Fuel filter interval

[RDThompson]

How often is the general consensus of fuel filter life. One oil change, two , Three perhaps ?

 

[sag2]

At least every 15,000 or you risk your warranty on fuel system parts.

 

[goodguys75]

I do mine every other oil change so 10,000 miles and mine is a 5. 9... but cant be much different... ... it is cheap insurance

 

[HBarlow]

The owner's manual clearly states 15k intervals. What's wrong with the manufacturer's recommendation?

 

[Hoefler]

The owner's manual clearly states 15k intervals. What's wrong with the manufacturer's recommendation?

Bingo! We have a winner!

 

[Jim W]

I change both of my fuel filters every 10,000 miles. I know this is not required but I like to be pro-active on maintenance and fuel filters are cheaper compared to pumps and injectors.

I also carry two spare fuel filters in the truck at all times one is a 5 micron and the other is a 2 micron filter.

Jim W.

 

[CKelley1]

the fuel filter should be replaced by a gauge the dirtier the filter get's the better it filters. the filter has many size holes in it. the larger holes has less restriction therefore more flow through them as they fill up the fuel passes through smaller and smaller holes. the ones changing them by mileage is throwing away a better filter than they are putting on. talk to a engineer with a filter manufacture and he will confirm. the cp3 will work from minus 5 psi to plus 20 psi the tank pump is about 7 psi do not change the filter or filters until about 2 psi under load. the cp3 and injectors needs a 2 micron filter for maximum life

 

[SierraRam]

I ghange mine every oil change (7500 miles), to me it is cheap insurance. Plus I am old and I would forget if I did it the time before or not...

 

[RDThompson]

I change mine every other oil change as a rule, rarely more than ten k . I was curious as to what others were doing.

I get my fuel from a couple card lock systems in the L. A. area and I question the purity of the fuel at some of the locations.

I'd much rather pay for an extra filter than an expensive component in the F. I. system.

I also suffer from C. R. S. so I keep a maintenance log in an essay book. It's handy for keeping part numbers and filter crosses as well.

 

[mwilson]

I change the fuel filter at every oil change. (Edit... 10,000 mile service interval)



That is what I was taught when I learned to work on Big Riggin' so I carry the practice over to my little CTD's.



Also have a spare fuel filter in each truck along with a gallon of fuel for a quick cold weather side of the road filter change.

If you are not quick you lose the feeling in your hands in a hurry from the cold fuel.

Ask me how I know that... ... .



The trouble with extending the change interval is when the little holes finish plugging up it quits like right now... .....

UNLESS you do as CKelley1 with the filter gauge which is the right way to extend your filter life.

Air cleaner elements are the same way, more efficient the dirtier that they get. But you must monitor the filters condition with a gauge.



Mike.

 

[AH64ID]

Fuel filters are the least efficient when they are new, so over servicing fuel filters can actually do more harm (not bad, just not as good) than good (and there are several engine mfgr's that talk about this). Unless you have indications of a clogged filter I would stick with 15K mile intervals as stated in the owners manual, or possibly longer based on a fuel psi gauge.

Like Mike said, carry a spare!

 

[Eddy]

I replaced mine a few weeks ago at 17k miles. I usually try to do it at or before 15k but for no apparent reason I let it go. I did notice an increase in performance after the change so I'm sure it was long overdue... .

 

[BruteForce]

Every other oil change -- religiously.

 

[rscurtis]

Another variable is the cleanliness of your fuel supply. If you can buy fuel from only one station that has a good track record, changing fuel filters on a short schedule is not that critical. Having an old, economical truck enables me to do this almost exclusively.

 

[AHarris]

The owner's manual clearly states 15k intervals. What's wrong with the manufacturer's recommendation?

That's what I always do--there's a reason why they specify 15K. Changing the filter is not that hard, but it is a PITA and requires a long extension and a 1 1/8" socket.