Fuel Filter Interval?

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by rrw811, Jan 1, 2012.

  1. rrw811

    rrw811 Light Load Member

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    Dec 14, 2011
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    Hi, wondering how long you guys are running your fuel filters for, more specifically in winter on an isx. I run Shaeffers 9000 full sun engine oil for 30k, should I change the fuel filters in-between at 15k? I do not have a fuel restriction or pressure gauge. I do carry extra filters and a jug of fuel, but would like to change them before I can notice them plugging. Thanks for the info!
     
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  3. CondoCruiser

    CondoCruiser The Legend

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    30K is normal. Just carry spares with you just in case. Your engine will let you know. Most cases you'll notice a gradual loss of power climbing hills. Use Power Service religiously in the winter and you'll never have problems.
     
  4. Cowpie1

    Cowpie1 Road Train Member

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    That is one advantage of having the davco on my ISX. I just watch the fuel level in the globe. I also carry extra filters and some fuel for changing if I get caught off guard like with a bad load of fuel.
     
  5. Semi Crazy

    Semi Crazy Road Train Member

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    For the price of a filter or two, you can buy a pressure gauge and know for sure when to change the filter(s). Most guys really change them way too soon. Put one on every filter head. More gauges make a cool looking dash too!

    Don't buy electric gauge they're junk and also need an expensive sending unit also.
     
  6. rrw811

    rrw811 Light Load Member

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    Dec 14, 2011
    WI
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  7. Semi Crazy

    Semi Crazy Road Train Member

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    You would put psi gauge downstream from the last filter. When the pressure drops you know it's time to change filter.
    If you get vibrating needle on gauge you need inline damper going to the gauge. A small cheap needle valve works too.
    I am not familiar with computer Cummins engines so you might be able to do more.

    I have psi gauge on downstream side of the final filter before fuel goes to injection pump (mech. CAT) so I know how much pressure is making it there.
    I have a psi gauge before (upstream) the stock transfer pump.
    I have a psi gauge before the aftermarket filter (Fuel Preporator unit). On the newer AirDog units it is where the sending unit for the idiot light is.

    I usually only change the big Fuel Preporator filter 30-40K miles but I dump my used motor oil in my fuel tanks so that clogs them up quicker. I used to go 70-100K before I started dumping oil in the tanks. My Fuel Prep filter is the size of a CAT oil filter though.

    I don't doubt you would double fuel filter life if you put gauges on and only changed them when necessary.
     
  8. special k

    special k Light Load Member

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    Sep 6, 2008
    Ontario Canada
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    I change mine in the spring and fall. I carry both filters and 1 gallon of fuel to prime if necessary. My truck has both a vacuum guage and a pressure guage. Between the two it tells you if the filter is getting plugged from dirt or the fuel is gelling/water seperator is getting plugged. It seems that when we went to low sulfer fuel my filter life went way up. I use fuel conditioner regularly in the winter so maybe that helps.
     
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