Fuel Filtering

[_MACKIN]

If you gents would assist... What is the micron rating on the factory installed OEM fuel filter in the 03 Cummins ??



Are any of you guys going to address the fuel quality with better filtering, now that Cummins has implemented the high pressure Bosch fuel system ??



Or are you concerned with injector problems down the road, do to poor fuel quality??



Or do you feel what the manufacture supplied is more the adequate ??







The Diesel Page is in discussion of this issue and since we share very similar systems, I would appreciate some info if possible... . All be it a second opinion for myself.....



Thanks in advance... .



MAC

 

[kbarlow]

MAC,



I do not know the micron rating, but I am sure somebody here does.



Another parameter is the frequency of change. My manual says change every 15000 mi. (24000 Km's). What is the replacement interval with the Chev? And the micron rating for your truck?



Cheers Ken

 

[_MACKIN]

Ken



Interval change is the same..... I change mine at 10k,and cut them open for viewing ..... Not surprising they are dirty at this point all ready..... Hold your breath and check out the fuel quality in the states... ... View Second cut filter is NOT a urine sample,actual diesel fuel ..... Still treating as we speak.....

OEM Racor Duramax filter is rated at 10/15 Micron no one has said absolutely either or... . Troubling..... No one has boldly said ,Yes it is a 10 micron filter..... All studies point to the micron size most damaging is 5 micron and up.....



Some are adding a post OEM 2 micron filter... . Useing stocker as a pre filter..... I'm wondering if I too should follow thru and would appreciate hearing from the Cummins guys expertise..... With the Bosch system with a heavy price tag ,warranty voiding is not pretty... . But I might take my chances.....





Thanks



MAC

 

[rbattelle]

Check out this discussion:



Fleetguard Filters Thread



Given the relative cost of a fuel filter versus that of an injector replacement, I plan to change fuel filters at every oil change (3000 miles).

 

[BV]

Filter changing

Can't help on the micron size but wanted to mention that 3000 mile filter changes is over kill and you could actually cause more harm by opening the fuel system more then necessary and allowing dirt to enter the pump side of the filter.



If you don't want to use a gauge and go with the restriction value then change it every 10-15 k like the manual suggests.



Also - If you drain a little fuel every once in awhile into a clear container you can monitor the condition of the fuel your using by looking for water droplets and sediments.



JMHO

 

[kbarlow]

Originally posted by MACKIN

Ken







Some are adding a post OEM 2 micron filter... . Useing stocker as a pre filter.....





MAC

Mac,



In a different application I run 2 Racor 1000's in parallel with a 2 micron filter, vacuum gauge, & water sensor all pre OEM Filter. Once a year, when I change the OEM, the only thing on the filter is clean fuel. I have always preferred to deliver clean fuel to the system as supplied by the manufacturer. It helps to reduce long discussions with the dealer regarding warranty issues.



The other nice thing about this is I can change Racor filters without shutting down the engine



Cheers Ken

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Mac, how common of a problem do you think injector failures on the DMax? I surfed a lot of threads recently and have frequented the Diesel Page since becoming a member nearly 3 years ago. I don't recall very many threads of people having injector failures except for the first few months after the DMax debuted.



Are there failures occuring more often than I realize or is it just your typical group of guys who really go the extra mile to take care of their vehicles and maximize longevity?



I just took delivery of my 2003 Cummins and plan to maintain it like the 2001. . . stock (stratapore) filters every 10,000 miles.





Vaughn

 

[PCline]

BV, you hit the nail on the head. Changing the filter too often can introduce problems for several reasons.



A filter works better and better as it loads up. The only problem is that it takes more pressure to push the fluid through it. The perfect fuel system would monitor the pressure drop (much like the filter minder) and let us know when to change the filter.



Another key point is that the greatest producer of contaminants is the high pressure pump. As the pump operates it is constantly shedding small micron sized particles. The injectors are downstream of the pump so you can change the filter all you want and it's not going to protect the injectors any better.



As a point of reference the ball inside a ball-point-pen is the equivalent of about 135,000 particles 5 micron in size.