Those of auxiliary tanks...filters Qs...

[steved]

OK, let's discuss filters...



I know most of us running extra fuel tanks also have a filter between that tank and the main tank, whether we gravity feed or pump into the main tank.



It came to my attention, since I had 30+ hours of think-time driving to New Mexico, that the filter on my extra tank had approximately 25k miles on it. It is about the size of a can of soda, 10 micron, and will still "siphon" the fuel fast enough to keep up with engine demands (even with 25k worth of "dirty" fuel through it).



Now, I know the rule of thumb is 10k filter changes on the main filter (if you're still running the OE filter); but if the fuel was THAT dirty, wouldn't you expect a physically smaller filter to be restricted or plugged??



How often do you guys change the filter on your auxiliary tank?? What is your reasoning?? Time? Gallons? Miles? You just feel like it?? It starting to plug??



I changed the first filter on this tank at 10k... no I'm thinking that might have been a waste.



Thoughts??



steved

 

[tgordon]

I dont' run one, but I also just use a transfer tank so I can fill at the rest stops and bug the pigs trying to get them to stick the tank:-laf:-laf:-laf:-laf

 

[GaryOwen]

I have a fuel/water separator filter (3 micron NAPA 3005) followed by a regular filter (2 micron NAPA 3528) on my 03. Both are about the size of my oil filter.



Changed the filters after about 40k miles because I thought the transfer rate was getting slower. (I pump through the filters. ) I cut the filters open to have a visual check of their condition and the fuel/water separator was pretty ugly looking, but the second filter was pretty clean. Transfer rate did pick up some after changing the filters.



Currently have about 34k miles on these filters, and will just replace the fuel/water separator at about 40 to 50k miles, or when the transfer rate seems to be getting slower. Plan to change the 2 micron filter every other time.



Gary

 

[steved]

Changed the filters after about 40k miles because I thought the transfer rate was getting slower. (I pump through the filters. ) I cut the filters open to have a visual check of their condition and the fuel/water separator was pretty ugly looking, but the second filter was pretty clean. Transfer rate did pick up some after changing the filters.



Gary

That's what I was thinking... when the system wouldn't siphon fast enough to keep up with the truck, change the filter.



I just find it funny how a small filter will last upwards of 40k, and we change the main filter every 10k (under normal useage)...



steved