Wednesday, May 28, 2014 at 10:58
Peter F9
I doubt very much that your factory
Ranger filter is 20 microns in size.
For a CRD engine it is hardly worth having a 20 micron as that will allow contaminant sizes which will destroy the system quick smart.
It is more likely the OE filter is around 5 micron as is the Dmax and others, some a bit smaller.
If you draw a circle of eg, 20mm then you can draw many 5mmdia circles in that circular space with gaps in between. So 20micron NO. I would be surprised if it is.
Thinking of the circle sizes, that is the sizes the contaminants get through, so if the size is smaller, and with some filter clogging happening there will be smaller gaps for the rate of required fuel flow to get through without significant restriction.
Therefore as the filter you choose is smaller in micron size, you have to have a corresponding increase in filter medium area size, so no significant restriction is going to occur.
As the finer, more efficient filter is being used it will hold rubbish and begin to restrict. Without sufficient area it will soon restrict and have you, for ever changing expensive filters.
Filter life, usage time/km, contaminant loading/catching/essential flow rate are all items worth considering. Anyone who recommends a filter for a purpose should have a full grasp/understanding of the variables and essential requirement.
Nearly all sellers of that stuff do not know much about them. Only "this is the one we sell" and it is good, take my word for it.
Choose one which fits your purpose and also make sure it is also a Dewatering filter to catch emulsified water, without that you are basically wasting your time as water WILL get into the system. We are trying to minimize the chance of that happening, aren't we?
The bigger the filter area you choose means the flow rate is better and the actual filter membrane flow rate is slower and therefore allows for more chance to catch rubbish and dewater at the same time, instead of hurrying through the filter.
5 micron of a suitable flow and area will be ok. At least 140L/h min, bigger the better.
This applies whether it is before OR after the OE filter.
AnswerID:
533307
Follow Up By: Peter F9 - Wednesday, May 28, 2014 at 11:29
Wednesday, May 28, 2014 at 11:29
Thanks
Ross, good comments. Yes both filters have dewatering filters and bowls. A follow up question on flow rates. Is the flow rate requirement affected by having two filters in line? Say for example the
Ranger requires a 140L/H flow rate. Would it be sufficient to have both filters rated at 140 or do I need to go higher because I have two in sequence? Thanks P
FollowupID:
816638
Follow Up By: John and Regina M - Wednesday, May 28, 2014 at 11:31
Wednesday, May 28, 2014 at 11:31
My new Triton standard filter is 10 micron with water alarm.
I have added a 2 micron after it.
FollowupID:
816639
Follow Up By: Peter F9 - Wednesday, May 28, 2014 at 12:56
Wednesday, May 28, 2014 at 12:56
Trying to find out what micron size is in the OE
Ranger filter has been interesting to say the least! My Ford dealer has no idea! Would anyone know the micron size of the standard Ford Filters in the 3.2ltr PX Diesels? Thanks P
FollowupID:
816642
Follow Up By: Ross M - Wednesday, May 28, 2014 at 13:55
Wednesday, May 28, 2014 at 13:55
Peter F9
Two filters in series will of course add some restriction, BUT, since the effect will be minimal and less than a clogged filter anyway it shouldn't affect the system at all because it is still within it's operating parameters.
However, if the additional filter is before the OE filter and also bigger flow rate than the OE, then the restriction effect would be even less noticeable.
Johns & Reginas filter , being 2 micron is good to have but it has to be of a flowrate/area which doesn't affect the normal flow rate. If it will block with the stuff that goes through the stated 10 micron OE filter if sufficient hits it.
All these systems have to have a flow rate to supply AND also to provide adequate cooling flows for the High Pressure pump. You can use a small filter but it won't pass the cooling flow required in addition to the usage flow.
If you ever get a restriction indication, then the cooling flow aspect has been compromised for a period of time/KM before the alarm.
With the 2 micron after the OE it is a good thing BUT, you will only get a restriction sensing if it is the OE filter blocking.
If the New filter is restricting, the first indication you will get of a restriction, is if the engine doesn't want to work well as that position negates the OE restriction sensing the new one is blocking,
FollowupID:
816647
Follow Up By: Peter F9 - Wednesday, May 28, 2014 at 14:03
Wednesday, May 28, 2014 at 14:03
Yes
Ross I tend to agree which is why I'm not looking to put a new filter after my OE filter. I want the OE blockage and water sensors to work as intended, as you suggest.
FollowupID:
816649