After having a sputter-start/limp-mode and a misfire on cylinder 1 caused by a clogged filter, I decided it's time to install the parts collected for my aftermarket filter assembly, including the FM100 filter system from Stanadyne.
The FM100 is approximately the same volume and flow as the CRD's factory filter as well as the Racor system commonly used by several forum users. I was drawn to the stanadyne unit be modularity and availability of options. I used write-ups from other members for ideas:
http://liberty.eurekaboy.com/racor.htm and
http://www.auerbach.ca/kj/racor/.
Not much of a write-up, but here are a few photos for before and after. First, the factory head with CAT adapter, bleeder valve, burnt heater plug, etc. Lots of attempts a making a poor design work well:
Next, the parts I used for the FM100 assembly, the basic head, a 5 micron filter, clear inspection bowl, temperature sensor, EFI-type clamps, and 1/4" NPT to 3/8" barb fittings. You'll notice one of the fittings is a stainless elbow and the other a combination of brass adapter and brass 90-degree NPT elbow. This was to facilitate getting both elbows mounted on the same side of the head while having them both point downward. Ideally, I would have used some banjo-style fittings, but I've been unable to identify a source for them at a reasonable price. Finally, the pipe-thread sealer rated for solvent use. Stanadyne recommends not using pipe tape, but I knew I wouldn't be able to properly torque all the fittings and still maintain proper alignment. I'm not concerned with tightening the NPT down to full torque settings since the fulter operates a relatively low pressures. The liquid thread seal has worked with no issues after allowing it to set for a few hours. The manufacturer states it can be used immediately, but not risking the injectors seems like a good reason to spend a couple hours waiting for the sealer to dry.
Finally, the installed system. The Stanadyne unit sits a little lower than the factory unit and could use a bit of relocating, but otherwise it fits well and looks fairly stock:
Thus far, responsiveness is improved slightly due to no longer having slight fuel starvation. Economy seems just slightly better than before, likely due to more efficient operation of the high-pressure pump having proper fuel supply. The Stanadyne unit has no priming pump built in, but has both a manual and electric option available that connect to the modular head. In my case, the cummins pump in the fuel tank self-primed the head in about 5 seconds of key-on (very nice, I might add).
The only real problems encountered thus far are a slight seeping around the Stanadyne nylon plug provided with the head, which wasn't able to be torqued properly and I didn't seal. I'll be replacing it with a better brass or stainless plug as soon as one is obtained. Also present is a CEL, likely from the temperature leads not being connected yet.
As mentioned previously, the unit sits a bit lower than factory, so with more clearance above, I'll likely fabricate a new bracket to hold the entire assembly a bit higher for better orientation in the engine bay. I'll likely add the 1/4" NPT-mounted heater later (like in the winter when the temps drop below 70 degrees at night), but for now, the FM100 system seems to be performing flawlessly.
Dan
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2005 Silver CRD Limited
245/75R16 GoodYear Duratracs
Fumoto drain | ProVent CCV Filter
Stanadyne FM100 filter | Cummins fuel pump
GDE Eco | SEGR | BoulderBars | FrankenLift | Frankenskids
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