Water, fuel filters & injectors

[More Power]

I've been driving a GM diesel pickup since July of 1986 - more than eighteen years. In all this time, I've not ever seen water in a fuel filter or been exposed to water contaminated fuel. Generally, those who live in wetter climates, like the Northwest, Northeast or the Southeast would be more likely to be exposed to water contaminated fuel.

Some here in the BB have found rust inside brand new Duramax fuel filters (due to a combination of uncoated mild steel and a humid storage environment). I wonder how many look for rust before installing a new filter, and how many look inside their old filter during service. It would be logical to assume that rust particles small enough to migrate through the factory fuel filter could contribute to injector failures.

How many have checked both their new and old fuel filters for evidence of rust?

MP

[jbplock]

Last October I received an order of RACOR Interceptor (OEM) fuel filters and 2 out of 6 were severely rusted on the inside where the WIF sensor attaches. All the filters were sealed but the rust could be seen through the wrapper. Using a dental mirror I could see that the rust extended all around the inside of the WIF sensor opening. I called the supplier and they sent three new filters along with a prepaid shipping label to return the faulty filters. Two of the three replacements were also rusted and were subsequently replaced by the vendor. Since then I've sprayed all the spare filters with WD-40 and placed them in Zip lock bags.

When changing fuel filters (Mega, OEM and Stanadyne) I've yet to find any internal rust. However, I have found a few small drops of water in bowl of the Stanadyne pre-filter (http://community.webshots.com/album/77018086bLHHHC).


smile.gif

[Kennedy]

I first saw extreme rust on the filter removed from JeBar's truck. I've also heard of some even rusting through in service! :eek:

There is a new filter available with a double layer media. This is still a Racor product, and is likely a result of the problems GM is experiencing. I have no technical detail on the media used if graduated or both are the same, but it definitely means multipass.

FWIW, all Baldwin (by name only) units ordered via my online store will be the latest dual layer media.

[OC_DMAX]

I have checked all my Racor branded fuel filters with an inspection mirror prior to installation. I found a batch that I received from Oilguard to be pre-rusted. Others that I have received from Lubespecialist were OK.

Initially, I was running Stanadyne additive. When cutting the fuel filter open, I found no water, but did find a mildly rusted filter housing. Since switching to Primrose, I have found no rust on the inside of the filter housing.

[deerhunter7]

have not had any rust in my Racors. Cut them open after changing out and no rust. Also purchased them from Greg. ;)

[letsgo]

There was an artical published many years ago by SAE indicating concern of micro hairs of fiberglass (coming from the inside of the newly built storage tanks) and metal chips (scrapings from the insersion of the fuel nossle into the vehical tank) migrating through the vehicals fuel filter medium and reaching the injectors, and destroying the injector contact surface.

A problem probably never resolved.

good luck.

[Kennedy]

pics:

Old:

http://www.kennedydiesel.com/images/Dmax-single-layer-media_sma.gif


New:

http://www.kennedydiesel.com/images/Dmax-dual-layer-media_small.gif

Images courtesy of Mdrag.

[dmaxalliTech]

I've yet to see any new filters of mine rusted in the 400 plus I have been through, but have seen some horid examples of used elements, like JK said, some that the WIF sensor nearly rusted right out of the thing..

All of that and I have yet to see one turn on the WIF light :rolleyes:

[saywhat]

I have changed my fuel filters at 10,000 mile intervals since the truck was new.Now at 51,000 miles and have yet to find any water,rust or visable contamination after cutting open the used filter.There is coloration from asphatium on the paper media and only on the lower third indicating there is still plenty of service left on these filers at these mileage intervals.I do use FPPF or Primrose with straight #2 fuel year round and have ran in temps as low as minus 17F with no problems. Jim

[Kennedy]

You could view the 1/3 used as plenty of life, but basically, I view this as the fuel is only using a limited part of the media, and therefore the flow rate is increased reducing the efficiency. Having a small lift pump keeps the filter full of fuel (not air) and slows down the flow rate by spreaading it over all of the media.

A filter from a pressurized system shows uniform coloration over the entire media. Also worth noting, some pretty funky patterns show on the non pressure fed units causing one to speculate about possible media density variances.

[BMDMAX]

Here is a filter with pressure:
http://bmdmax.u27.infinology.net/images/filter1.jpg

http://bmdmax.u27.infinology.net/images/filter2.jpg

As you can see excellent media utilization. :D

Here are some examples with no pressure:

http://bmdmax.u27.infinology.net/images/filter3.jpg

http://bmdmax.u27.infinology.net/images/filter4.jpg

Not very good. :eek:

[Kennedy]

Just changed the OE fuel filter on my LLY at 3k. I like to get the first one early as it really seems to make a difference. For the record, the OE installed unit was the new dual media type.

Looks worse than both non psi filters that BMDMAX posted. Nearly 50% discolored with bands up the side.