Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) PSA - Beware this fuel filter from Summit

[ERuhl]

I purchased this fuel filter from Summit Racing for use as a pre-filter for my Walbro pump. This weekend the filter did its job, however its element is just too small to be practical. The filter screen is literally the size of a quarter, so it doesn't take much debris to completely clog it. Here's the filter element:
#ad


Driving down the highway I felt the truck hesitate slightly and I glanced at the fuel pressure to see 0 psi I routinely glance at the fuel pressure out of habit, so I know it went from > 13psi to 0 psi within minutes. I limped to the next exit and after some lengthy and messy pump changes we finally checked the pre-filter to find it completely clogged. I knew it was this style of filter when I purchased it, I just didn't think it'd clog so quickly. We cleaned the screen as best we could, put it back together, and all was well again.


So now I'm going to replace it with this filter which uses an element with significantly more surface area:
#ad


Again, the original filter did it's job and saved the pump, but it left me stranded with effectively no warning. As a result I would strongly advise against using that style of filter due to the very small surface area of the filter element.

On a related note, does anyone know of an AN ball valve? I have a set of AN plugs that I use to stop the fuel from pouring out, but a ball valve would more convenient and less messy.

 

[rweis]

AN ball valve -

Get a FUEL rated (not water rated) ball valve at NAPA with 1/4 NPT, 3/8 NPT, 1/2 NPT (your choice) threads in each end. Screw in your 1/4 NPT AN-6 fitting into each end.



Filter -

I use a Canton Mecca cartridge filter (6" length). It is designed with AN-10 fittings (ie flows way more than we need) and they have a AN-10 female to AN-6 (also AN-8 if you have 1/2" lines) female so we can get it down to something reasonable.



It is designed for like 1000 + hp dragsters (yes it is diesel rated). Which really means it has pleanty of surface area, pleanty large connectors, and is 8um which is smaller than our stock filters.



I use it IMMEDIATELY before the VP44 just in case anything throughout the entire fuel system sluffs off anything anywhere. I also have a RACOR 690 10um back by the fuel tank to get the fuel clean and water free before it ever gets into the plumbing to start with. Then double check and stop any particles that might be from whatever wherever with the Canton Mecca.



Bob Weis

 

[ERuhl]

Thanks for the suggestions Bob. I'm content with the stock filter as the last line of defense. I wanted something to protect the pump, I just chose the wrong filter. I was hoping to find a ball valve with AN fittings incorporated into it instead of using adapters, but that may be all that's available. Thanks for the feedback!