Who fills the secondary fuel filter on CAT engines when changing filter

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by CountryBumkin, Aug 22, 2019.

  1. Deere hunter

    Deere hunter Road Train Member

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    I have always filled my fuel filters with ATF for 30 years !!
     
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  3. Arkansas

    Arkansas Medium Load Member

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    I've always filled my filters before putting them on.
     
  4. CountryBumkin

    CountryBumkin Bobtail Member

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    Why ATF (just because it is in a new clean container or does it have another benefit)? Is the viscosity of the ATF a concern? The fuel injectors in new engines have much tighter clearances than those of 30 years ago.

    Why not just get clean filtered fuel out of the engine (via compu-fitting) as shown in this video...
     
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  5. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    Believe it or not, oil out of a NEW container will FAIL the ISO particle count test. So don't go assuming you're safe just because it was an unopened container of oil.
     
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  6. rbrtwbstr

    rbrtwbstr Road Train Member

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    I had clogged filters one night, I always carry spares. But I was along I68 in MD, in middle of nowhere. I dumped the fuel from the old filters into the new ones, and used the primer to finish filling them. Never had an issue, though I will never do that again unless I have no choice....
     
  7. Diesel Dave

    Diesel Dave Last Few of the OUTLAWS

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    Funny thing..... I been filling oil and fuel filters since the day I became an owner op back in 1984. And never had an issue with an engine, bearings, only one injector on my 3406E and I can’t say it was from filling up the filter.
     
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  8. Tmtbob

    Tmtbob Medium Load Member

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    Adding atf or other oils to diesel puts lubricants back in the fuel that is taken out when they make it ulsd. Also helps clean injectors
     
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  9. Diesel Dave

    Diesel Dave Last Few of the OUTLAWS

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    Not ATF, that’s old school for a non electronic engine. I did used ATF for my BC 1 Cummins. Did wonders. Diesel today has “ash” in it to replace the lubricants that was removed. If you want to add more lubricant, 2 stroke oil is the way to go.
     
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  10. RET423

    RET423 Medium Load Member

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    I fill them every time without exception, usually with clean fuel but at least once a year I fill them with ATF; you're far more likely to damage an injector pushing dry air through it than getting debris in the filter by being careless when filling it.
     
    Oxbow and Rubber duck kw Thank this.
  11. Tmtbob

    Tmtbob Medium Load Member

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    Some of us use both. I’ve even heard some guys pour their used oil in their fuel tanks for the same purpose. If I had a way to keep 10 gallons of black oil clean I would do it to
     
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