Saturday, Jun 28, 2014 at 19:23
G;day Jim
If doesn't matter if it is an expensive 4WD or a cheaper one or what you have fitted, both aren't a factor in the fuel issue.
A V8 Landcruiser will suck more fuel than some others and especially when under acceleration and load. Hence restriction may occur earlier due to contamination.
That means the fuel filter is likely to have a fair bit of fuel passed through it in it's life, however long or short that might be.
Where you buy isn't really a certainty that you will get clean fuel.
So far it appears you have been lucky, no failures, although you probably don't think that.
Your filter has indicated it requires changing and the comment about the dirty fuel from the service person is just a
seat of the pants comments/observation. Maybe it was, maybe it was just normal for the amount of fuel through it with some expected contaminant load in the fuel.
A CRD engine runs the, whole fuel tank's volume, through the system AND the filter a couple of times in an hour or so (depend on make/system size) and is actually cleaning the tank while also attempting to supply clean fuel to the engine.
Some trucks use a pump and filter purely to circulate the fuel through the filter and return to the tank independently of the engine fuels system. Called "Fuel Polishing", it cleans the tank and leaves the contents as clean as it can for the system to use. ie, less engine fuel filter blockage.
In your case you should at least carry two spare fuel filters so someone can help you when a dealer can't OR learn to change the filter yourself so you aren't held up AND the potential for engine fuel system damage remaining while you "drive to seek" help, is avoided.
If fitting an aftermarket pre filter system it should be far larger in volume of flow than the OE filter, ie, flow rating, so it has the capacity to pre filter and hold, therefore restricted/blocked to some degree, but still able to pass sufficient fuel flow for all engine operating conditions.
That will rule out many of the commonly promoted fuel filter kits.
OR you can fit TWO of those fuel filter kits.
Two plumbed in parallel so
You have half of any expected restriction = almost nil restriction,
Twice the fuel flow capacity,
Twice the filter area,
Twice the sump water catching ability
and
because the filter will also have a dewatering feature to assist the removal of emulsified water, ie,the stuff held in the fuel itself and not obvious droplets.
You should then see a far longer life out of your fuel filters relative to any type of contamination.
For a 3L CRD I use a Donaldson P902976 filter kits but unless a different larger flow filter is used, two of those used as suggested will be cost effective and easy to change for a fair degree of protection.
I wouldn't like to be in the situation one 200 series owner was in, where he rang the dealer because of water alert. Was told to drive to dealers. Dealer didn't change the filter, merely drained the water because the service interval wasn't due. After 300km he had a total fuel system replacement. PUMP and INJECTORS.
Possibly the fuel filter did indeed require replacement and a wise move would have been to install one at the time of the water problem.
Nothing is perfect but for a reasonable cost and preparedness to do some checking/replacement yourself you can increase your insurance.
Just because many have a pre filter and have had no trouble with the size they have means they haven't hit it's limits yet.
AnswerID:
535152
Follow Up By: JimDi - Saturday, Jun 28, 2014 at 19:52
Saturday, Jun 28, 2014 at 19:52
Thanks
Ross, I am going to have read your comments over a few times in order for it to sink in. But it makes sense. And you are right about my luck. Second time the light came on I drove across the Barkly to Mt Isa. It was not the best drive of my life but it was the most memorable as far as anxiety levels went.
I will get a call Monday from the service people and I will work something out from there. I will also seek someone with more tech savvy than I to look at your recommendations.
Some other contributors have suggested carrying spares and fitting them myself which I will also take on.
But in all honesty it seems to me that there has to be a better way. It seems to me that putting diesel in your tank these days is akin to putting seawater in your radiator.
Regards
Jim
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818995
Follow Up By: Ross M - Saturday, Jun 28, 2014 at 20:34
Saturday, Jun 28, 2014 at 20:34
JimDi
No manufacturer that I know of have a water sensor in the tank and rarely have a method of draining it out. So not easy there.
In such a case I would carry/do carry, a length of plastic tubing which can be weighted securely and fed into the tank to the lowest spot.
With the vehicle suitably positioned ie rear up, one side down, the tube can be used to draw contaminants and water out of the lowest part of the tank.
No need to drain the whole tank, juts until crap stops flowing, if present.
You would only have to consider this IF the filler arrangement is indicating a problem exists.
Difficult though, if there is a baffle plate or one way inner valve in the filler.
Most people don't do this, but with an inline 12v pump ie, older Commodore fuel pump, and the hose as mentioned, the tank can be pumped out and through a portable filter and the fuel returned to tank so it reduces/eliminates the water and contaminant issue to a high degree.
Just something to manage a problem if it becomes reality.
There are many things people can do, it seems not many bother and rely on items provided by dealers and reseller sales
places or just trust all will be OK.
Fuel problems both petrol and diesel have been a happening for as long as I can remember. It is called the supply chain, just has a few rusty links that is all.
FollowupID:
818998
Follow Up By: olcoolone - Sunday, Jun 29, 2014 at 18:31
Sunday, Jun 29, 2014 at 18:31
Ross post is correct on how the filter works on a CRD engine..... Compared to the dinosaur systems of yesterday the CRD filters flow more fuel 10 fold..... People forgot on the older systems filters would get changed every service by some and in many cases on the third to sixth 5000 k service if by the book.... It's a feel good thing!
Most CRD fuel filters have a 150,000 k service life under ideal conditions but many get replaced sooner then that..... It also depends on fuel tank size.
Regarding the dealer not replacing the filter when the water warning light came on...... Chances are the damage had already started and the dealer should of told him not to drive it if the water light was on and explained to him what to do it...... Or maybe the owner should of read the owners manual before he put it in the bottom draw in the shed.
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