2006 freightliner columbia 14L detroit / fuel filter problems

In Minnesota, I regularly have been operating in 0 to -20*F, (about -30*C). I guess it doesn't really phase me much anymore to do it. I always use either pump #2 blended or if I come up from the south, I have PowerService with me and I'll dump a bottle in before I hit the cold temps. I have had my truck parked outside for over 5 days unplugged, started the APU and let it run for 3-4 hours and it starts fine.

The big thing I have done is just not to park it at night with empty tanks. Cold sides promote condensation which leads to water issues, freezing and other problems, in the fuel.

 

I had condensation problems in January. I have to ride with empty tanks to russian border, becouse in Russia fuel is much cheaper, about $0.90 per liter

 

You're mechanic is not giving the best advice. What would changing to spin on filters do for you? You wont be able to see when your filter is full. This is what you should do.

First, buy some biocide and put it in your tanks when you go to fuel up. Secondly, open the drain on your Davco unit daily and see if any water or green goo comes out.

The thing about Ryder trucks, the drivers would fill the trucks up mostly every day even though they didn't need fuel. Many Ryder locations do not have the highest quality tank systems, so water contamination may be present. Plus, if it was a sale truck, it could have been sitting around for a LONG time. Spend $30.00 bucks on a bottle of biocide, pick up some extra fuel and be done with it. Yes, your filter should last 15-30k miles depending on how much fuel you use and where you get it.

 

If you're getting poor mileage, it's because your fuel filter is restricted. You CHANGE the filter when it gets full, NOT when it gets low on power. What you're wasting in fuel would more than pay for the filter in a few hours of driving. 65 MPH divided by 5.5 MPG = 11.81 gallons. 65 MPH divided by 7 MPG = 9.28 gallons

Diesel price: 11.81 gallons X 4.00 = $47.24 an hour for fuel - 9.28 gallons X $4.00 = $37.12

Basically, you're paying $10.12 which is the cost of ONE fuel filter PER HOUR when you run with the filter full. CHANGE YOUR FILTER when it gets to the full level. It's not rocket science. They even write it on the filter for you, it's too easy. On average, you would be blowing $80.00 a day with that restriction NOT including miles and speed lost do to being low on power. I just don't get people some times....Maybe I should spell further, thats $400.00 a week or $1,200.00 a month if you continued it everyday. Obviously, you change the fuel filter before that, but come on! Look at all that money you're wasting, and you admit you already know MPG's go down and keep driving on it! What the frig?

 

pablo-ua bysyth is not for the clap. its the name of the chemical on the side of the can to kill the bacterial growth in the tanks.

 

I've understood all. Here we call it Biocide

 

This is the same thing my 06 is doing...an old Penske truck as well....gonna try it!!!!

 

I have what could be similar problem with xryder truck, when i received it from the port the tank was empty, i drove it to the nearest gas station, and since then i have white smoke and fault codes

 

Also, the higher concentrations of biodiesel being put into fuel at the pumps is contributing to the filter issue, especially in winter months. Combine that, with the Detroit engine specification on the Davco filter be at a 7 micron level, and you have a combination that can lead to more frequent fuel filter changes. It is a balance. Sure, one may need to change the filter more frequently, but injectors and fuel system are protected. Go to a less restrictive micron level, say 50, and you will incur fewer filter changes, but you also will be letting a lot more stuff get by. I have a detroit and use a Davco. I carry 2-3 spare fuel filters at all times, especially in the winter months, and change them when the fuel gets to the top, no matter where I am. Only takes a few minutes, and I am on my way.

 

change the triple filter or dual filter on the side of the motor should clear up issues with the davco