Fuel Filtration - How much is enough?

PsRumors · Sep 14, 2012

I am considering re-working my e-fuel system which would consist of getting rid of the AirDog and using a SD pump and shorter filters in an attempt to tuck the filters further up to the frame for protection.

This is the filter I am looking at http://www.fleetfilter.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=fleetfilter&Product_Code=33404 it is "only" a 6 micron filter. Considering the stock filter has a micron rating in the mid teens and many trucks go hundreds of thousands of miles on the stock system would 6 micron be enough?

I would love to go to a 2 micron filter but I am trying to stay with a smaller filter to keep it close to the bottom of the frame.

Strokersace · Sep 14, 2012

I have the original AD with a walbro pump, then a spin on filter before the motor. Works very well. What AD do you have?

The stock motorcraft 7.3 fuel bowl filter (only one in the stock system) is a 2 micron. My AD came with a 10 micron filter for pre pump filtration. Between walbro and motor, my spin on filter is a Baldwin 2 micron.

Seems to work great! Eventually going to be redoing mine as well but keeping the AD and post pump filter, just going with a fuelab pump and larger lines with a dump in tank.

PsRumors · Sep 14, 2012

Strokersace said:
I have the original AD with a walbro pump, then a spin on filter before the motor. Works very well. What AD do you have?

The stock motorcraft 7.3 fuel bowl filter (only one in the stock system) is a 2 micron. My AD came with a 10 micron filter for pre pump filtration. Between walbro and motor, my spin on filter is a Baldwin 2 micron.

Seems to work great! Eventually going to be redoing mine as well but keeping the AD and post pump filter, just going with a fuelab pump and larger lines with a dump in tank.

I have the ADII.

Wix shows the stock filter at a nominal rating of 14 microns. http://www.fleetfilter.com/filter/wix-powerstroke-filters/33818.html

PsRumors · Sep 15, 2012

Anyone else?

Strokersace · Sep 15, 2012

PsRumors said:
I have the ADII.

Wix shows the stock filter at a nominal rating of 14 microns. http://www.fleetfilter.com/filter/wix-powerstroke-filters/33818.html

That's the motorcraft stock filter show for a micron rating? That's what I'd base the stock off of.

Before I put the AD on mine, I ran a Baldwin BF1212 fuel/water separator pre-pump, then the Baldwin BF7633 2micron filter post pump. Stock SD pump in between.

Ran that setup on 2 different trucks with Hypermax stage 2.5's, custom made regulated returns, Aeromotive regulators. All hoses from tanks forward are Parker Push-lok. ZERO issues at all.

My recommendation would be to run a pre-pump filter that is in the 10-20 micron range to protect the pump from the larger debris in the fuel or tank. Then run a 2 micron post pump for any very fine debris that gets through the 1st filter and pump, or if the pump takes a crap and somehow puts debris in the lines, the 2micron will catch it and not let it get to the injectors.

Also, go with a diesel rated fuel hose if you don't already have it. When I built they kits I have (3 so far), I only used diesel rated hose for extra insurance. The Parker 836 Push-Lok hose I used before was their only hose rated for diesel at the time. However, it's been discontinued and their 801 hose is now rated for diesel. When I redo my system to add in the sump, go to 5/8" lines pre-pump, Fuelab pump, 1/2" lines post pump to motor, all the rubber line under the truck with be Parker 801 hose. Then I'm going to do 3/8" braided stainless steel lines on the motor itself. All diesel rated of course.

PsRumors · Sep 15, 2012

Ford says 10 microns at 98% efficiency

PDF

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...uIHIBw&usg=AFQjCNGrsYqw5nTTxaPaX6-zuBKzMnSnTQ

I have everything else worked out just looking to keep about a 5" tall filter to stay tucked up in the frame. If I could find a 2 micron filter I'd be all for it but I have yet to find one.

Strokersace · Sep 15, 2012

So you want the bottom of the filters to be completely above the bottom of the frame?

I made my own mounts and used the Baldwin filter heads. I think the 2micron BF7633 is maybe 1" lower than the bottom of the frame. As a matter of fact, with my full length fiberglass running boards on, the brackts for those hang down lower. Can't see them unless you're under the truck.

I can take some pics for comparison if you'd like. I wanted mine mounted that way to keep them tucked up in there as much as possible. Other setups I've seen have the filters hanging WAY down below the frame and I don't care for those at all.

oldschool · Sep 15, 2012

I run a Cat filter, 1r0750 2 micron. for final filter, the small micron the better. used napa filter base and tucked it under the hood.

PsRumors · Sep 15, 2012

Strokersace said:
So you want the bottom of the filters to be completely above the bottom of the frame?

I made my own mounts and used the Baldwin filter heads. I think the 2micron BF7633 is maybe 1" lower than the bottom of the frame. As a matter of fact, with my full length fiberglass running boards on, the brackts for those hang down lower. Can't see them unless you're under the truck.

I can take some pics for comparison if you'd like. I wanted mine mounted that way to keep them tucked up in there as much as possible. Other setups I've seen have the filters hanging WAY down below the frame and I don't care for those at all.

That is my goal, to keep the bottom of the filter above the bottom of the filter. I know the step will hide anything hanging down but I am more interested in the filter being tucked up above the frame.

oldschool said:
I run a Cat filter, 1r0750 2 micron. for final filter, the small micron the better. used napa filter base and tucked it under the hood.

Not a bad idea, I hadn't thought about relocating the filter to another location. Might be just the ticket.

oldschool · Sep 15, 2012

there's room behind the left hood hing, mount the filter base on the fender. I just hate crawling under the truck to change filters lol. I also picked up a 252 6338 filter and water separator with the baseon ebay for $8. will put that in the line before the pump someplace. Still running the mechanical pump, but did the filter deleat and reused the regualtor with some modifications. run around 50 psi it that helps.

GreenF350 · Sep 15, 2012

I just got done mounting my post pump filter a few hours ago. Put it on the transmission bellhousing and it is way above the bottom of the frame with the Baldwin BF7633. In fact, it is almost identical to my oil filter only behind it a few inches. My pre pump BF1212 hangs down maybe an inch, two at the most below the frame and despite being about as deep at the trim on the doors in mud numerous times it has never had a problem. It was something I was worried about too, but everything seems to be ok.
-Aaron

njjeep · Sep 22, 2012

Where are you guys getting your CAT 1R-0750 filters?

TRUBBS · Sep 22, 2012

oldschool said:
I also picked up a 252 6338 filter and water separator with the base on ebay for $8. .

lucky you! im always on ebay looking for a good deal on 2 spin on filer bases to use in my fuel system but never find any....

oldschool · Sep 22, 2012

njjeep said:
Where are you guys getting your CAT 1R-0750 filters?

caterpillar dealer, some truck stops, most truck repair shops sould carry them. teps dealers, ebay

oldschool · Sep 22, 2012

TRUBBS said:
lucky you! im always on ebay looking for a good deal on 2 spin on filer bases to use in my fuel system but never find any....

ya, i look an look and look, everyonce in a while i get lucky and find a deal.

Tom S · Sep 22, 2012

Just a random thought but could the final filter be mounted horizontal instead of vertical. I cannot see why not in all actuallity.

TRUBBS · Sep 22, 2012

Tom S said:
Just a random thought but could the final filter be mounted horizontal instead of vertical. I cannot see why not in all actuallity.

Or maybe 45* angle, feed from the bottom?

Magnum PD · Sep 22, 2012

Was planning on using this filter.

http://m.summitracing.com/parts/prm-81000

Old OutLaw · Sep 22, 2012

I don't think the need anywhere near that fine a filter....Ford specs are around 15 micron, and I used a 10 in between the pump and the injectors, and a 35 between the tank and the pump, and it's working just fine.

P.S. I also think it's much more important to run some injector cleaner thru it once inna while like Cass @ FF says.

old man dave · Sep 23, 2012

Both Stanadyne (Fuel Manager 100) and Wix (Fuel Manager) offer filter bases that use filter elements under 4" in length and also offer two sizes of longer filter elements if you want more filter capacity and in a variety of micron ratings suitable for light duty diesels.