Preporator Airdog

[GIT-R-DONE]

Originally posted by TBrennan

How about integrating an electric fuel heater like the oem unit? Not having one would prevent me from using one here in the cold northeast.

No flame intended, but I have never had a heater on any of my diesels. If you keep your fuel cut, you shouldn't need a heater.

 

[Turbo Tim 1]

Originally posted by GIT-R-DONE

No flame intended, but I have never had a heater on any of my diesels. If you keep your fuel cut, you shouldn't need a heater.

Just so you know, your truck came with a fuel heater already installed.

 

[GIT-R-DONE]

My 02 used to have a heater on the cannister, I believe, but if you want that, you can leave that in-line with the FASS or Preporator. Why would you need a heater for the fuel if you fuel is cut? I only ever had one truck freeze up and it was my fault it did, cuz I didn't cut the fuel.

 

[TBrennan]

jcbrown: Thanks, that would solve the issue but certainly add to the cost. I like their in-fuel-line model better that replaces the fuel line from tank to filter and heats it the whole way. That would be the way to go, IMO.



GIT-R-DONE: I wouldn't want to leave the oem system in place just for the heating element, that would be an inelegant solution, IMO. As stated all stock units have a heating element. Why would I want one? Reliability! I can't control what goes into the fuel stops holding tanks, they never ask me. All I can control is what I do with it once it's in my vehicle. Water can get into cut fuel also.

 

[tshunt]

Hmmm, doesn't seem to be too much excitement on how great this product is like there was with the FASS. Surely there must be more opinions by now.

 

[Ncostello]

I'm seriously thinking about getting one to replace my relocated Carter OEM pump. It seems to keep getting worse. What started out as a good system has started to make me wonder how long its going to last.



I've had my eye on the AirDog since it came out and perhaps I should give it a shot and see how I like it. I have a feeling its got what it takes for the long haul.

 

[Edward]

I got my Airdog the other day. I haven't had a chance to install it yet but I am impressed with the quality. Everything is there to do the install. The unit is smaller than the FASS too. Using the kit supplied with the Airdog there is no way that the filters will hang down below the frame. I was impressed by the way the unit was packaged too. Preporator evidently takes pride in their product and they do not want it damaged in transit to their customers. You could ship that thing by pack mule over the Alcan Highway and it would not get damaged. I will post more after I do the install. It may take a while I will be in the process of moving the end of this month and the beginning of next.



Edward

 

[gbm]

I purchased an Airdog system at the “Festival in the Foothills” event put on by the SoCal Rattlin Rams, on July 17th. Charles was at the event himself. He is a well spoken, knowledgeable man. He spent quite a bit on time with several of us, explaining the fine points of the Airdog. He explained about it’s manufacture, function, and the testing that the system has gone through.

My Carter lift pump was starting to die, and I was looking for a system that was well made, that I would not have to worry about for a long time. After considering many options – New Carter pump, relocated pump, dual pumps, Holley, Malory, FASS, I made my bet on the Airdog. I liked that it was made for diesel trucks, Preporator has a proven track record, and is way overkill for the power level of my truck.



I installed the Airdog unit the next day.



Upside I have noticed so far:



The quality of the components, machining etc. appear to be first rate.



The kit was indeed complete, and had everything I needed to install the system.



The engine idles smoother – the tachometer needle does not bounce up and down 50 RPM like it did prior to the install.



The fuel pressure is ALWAYS at 15psi now – idle, cruising, WOT, always 15psi.



The unit is quieter than the stock Carter pump, and much quieter than any Holley pump I have used in the past.



The fuel filter has more filter media surface area than the stock filter – Charles explained that barring a load of bad fuel, the filter may be good for 50K or more miles????? In 75K miles, I have gotten one bad load of fuel. I know it will happen again. I need to get and carry a spare filter.



The system is totally hidden form view, it does not stick out below the rocker / bed.



It is easy to get to when service is required. Fuel filters will be easier to replace than stock.



Downside so far:



The unit is a little bit expensive – I thought the price was still fair for what I got. If it continues to perform for many miles and several years, it will not be a “downside”, it will be a bargain!



The install directions are just okay. Some real photos (rather than simplified drawings) in the instructions would have been helpful.



I trimmed one side of the frame mounting bracket to make it fit just the way I wanted it to. Maybe this was unique to my truck? Maybe, I am too particular?



Important things that I have no answers for yet:



Does it let the engine make more H. P. ? I have not dyno tested my truck.



Does it improve fuel mileage? I will see, I record every drop of fuel, and hand calculate the mileage.



Will it last several hundred thousand miles? In time, I will find out, I drove my last car over 500K miles.



Will cold weather, and not having a fuel heater, be an issue? I live in Southern California, and keep my truck in my garage, I removed my heater grid, and installed an aluminum spacer three years ago. I am the wrong person to ask this question.



If anything important happens, I will post the information. Otherwise, just think of me a satisfied customer of the Airdog system.



Geoff

 

[PRyker]

What justifies spening $100 more on the Air Dog when you can get the Fass? I have the FASS and I am extremely happy with it. Has everything that was said about the Air Dog and is cheaper.



From what I have seen they are basically the same, actually, I heard the FASS is a bit bigger. My Fass system does not hang to low and is a work of art.



Anyone??



Thanks



Phil

 

[1dslram]

Dkevdog and another member of the So. Cal. Rattlin Rams did the install and Dynoed before and after the results are elsewhere on this site. They did an extensive search and believe that the Perperator is well worth the extra money. It is my understanding that Fass refused to parcipate in the install and dyno test. Here is a link to that thread https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=90652

There is a lot of information in this thread. I talked to Charles at Foothill Dodge and will purchase one as soon as $$$ is available. The truck still needs paint and LineX and that is going to be a few thou +

Bruce

 

[Rman]

PRyker, I don't wish to bash any product but just call and talk with Charles. He'll give you the heads up on the differences and trust me, there is differences. The design's are similar, but they do differ at some critical points. I'm saving my pennies for an Airdog rather than shortchange on the FASS. That won't sit well with many who have dropped the coin on it but that's just my opinion, it's about as helpful as a 25 year old pack mule is in a snowstorm.

 

[GIT-R-DONE]

Yeah, and one more thing to remember, some of these guys could sell ice to an Eskimo, and make em feel good about it... . either way I bet you will be happy with whatever system you fork over the $$ to buy.

 

[Wiredawg]

I'm Happy W/ FASS

Fellow Rammers:



Not looking to start a new war: Airdog/FASS, but I have two FASS units (one on my 02 and one waiting to install on my 03). I have not dynoed, but there is seat of the pants improvement. After almost 4K miles, I've seen about 1. 2 mpg increase; the injection pump is way quieter, and it idles at 16 psi and drops to 15 psi WOT.



The FASS kit is very high quality, complete and very good directions. Mine is mounted so that the filter do not hang below the frame.



I bought mine at May Madness and was real impressed with the demo where fuel was aereated (filled with air bubbles) going in to FASS and fuel coming out was completely clear. The price was really good too.



I don't have anything against Airdog, but I'm not really too keen on info I've read about the lawsuits going on between father (Airdog) and son (FASS). I hope it works out for both.



Finally, everyone will buy what they want. I just remember, everyone is right and no one is wrong when is comes their personal feeling about the products they buy.



My two cents is the FASS if very good.



Wiredawg

 

[PRyker]

FASS

Well, I am happy with the FASS. I am sure that there is some reason why the Air Dog is better (ISO 9001??). I have a FASS and my only hope that once this whole court battle nonsense is over I believe one of the following will probably happen:



1. FASS gets the ok to continue to sell. If so if I ever have a problem I have them to turn to.



2. FASS has to stop producing the product and Air Dog wins. If this happens and Charles is such a standup guy as everyone says then he will probably help out the guys who had the FASS and who have problems getting parts from the defunct FASS company.



3. FASS loses and Air Dog turns their noses up at the FASS crowd. I guess I have to get an Air Dog.



No matter what happens I feel good knowing my VP44 is seeing the right amount of fuel when it needs it. Oh... and I spend $150 less!!



Thanks



Phil

 

[DWeiler]

DITTO-, I had a look at the AIRDOG today(nice small unit) at the diesel shop i deal with. They were selling FASS but switched to AIRDOG now,said its a better unit,time will tell. The FASS system on my truck works wonderful --16PSI-14PSI WOT. I had 1carter,1holley and 1 product engineering pusher pump failures in a matter of 6 months ,so far the FASS has held up. I just wanted something that works and works well, so far i haven't heard of a FASS failure yet,but if so there are very few. Another reason i like the FASS was the optional coolant ports for heating the fuel(don't know if AIRDOG has this),i ran lines from the block to the FASS and back with ball valves to turn on in winter(-40 below up here)and off in summer. FASS works for me,so far--------!! Just my 2 cents

 

[Edward]

When was the last time you had your phone ring and a company you bought something from was calling to tell you about a potential problem? What a surprise I am not use to this kind of treatment. I normally have to do the calling to get something fixed.

Well it seems the vendor who produces the wiring harness for the Air Dog goofed on a few of them and the relay plug wasn't done right and the low pressure light stays on. Since I was driving when I got the call I asked if an Email could be sent showing the correct wiring configuration on the plug. Sure enough I got the Email giving instructions on how to fix the problem (just move a wire to the correct pin), which should not be a problem. They also said that if I did not feel comfortable doing the fix myself that they would gladly send me a new harness.

Everyone makes mistakes it's how they are resolved that sets people apart.

Thanks Charles, the way you and your employees handled this was first class.



Edward

 

[Rman]

PRyker, if the FASS is the product everyone's claiming it is, you shouldn't have to worry about any of your scenario's happening because your pump should be kicking just fine for many years. Time will tell though, this is new stuff and somebody has to tread the water for a while. One of these days I'll drop the coin and try one myself. I'd really like to try the new RASP pump, but I'm a tight wad and that one is even more expensive.

 

[CEkstam]

Thanks for the kind words from those who have seen the AirDog first hand. When I see a product advertised "base unit" I always wonder what I will have to buy later to make the product complete .



The Airdog for diesel pickups is not a base unit but a complete system. This makes it a little more expensive but probably saves you a lot of $$$ in the long run. First; the AirDog has a very substantial mounting system that secures it well up into the protective area above the bottom of the frame and side body. Second; the system includes a low fuel pressure warning light for your convenience. Third; 6 micron StrataPore TM filters are standard and should last quite some time. Fourth; the installation of the AirDog allows you (even though for safety you should turn the engine off) to be able to fill your fuel tank with the engine running without blowing fuel all over the place (and all over you). Fifth; If you live in California, any alterations done to your fuel system that are not CARB approved could lead to a $25,000. 00 fine if caught and they decided to prosecute. AirDog is approved for sale and use in California by CARB. Sixth; AirDog wiring harnesses are relay controlled to protect your system and activated by an ECM connection. Seventh; Installation manuals now include complete figures and photos. Eight; A well designed, finished and packaged product to give your expensive, well designed and finished diesel pickup the proper fuel supply/filtration system at an affordable price.



This is the Fuel Preporator AirDog base unit. Oh! I forgot, we also include plastic ties to secure the fuel lines and wiring harness as standard with the installation kit. Does all this cost a little more? You bet! But, QUALITY always does. We didn't design the AirDog by altering some one else's old blue prints, we started it and we finished it..... the right way (the legal way), We invented it! Four (4) United States patents issued, two more pending. Two Canadian patents issued and patents filed and pending in many foreign countries.



You asked for tighter filtration, we are doing it!!! We are working to make 2 micron StrataPore TM fuel filters available very soon for your AirDog.



I hope that this hasn't gotten to stuffy. This is not about knocking those who bought the other product. The other product was presentated to fill a need for a lift pump that wasn't currently available in that market. The point is about the fact that the other product was admittedly designed from and apparently representated to do the same as the original, already patented product. Wouldn't it be nice if we didn't have to lock our trucks to keep others from stealing them! Another thing! Also, did you ever wonder why the Federal Food and Drug Administration requires the manufacturers of drugs to post notices of the adverse side effects of the drugs they sell? Well, many appear to have the potential to cause side effects that are worse than the illness they are representated to relieve. Altering a blue print and leaving out a feature of the original device may very likely have the same result. (That's why the original product was designed as it was!!)



The Fuel Preporator was developed to allow diesel engines to achieve peak performance and maximum power output. Supplying fuel properly filtered , virtually free of contaminates including water, particulates and especially entrained air/vapor, and at the correct pressure flow to the diesel engine eliminating lift pump cavitation. A first for the diesel engine. Removing compressible entrained air/vapor from fuel and eliminating pump cavitation which creates fuel vapor restores injection timing and the performance of the diesel to the designed level. The Fuel Preporator AirDog gives you the means to get consistant high performance from your modified or stock diesel pickup.



Thanks for your time,



Charlie

 

[dresslered]

First off, I hate the factory lift pump and am willing to spend the $$ for a proper solution. I don't really care about the other aspects, I just want a reliable lift pump.



However, when I look at your spray patterns of the injectors before and after, I'm a complete skeptic! That didn't happen with a dodge set-up!



When I hear you say, "If you live in California, any alterations done to your fuel system that are not CARB approved could lead to a $25,000. 00 fine if caught and they decided to prosecute. AirDog is approved for sale and use in California by CARB", that is complete hore$hit! Name one intance where an alternative lift pump has resulted in a fine.



Secondly, "AirDog wiring harnesses are relay controlled to protect your system and activated by an ECM connection", wouldn't a power FET be a better solution or is start up pressures no longer a concern with your system?



Third, if your pump is so great, have you extended your warrantee? Give me five years and I'll order it today! Otherwise, I will watch the TDR to see how they hold up.



Fourth, if I am towing my camper out on the road and the AirDog craps out, where would you ever get it fixed? Though the OEM is not so good, I got another under my rear seat that can take over in 20-minutes.



Sorry for the questions, but if you are going on my truck you better be good!



Thanks for your time,



David

 

[SRadke]

Valid arguments David. I'm not quite as skeptical but I don't believe the space in which the unit is mounted is still available on my truck. Not that I'm incapable of building a bracket and putting it somewhere else, I just don't have the time right now. Thank you Charlie for your imput. It is great to see manufacturers on the boards.



-Scott