Fuel filters - how dirty is normal??

[steveG]

I've got a CAV filter on my County instead of the fuel sedimenter (since it didn't have one when I did the Isuzu conversion).
Changed the filter today as its been there for approx 15K km's and cut it open to have a look. I'm glad its fitted and grabbing all this crap before my injection pump has to deal with it:



I've never cut open a fuel filter before so am interested to know if that's considered pretty normal?

Steve

[mike_ie]

I can't say that I've ever cut open the disposable filter housings, but I've pulled open the disposable cartridge ones that sit in the glass bowl housing and they've looked much the same as yours, some of them quite a bit worse. Much of what ends up in your filter depends on the quality of the diesel you're getting, and whatever debris thats also sitting at the bottom of your own fuel tank. If you're going through filters at a rate of knots, then it might be worth flushing out your fuel tank, but if your filter is looking that good after 15k, then I wouldn't worry about it. Hopefully someone more informed than me will back me up on that.

[mike_ie]

Found an image online that's about on par with what I've pulled out of trucks in the past:

Diesel filter after 10k - guess which is the new one

[steveG]

Thanks Mike.
That filter looks like its done service on the parts cleaner tank !!

If that's typical, then definitely no issue with mine.

Steve

[Blknight.aus]

The one I've just taken out of the wifes disco had a 20psi drop across it to achieve a 1l/min flow rate.

that would account for not being able to get over 1.5K rpm or pull higher than 3rd low.

[steveG]

The one I've just taken out of the wifes disco had a 20psi drop across it to achieve a 1l/min flow rate.

that would account for not being able to get over 1.5K rpm or pull higher than 3rd low.

Just dirt and crap, or diesel snot?

Steve

[JDNSW]

I imagine it depends a lot on the source of your fuel. The filter on my 110 is usually indistinguishable from the new one when I change it.

John

[flagg]

Once you have had a dirty fill, it will take a long time to clear it without flushing the tank. Worst place to get it is filling up when or shortly after a petrol station has had a truck fill its tanks.. It stirs up all the garbage from the bottom.

Is you are still getting acceptable flow rates and the filter is working when that would be ok I guess.

[Blknight.aus]

Just dirt and crap, or diesel snot?

Steve

chips rust and about 1.4l of water in the tank.