Being the fact that fuel filters are in the $28-40(US) range,I started looking at alternatives.I came up with using a 2 micron CAT filter(1R-750).The outer gasket dimensions are really close,so it should seal.And,yes,it does have a different id thread.So I made up an M16-1.5 to 1"-14 X 1"long adapter(304L material).As for the water in fuel sensor(The CAT filter has no drain outlet)I fashioned up a small container out of a 2"long 1" id steel nipple with caps on both ends,(1) end is tapped M12x1.5 to fit the wif sensor in.I filled the container w/D2+have it wire tied to a nearby brake line.Now many people run rhese on their TDI's for quite a few miles (30-70K!) with no problems from either water or fuel contaminations.By the way the reason I did this is because these filters are available at most auto parts stores for about $11-14 they filter the same+ I can put a new 1 on every 12 to 15k.Just my 2 cents.Thanks

Sounds like an excellent idea. Are you pretty sure about that "filter the same" statement? Many fuel filters filter to around 7 microns. If the Cat filter goes to 2 microns, that's better. It would be good to see some specifics about the relative filtration specs on each. I also wish adapters like the one you describe were readily available...or that I had access to a lathe.

Regarding the WIF sensor, I'm confused. Do you mean that you just isolated the sensor from the fuel filter and line permanently, or is the tapped 'n capped nipple somehow plumbed in?

PS - Pix would be nice. Thanks!

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George Reiswig
2005 Jeep Liberty CRD
Suncoast, SEGR, lift, InMotion tune, homebrew B100
At 138k, new head & gasket, timing belt, rockers and swearing vocabulary

If the CAT filters to 2 micron, the big question is will the stock CP3 have enough pull / suction to provide an adequate fuel supply to the rail ?

The WIF sensor idea is kinda out there....I personally will stay with the stock set-up.

After all the adaptors / nipples / etc. did you really save that much money ? I'd suspect DC/Jeep would be less easy to deal with if there was a significant amount of fuel component damage due to contaminated fuel, especially if it was within the warranty period.

The $27 bucks I spend every 15k miles for a fuel filter change is peanuts for the fuel economy I have with my CRD over the 2002 Jeep Liberty Sport 4x4 we previously owned.

Greg

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2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 3.6L and A8
*SOLD*2005 Jeep Liberty Limited 4x4 CRD, Bright Silver Metallic, Dk/Lt Slate Gray Leather w/bun warmers, 5 spd auto, 22G pkg, Trailer Tow, 3.73 Rear Axle w/Trac-Lok Differential, P235/70R16 Firestone Destination LE's, Power Sunroof, Selec-Trac 4WD, Infinity 6-Disc In-Dash, Magnaflow #15870 System.

Yep...flow rate is one of the specs I'd like to see. FYI, last time I checked Wix was coming up with an aftermarket filter for the CRD, and my guess is it will be cheaper than one from a dealership.

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George Reiswig
2005 Jeep Liberty CRD
Suncoast, SEGR, lift, InMotion tune, homebrew B100
At 138k, new head & gasket, timing belt, rockers and swearing vocabulary

The stock filter is a 2 to 3micron unit,no gain there.Since the filter is larger,it should flow the same or better.As for wix filters,that's what this is,a 33528.Wix has had a p/n for awhile,but it's not in production yet.As for the wif sensor,yes,it's just in it's own little container of D2 so it won't throw a CEL.I don't feel water is that big of a problem.As I said,many people run this filter setup on VW TDI's(and have for years)+have NO problems.I'm just letting people know that there is another option,that's all.

Thanks for sharing the idea. All things considered, it seems like not much gain for a fair amount of work, particularly given that an adapter has to be fabricated. Personally, I'll stick with the OEM filter for the time being. I'm still on #1 at 19k miles.

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George Reiswig
2005 Jeep Liberty CRD
Suncoast, SEGR, lift, InMotion tune, homebrew B100
At 138k, new head & gasket, timing belt, rockers and swearing vocabulary

I think that a 1 micron CAT might be worth the trouble if you were a wide-ranging traveler...there is a LOT of cr@ppy diesel out there. I once filled up in upstate NY and could swear it had a pink tinge (Home Heating oil has a red dye..no taxes). Also, anyone using alternative fuels, especially those making their own biodiesel, should have serious filters on AND change them often. Then an easy, cheap spin-on might be important.

The TDI CAT conversion can even be bought as an aftermarket thing complete. I doubt anyone will do that for the CRD for a while unless they make more of 'em.

What I really want is a second air filter box, stock filter) to increase flow but not compromise filtering. But there isn't any room!!!

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2005 Liberty Sport CRD w/all the fixings
Elephant Hose, MAF (ORM), Amsoil Airfilter, nice when I get to drive it
1 EGRreplacement, but never again.
99.5 FrankenJetta TDI (R.I.P.): being turned into diesel hybrid!
99.5 Replacement Jetta TDI: deal of a lifetime, EHM, some other stuff