New fuel filter:

Sir Sam · **Posted:** Tue Jan 19, 2010 2:20 pm

So in the past 2000 miles/5 days, I've been experiencing many symptoms that are reminiscent of a air in fuel problem. Trying to pass trucks on the highway, even moderate load going uphill. It got bad.

I was totally convinced in my mind that I was going to have to install a lift pump, and dreading the cost and trouble coming my way. I figured to be safe I would go ahead and replace the fuel filter, so I picked up a filter at napa and started removing the old one. Well when I got it off I saw the mileage I had written on it, 36,800. I'm at 82,100. 45,000 miles on that fuel filter. I guess things have a way of sneaking up on you, I didn't even realize that so much mileage had passed.

You could tell the filter element was dirty, it was very dark and stained consistently, in comparison the filter element of the new one was near white(same napa filter). When I poured the leftover diesel from the old filter into the new I noticed small particles of sand that the filter had caught. That old filter must have been so plugged up!

So for those of you that haven't changed yours lately, The $33 is cheap insurance to have it done!

stoutdog · **Posted:** Tue Jan 19, 2010 3:24 pm

I try to keep everything on a rhythm.

Fuel Filter: 25k, 50k, 75k, etc.
Oil: 6k, 12k, 18k, etc.

And so on...

If you can remember the interval that you are supposed to change something at, then you can easily figure out what the mileage intervals should be. :2cents:

UFO · **Posted:** Tue Jan 19, 2010 9:48 pm

My original filter lasted over 30k before it plugged.

ATXKJ · **Posted:** Tue Jan 19, 2010 10:01 pm

Actually if you're traveling you should carry a spare - it only takes 1 tank of bad fuel to cause problems.

nursecosmo · **Posted:** Tue Jan 19, 2010 10:54 pm

ATXKJ wrote:

Actually if you're traveling you should carry a spare - it only takes 1 tank of bad fuel to cause problems.

X2 The one time I took my spare out to make more room for luggage on a cross country trip...you guessed it.

mikey1273 · **Posted:** Wed Jan 20, 2010 12:03 am

I think I maybe should change mine with my next oil change. I changed it at 39,000 at my last oil change but I have been burning bio blend off and on.

Sir Sam · **Posted:** Wed Jan 20, 2010 12:24 am

nursecosmo wrote:

ATXKJ wrote:

Actually if you're traveling you should carry a spare - it only takes 1 tank of bad fuel to cause problems.

X2 The one time I took my spare out to make more room for luggage on a cross country trip...you guessed it.

I can't carry spare parts of everything. As is the Jeep is crammed full of other gear for camping.

Biosmell · **Joined:** Fri Jan 08, 2010 3:06 pm **Posts:** 32

One of the first mods I made was to add a "Mercedes" primary, or prefilter before the main fuel filter. Napa has them for $3.49. At that price you can buy the whole box and keep them under the seat. They are only 20 microns but they provide an immediate visual system check for fuel quality issues and can be changed as quick as it takes to loosen two hose clamps and re-tighten them. All the Mercedes diesels came with this prefilter setup stock and I have also put them on any TDI I have come across. They are especially handy if you are changing to biofuels from Petrodiesel for catching the crud that gets cleaned out of your system without wasting several of the more expensive "secondary" fuel filters. One thing to watch out for is that for some reason they stopped making them out of "clear" plastic and went to an "opaque' white which makes it bloody hell to see if it is dirty or not. They got a lot of complaints and now they are back to being clear as glass again, but there might be some of the white ones still around. Bosch and I am sure others make a clear version also. The white ones still work, you just can't tell they are dirty until they are really dirty! This is a great preventive measure (especially if running your own fuel) and won't shut you down on the highway for more than a minute if you don't check it and it does start to misbehave.

I hope this helps!

El Jefe de Biosmell,
at your service!

jksuperstar · **Posted:** Wed Jan 20, 2010 12:51 pm

Can you post a part number for that primary filter? A few come up in searches. Also, do you know what size of fuel tubing you used?

Come spring I'll be back on B20 or B50 fuel, and this sounds like a great preventative for the sludge that will be coming down my fuel line.

UFO · **Posted:** Wed Jan 20, 2010 6:32 pm

If you can find it, use one with a 3/8" fitting. The Mercedes part mentioned above works great on VWs, as it has 5/16" fittings.

linewarbr · **Posted:** Wed Jan 20, 2010 6:39 pm

Do the TDI's and Mercedes diesels have lift pumps? Or do they pull the fuel, like our OEM design?

Joe Romas · **Posted:** Wed Jan 20, 2010 9:01 pm

linewarbr wrote:

Do the TDI's and Mercedes diesels have lift pumps? Or do they pull the fuel, like our OEM design?

New tdi's since the PD's have lift pumps. Older ones don't but people are adding them and seeing improved preformance and it seems our rot gut fuel is causing the older rotary pumps to wear more since ULSD was introduced. But the older ones that suck are designed better then ours :ROTFL:

Biosmell · **Joined:** Fri Jan 08, 2010 3:06 pm **Posts:** 32

While UFO is right, the O.D of the barb on the Mercedes filter slides easily into the Jeep factory tubing, I believe (you gotta watch that one :lol:

) that the Mercedes measurements were always metric.

In reality there is a restriction (filter I.D. vs. Factory hose I.D.) and two hose clamp connections to a splice into the larger diameter fuel line which could turn into a suction air leak if you do not have an aftermarket lift pump installed and could become a pressure leak with a LP installed. Finding an appropriately sized prefilter might be some good information to research.

Many of the older diesels just had strong mechanical pumps that could pull without the need for a lift pump.

I have to admit that my previous knowledge is based on the problems/quirks of taking diesel vehicles over to Biodiesel and not so much with ULSD as I never use it. I am very aware of the potential problems of switching back and forth from one to the other with modern vehicles however.

Another interesting (to me at least) albeit irrelevant point as per sluggish driving is that while the air gap in the top of the fuel pump may cause the element to burn and the fuel to leak (unplugging the element of course eliminates this risk). You will not get a fuel born engine fire with Biodiesel, only a lot of odd smelling smoke.

I have not had any issues yet with the smaller I.D. prefilter, but I have only had the Jeep to tinker with for less than a month. A cheap inline prefilter (appropriately sized of course) and a few in the box is always one of my first items on a diesel, especially before a road trip where your diesel pickings may be suspect. If it starts to feel like it is misbehaving you can pull over and change the prefilter and avoid the limp home.

Take care,
El Jefe de Biosmell

Drewd · **Joined:** Mon Feb 06, 2006 12:24 pm **Posts:** 902

I second SirSam's fuel filter story. Lately my 06 Liberty has had trouble starting and I realized that I had 55k miles on my Racor fuel filter. The old filter fuel paper element was very dark colored and there was an amazing amount of crud sitting on the bottom of the fuel filter bowl. I think I'll be replacing it every 25k miles from now on..an easy mileage figure to remember.

BTW, I've got 2 spare OEM fuel filters (one has 50 miles on it) and second one is new. I also have original fuel filter head (it never leaked on me) with cat fuel filter adapter. Its FREE but you must pick up in person. I live in Northern Colorado Springs. I don't have time or desire hassle of driving/waiting in line to mail it.

Also have a 2007 Ford Taurus FSM if someone wants it for free and some leftover parts for an 00 Nissan Xterra that are also free (turn signal lens) I'm cleeaning out my garage.

Sir Sam · **Posted:** Fri Jan 22, 2010 2:33 pm

Drewd wrote:

I second SirSam's fuel filter story. Lately my 06 Liberty has had trouble starting and I realized that I had 55k miles on my Racor fuel filter. The old filter fuel paper element was very dark colored and there was an amazing amount of crud sitting on the bottom of the fuel filter bowl. I think I'll be replacing it every 25k miles from now on..an easy mileage figure to remember.

BTW, I've got 2 spare OEM fuel filters (one has 50 miles on it) and second one is new. I also have original fuel filter head (it never leaked on me) with cat fuel filter adapter. Its FREE but you must pick up in person. I live in Northern Colorado Springs. I don't have time or desire hassle of driving/waiting in line to mail it.

Also have a 2007 Ford Taurus FSM if someone wants it for free and some leftover parts for an 00 Nissan Xterra that are also free (turn signal lens) I'm cleeaning out my garage.

LOL northern colorado springs? Ha thats where I was when I was replacing my fuel filter(gate parkway/north air force academy entrance)

New fuel filter:

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