. I did not notice a difference in power unloaded, probably due to my light foot, but when I hooked up my trailer and took er for pull, I noticed more power out of the hole and easier pulls up steep grades. Not earth shattering but definately noticable. Is it possible that a clogged fuel filter was robbing me of some power? I figured since this experience I would change the FF out at 10K miles or less. The filter was jet black which I think is common. Do you think this was an unusual situation or fairly common occurrance? Any thoughts?

 

[Grey Wolf]

Just a thought, but I never leave my fuel filters in that long... . and yes you could have had some contamination in there.

In traveling across the country I've had to fuel up in some places I wouldn't ordinarily do. So I've been found out behind a motel changing my fuel filters because of this What did I find, silt, no water but enough silt to rob me of power. I didn't follow my usual routine of buying at the big fuel suppliers, so I paid for it. I would just say change it more often and don't forget to keep some fuel filters with you, just in case My 2 cents. .

 

[mberry]

Yes it is possible to have more power after a filter change.

 

[LightmanE300]

It really depends on the tanks of fuel you get and the stations you frequent, as Grey Wolf has mentioned. I have a FP gauge on my truck, and typically the filters last 10-12k before getting restricted, but it's hard to say. My last filter clogged in 5k miles for some reason - I was able to pull the fuel pressure down to 0 with minimal throttle -so I assume at heavy throttle there would be some power loss and even possibly damage with extended high throttle use when there is 0 fuel pressure. The instant I changed it I couldn't pull it below 5psi. .

 

[Cattletrkr]

My last filter went 25K before I was able to pull it down to 3psi. Changed it and now I can't go below 5.

 

[650mphDiesel]

Good info guys. I was pretty surprised at how inky black the filter was, and even more surprised when my truck performed better after the change. I guess I should add a fuel pressure gauge to my collection, just gotta figure out where to put it! Good idea on keeping a couple of spare filters in the rig, especially on the long pulls.