Fuel Filter Service Life

[CROW]

Truck is a 2018 with only 36K. Just checked my owners manual and it indicated you should change both fuel filters at 15K or 12 months. Certainly understand the 15K requirement but I wonder if the 12 month requirement is not excessive especially when you consider these are not cheap. I have had gassers where the fuel filter has been in the vehicle for years with no adverse effects and now have a Camry where there is no requirement to ever change the fuel filter. Understand the difference between a gasser and a diesel.
Would bet there are many Cummins/ Rams out there with filters in use that are well over 12 months.

Would like some opinions on just how long a filter could safely remain in use if the mileage on the filter does not exceed the 15K requirement.
I have the filters and am looking for an excuse to delay replacing them and always carry an extra set.

 

[Ozymandias]

You can't compare a gassers filter to a CDI Diesel.
Compared it is like a fishing net to a triple gaze.

And now if you take the parts and labor cost of your engines injection equipment into account you change them happily every 12 months to avoid a 10'000$ bill at the horizon.
The fuel filters a the most crucial part in the whole line if it comes to lifetime of your engine and its parts.

 

[AH64ID]

My 6.7’s have been given fresh filters according to the published specs, 12 months or 15K miles. I believe every change has been 12 months. I’m also still under warranty on my 2022.

On my 05 I had 2 additional filers for total filtration similar to the 13+ 6.7’s. I would run them up to 18 months, 30K miles, or a drop in fuel pressure. I’d do the same on my 2022 if I had a fuel psi gauge and no warranty. Without a fuel psi gauge or warranty I’d likely go 18 months or 15K miles.

 

[Turbo Terry]

5.9 1999 Single filter I used to go 15000 miles no issues. Had a fuel pressure gauge also . On my new truck with no fuel gauge when the 6/60 warranty’s on in is gone in about 3 years I will just go with two new filters every 15 k which would be every 24 months. I think with two filters 15 k the 12 months is a bit excessive but depends greatly on the quality of your fuel. Plus they are not cheap to buy as you said. Oil filter the same 15 k with a new filter in the middle 7500 and add make up . I use Amsoil My 2cents

 

[johnmyster]

In theory, filters could last a long time if you didn’t feed them junky fuel and drained any accumulated water. A fresh set could also die in 100 miles if contaminated.

 

[Tuesdak]

Would like some opinions on just how long a filter could safely remain in use if the mileage on the filter does not exceed the 15K requirement

Little known fact is Diesel Fuel Filters have a 5 year shelf life. After 5 years the coatings on the element material used to strip water out of the fuel degrade.

TODAY the problem of water is made worse than Old School LSD and high sulfur diesel of the past as ULSD holds more water in suspension. Addition of Biodiesel, now at 5% in everything here in AZ, also holds more water in suspension in the diesel fuel.

I would suggest the filter's ability to strip water out of the fuel degrading is why there is a 1 year of use replacement interval.

Other filters also may have a limited life in use like some air filters do: being limited to one or two years.

 

[AH64ID]

Little known fact is Diesel Fuel Filters have a 5 year shelf life. After 5 years the coatings on the element material used to strip water out of the fuel degrade.

TODAY the problem of water is made worse than Old School LSD and high sulfur diesel of the past as ULSD holds more water in suspension. Addition of Biodiesel, now at 5% in everything here in AZ, also holds more water in suspension in the diesel fuel.

I would suggest the filter's ability to strip water out of the fuel degrading is why there is a 1 year of use replacement interval.

Other filters also may have a limited life in use like some air filters do: being limited to one or two years.

Exactly why there is also a month service life on filters.

I keep one set on the shelf at all times and order another set about 3-4 months before my annual service. That way I always have a set, but they haven’t been on the shelf more than 18 months at time of install.

Never know when a tank of fuel will plug a filter.

 

[Tuesdak]

Never know when a tank of fuel will plug a filter.

Exactly. I find the rear in floor storage area is a great place to keep a set of spare fuel filters. The other storage area keeps well used tie down straps.

 

[Grumpy8811]

In theory, filters could last a long time if you didn’t feed them junky fuel and drained any accumulated water. A fresh set could also die in 100 miles if contaminated.

exactly... the manufacturer has to have a maintenance interval, or it would probably never happen..
so they chose an interval that coincides with the oil change interval is how I think that number was derived...

Never in my life have I heard of a shelf life for a filter so unless someone can get that idea from a reputable source like Fleetguard etc, I would just disregard that idea as one of those things you hear but you can't prove or disprove.

when it comes down to brass tacks, the only way to know when a fuel filter needs to be replaced is to measure the restriction across it. If you have Cummins shop manuals available for their different engines, they always have a spec for maximum fuel inlet restriction, but since the engine in these trucks is manufactured by Cummins and sold and warrantied by Ram who sell to the civilian market, you get a complete different set of what ifs and what to do's.

Longest I've went on the fuel filters was 27000 miles, had no issues, yet one time I am sure I bought some cheesy fuel somewhere on a trip to Alaska and ended up with a low power situation which clarified itself when the CEL turned on and I had a Low Rail Pressure Code, which was cured by 2 new fuel filters. I'm pretty sure the filters were around 10k miles when they were plugged.

a different guy I know replaces the under truck filter every 15000 miles, but changes the engine mounted filter about every 3 times.. his truck has more than 700,000 miles ( say I hot shot for a living real loud) without problems with fuel injection.

 

[AH64ID]

Never in my life have I heard of a shelf life for a filter so unless someone can get that idea from a reputable source like Fleetguard etc, I would just disregard that idea as one of those things you hear but you can't prove or disprove.

I emailed Donaldson about filter shelf life and this is what I received back from them “Donaldson products have a current shelf life of 5 years from date shown on the product.”

I have been told the same over the phone from Baldwin and Fleetguard.

All that never hearing of something means is that you’ve never heard of it, it doesn’t change facts.

 

[johnmyster]

when it comes down to brass tacks, the only way to know when a fuel filter needs to be replaced is to measure the restriction across it.

...yet one time I am sure I bought some cheesy fuel somewhere on a trip to Alaska and ended up with a low power situation which clarified itself when the CEL turned on and I had a Low Rail Pressure Code, which was cured by 2 new fuel filters. I'm pretty sure the filters were around 10k miles when they were plugged.

And you'd have to know something about the flow rate across the filters in order for that restriction (pressure drop) to be meaningful.

And those filters you lost in Alaska did their job. You got dirty fuel. They cleaned it up and protected your pump/injectors in the process. Capacity reached. Time for a fresh set.

I guess some folks figure filters are like bananas. I just bought my truck and replaced them for good measure. NAPA filters had a date code on them of 2019. DIC said they were at 95% based on miles and gallons. Five years, it was probably about time. Of the things in life that worry me, fuel filters don't make the list. My last truck had over 300k on the factory CP3 and injectors and I know for a fact it never had a lift pump before I owned it and the prior owners ran pretty questionable filters on it. I rest easy that the 4th gen dual filter setup is as capable as any modern setup, including the donaldsons I ran on the lift pump I added to that older truck.

$100 a set isn't that expensive in the grand scheme. I keep a spare set in my basement and another set in my camper. They'll get changed when the mood strikes.

I put a 50 gallon Titan tank on the truck so I can avoid sketchy fuel stops when towing. That alone will likely make more of a difference than changing filters early. Changing oil early, you can argue you are getting contaminants out of the sump and getting fresh oil. Changing fuel filters early, if they were still doing their job, you just aren't getting much in return.

 

[Grumpy8811]

And you'd have to know something about the flow rate across the filters in order for that restriction (pressure drop) to be meaningful.

And those filters you lost in Alaska did their job. You got dirty fuel. They cleaned it up and protected your pump/injectors in the process. Capacity reached. Time for a fresh set.


I put a 50 gallon Titan tank on the truck so I can avoid sketchy fuel stops when towing. That alone will likely make more of a difference than changing filters early. Changing oil early, you can argue you are getting contaminants out of the sump and getting fresh oil. Changing fuel filters early, if they were still doing their job, you just aren't getting much in return.

what I was saying is Cummins has a spec for fuel filter restriction, but without the tools most people can't try and basically it is easier to replace the filters than it is to check for restriction..its one o fthose things.. but going strictly by miles isn't really objective.. you could be running a fully loaded 3500 pulling equipment all the time and averaging 8 mpg, and you'd filter and burn almost 2000 gallons of fuel in 15000 miles, whereas you could be driving an unloaded 2500 series with 342 gearing on the highway all the time, get 20 mpg and barely use 750 gallons of fuel..

when you travel the Alcan, you don't necessarily have a great choice of where to get fuel..
sometimes you only have one choice but the filters did do there job.
I have an Aux tank.. carry 92 gallons on board..
Looking back, if I had to guess I suspect it was when I fueled in Watson Lake..
I started noticing the issue when I got to Fairbanks...
I was on my way back, when I finally got a CEL..
ended up replacing the filters in a campground in Fort Nelson BC..

 

[Grumpy8811]

I emailed Donaldson about filter shelf life and this is what I received back from them “Donaldson products have a current shelf life of 5 years from date shown on the product.”

I have been told the same over the phone from Baldwin and Fleetguard.

All that never hearing of something means is that you’ve never heard of it, it doesn’t change facts.

unsubstantiated word of mouth isn't a fact. whereas something in writing from a manufacturer goes alot farther, at least with me, which you don't have.
If someone else wants to believe you, fine by me but I don't believe you. Keep it at that.

 

[Turbo Terry]

Yes one of the joys of traveling the alaska Hwy. but sometimes you have to get fuel when you can. I would always carry spare. fuel filters on that journey

 

[Turbo Terry]

They are continuously running out of fuel and sucking from the bottom of the tank. Get your fuel only where the big trucks go but sometimes that’s not always possible

 

[Turbo Terry]

And never run on the bottom of your tank ir you can help it

 

[AH64ID]

what I was saying is Cummins has a spec for fuel filter restriction, but without the tools most people can't try and basically it is easier to replace the filters than it is to check for restriction..its one o fthose things.. but going strictly by miles isn't really objective.. you could be running a fully loaded 3500 pulling equipment all the time and averaging 8 mpg, and you'd filter and burn almost 2000 gallons of fuel in 15000 miles, whereas you could be driving an unloaded 2500 series with 342 gearing on the highway all the time, get 20 mpg and barely use 750 gallons of fuel..

The number of gallons pumped thru the filters is going to be nearly identical, and gallons thru the filter has an effect on filter life even when they aren’t plugged with contaminants. Filters start to degrade as soon as they are put into service, even with clean fuel.

unsubstantiated word of mouth isn't a fact. whereas something in writing from a manufacturer goes alot farther, at least with me, which you don't have.
If someone else wants to believe you, fine by me but I don't believe you. Keep it at that.

Email or call them yourself and get your substantiated information… it’s just as easy as ranting here about things you’ve never heard about, but you’ll have to swallow your pride and realize you don’t know everything about filters or shelf life. But based on how full of yourself you are I highly doubt you’ll ever do it.

 

[Ozymandias]

I believe in it, virtually everything has a shelf life as it starts to degrade right after production. Why should it be different for a filter.

 

[Turbo Terry]

So how do you knowif your getting old stock or brand new minted filters

 

[Ozymandias]

I don't buy from a mom and pop store where the stuff sits on the shelf for years and collects dust.
For example wiper blades I only get from big Walmart, always fresh and soft, other places often already hardened right out of the box.