Why Change Your Fuel Filter

[oemtech]

I had a customer stop by the shop for some service. He asked if I would change his fuel filter. Sure why not as it was the old style, a simple 10 min change. I about flipped when he said it had 57,000 miles on it! So, after I got off and drained I cut it apart. Needless to say it was really dirty, smelled really nasty, slimy to the touch and about ready to collapse.

[oemtech]

I had a customer stop by the shop for some service. He asked if I would change his fuel filter. Sure why not as it was the old style, a simple 10 min change. I about flipped when he said it had 57,000 miles on it! So, after I got off and drained I cut it apart. Needless to say it was really dirty, smelled really nasty, slimy to the touch and about ready to collapse.

[Jeepster47]

Oemtech,
It must of been hard on the fuel pump. Ya think? Looks like the element seperated from the metal end cap, maybe from pump pressure and clogged element.

Ed

[ron55]

I just got done, pulled and cleaned mine for the third or fourth time. Got a little rusty water out and now it looks good, 3 years and trucking. Getting more water now that I am running 10% ethanol. I know you all don't approve but it works for me,

[JC2]

Even though we don't put the miles on like a regular vehicle, I change ours once a year; cheap insurance and will be even cheaper when I switch to the new design by OEM Engineering.

[DriVer]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by RON55:
I know you all don't approve but it works for me. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Master Chief, We're certainly not going to try and out guess why a BMCM does things his way however please let allow me to "suggest" why it's more cost effective to change your filter.

<LI> Your fuel filter is a component of the emission controls. The emission controls are warrantied for 5 years and 50,000 miles. Why subject yourself to a denied claim in the event a fuel system problem presents itself between now and then.

<LI> The fuel that is bypassed in large part cools the pump. All this fuel is filtered and it needs to flow at a satisfactory rate to do its job.

<LI> Every time you fill your tank at these prices, the filter costs 2.66 times less than the gasoline than what the fuel filter is worth. In my case it's 19 times less.

<LI> Your engine will run better with a clean filter because of the fuel flow rate. You can not possibly blow on the filter at 50 to 60 psi to rule out that you are getting the full rate of flow.

<LI> Cleaning a filter and restoring it to operational status gives you no incite as to whether or not the filter media is in tact or if it has a hole in it. Replacing downstream fuel system components can be expensive.

<LI> There is no way you can effectively clean the a gasoline filter and restore it to serviceable status after 3 or 4 cleanings. The media becomes permeated and the flow rate becomes diminished.

<LI> If you were to purchase one time a fuel system T from OEM Engineering subsequent fuel filter changes run approximately $10.00 or less and the filter can be purchased at any NAPA or Wal*Mart.

<LI> Regardless of the price of the filter it is a component of your regularly scheduled maintenance that needs to be changed and what could be logically expected of an owner who may eventually have a warranty issue. Aside from the expense of the down stream fuel system components the upstream components can be expensive including the labor to service a fuel pump. If you had a claim, I'm sure you would want that to be resolved and paid for under warranty. All we need to do is regularly scheduled maintenance to maintain our power train and emission control warranties in good standing.

I would not place myself in a position to disapprove on anything that you do Master Chief.

[ron55]

Boatswain Mate! That it Driver

[oemtech]

Chief,

You can wash and blow dry the filter all you want but you will never get the dirt out of the filter material. I have cut to many of them apart and the only solution is a new filter.

For all you non Navy types.. A Boatswain mate is also know as a Deck Ape.

[max49]

Fuel Filters should last much longer now since we can't afford fuel.

[Full-Timers]

OK Omey, After seeing thoes pictures, I'm going to change mine tomorrow.

[Gregg]

I change mine every spring, a few bucks and 10 minutes of my time is cheap insurance.

[ron55]

The fuel filter pictured looks like it is made of paper?? My filter looks like wire mesh about 40 microns, should be 10 microns as were are using ethanol.
I am carring a spare new wr filter $50. purchassed back when I had a wr service near by. It is just to big of a pain to drive 100 miles to get a part and they doent have it so you have to order it, and go back again, to much bs. I would rather pay 3 or 400 than junp through the wr hoops. I am alwasy trying to round up sources for parts that I can substiute.
I salute you people that post alternative part source.
The real reason for my post was to let people know that if you are on the road and have filter problems, you can clean your filter and go on down the road

[CoastieSCPO]

Well spoken Master Chief!



Bob

[oemtech]

Chief,

You need to post a picture of that wire mesh filter. 40 microns might filter out the "chunks" but will probably not filter out the dirt that will "foul" your injectors.

Check my web site for both styles of fuel filters.

Most if not all filters are made of paper. Here are a couple of photos of some specs.