Fuel Filter Options?

[indiedog]

My wife filled up the WG a couple of days ago and got a load of dirty fuel. We've had a specialist flush the system today and the filter was almost full of water, probably 80% water or more. The filter has been replaced but there is obviously some moisture still in the system so not sorted yet. He thinks the issue is that the drain on the filter is not right at the bottom so it is impossible to drain it all out without actually removing the filter. This causes other issues as it introduces air into the system. PLUS there is no manual primer on these things so working on it at home without special equipment is not really an option. So in summary, it's a shit system.

Possible Filter Upgrades.

https://www.westernfilters.net.au/os...sel-separator/

https://ph.parker.com/us/en/diesel-f...-spin-on/245r2

There are pre-filter kits available (such as the first option linked above) which include the clear bulb at the bottom which would allow water to be fully drained off. So that would fix that problem but with no pump it does not fix the priming issue. My KJ has a Racor 245 filter (second link above) with water separator and manual pump fitted as standard and wondering if I could make that work on the WG. The sensor would not fit but not sure if I could just disconnect it. I could install the Racor as a prefilter and just leave the original filter in. The Racor looks like it would fix both issues.

Any thoughts on that? Seems crazy there's no manual pump on these things. Probably not meant for country driving in Australia.

[bodgie]

I have that Racor filter as a pre-filter and have left the original filter in place. The Racor is installed under the back quarter panel pretty much under the fuel filler. It's easy to check and drain if required (I've never seen a drop of water in it BTW) and it has a small pump you can use to help re-prime the system.

I like the safety of the extra filter, could save a lot of grief if you get a tank full of bad fuel.

Jason

[indiedog]

Bodgie, as mentioned my KJ has the Racor so that's why I mentioned it. I'll pay similar price for that to an aftermarket filter but it comes stock with the pump, so a good solution. The fuel tech told me that on some Nissans the manual pump is just a squeeze bulb the same as they have on boat tanks. Now that would be an easy solution for the lack of a factory supplied manual pump.

And the chemical they use to help flush out the system is Fuel Doctor. So I might also keep some of that on hand.

One thing is for sure, I now know a fair bit more about that crappy fuel filter and that I want it gone. Well I certainly don't want to rely on it alone in the future.

[bodgie]

When I bought my Racor I imported it from the US, I got the filter body, adapters and 5 elements for the price of the filter body in AU. Make sure you check your prices before you purchase.

With a diesel, more filters is usually a good thing IMO.

I've been meaning to add a priming bulb to mine as it would make priming easier as I don't need to crawl under the back of the truck. They're cheap too.

Jason

[indiedog]

Originally Posted by bodgie

When I bought my Racor I imported it from the US, I got the filter body, adapters and 5 elements for the price of the filter body in AU. Make sure you check your prices before you purchase.

With a diesel, more filters is usually a good thing IMO.

I've been meaning to add a priming bulb to mine as it would make priming easier as I don't need to crawl under the back of the truck. They're cheap too.

Jason

Any details on where you got yours? I'm looking at about $300 locally delivered. A priming bulb suitable for diesel isn't that cheap either. I'll need to hunt around a bit for that.

[bodgie]

From memory, I bought it off of eBay.

Looks like local pricing has improved significantly and the local price is the same as the US price.

eBay had some diesel "compatible" priming bulbs for $14 but I've got no idea on the quality.

Jason

[JeanLuke]

I have had my stock filter intercept water twice. The second time, I had to drain it three of four times before the warning light stopped coming on. It obviously what a pretty bad load of fuel.

I don't disagree with the thinking that more filters are better, but I am not sure the stock system is all that bead. I carry an outboard-motor style squeeze bulb with 10mm (?) tubes on it and prime through the stock valve.

The trick to draining the water is to "bite the bullet" - open the screw on top of the filter, properly drain it, then reprime. I can do it roadside in 10 minutes... after having a cuppa to let things cool down or so I wouldn't burn my hands. Things around the filter get hot.