Quote:
Originally Posted by barry12345
The archiles heel is as the filter becomes more obstructive as time goes on. It reduces the available fuel pressure in the base of the injection pump. So operationally speaking chances are it is cheaper to change the fuel filter periodically than almost never. And remember it is the only water trap you have unless you install an aftermarket one.
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I don't disagree with you conceptually, however your strategy is only valid if you don't measure. 99% of owners do not have a fuel pressure gauge so they are forced to operate on a blind-worst-case-scenario. Bad fuel is way too common so it makes sense to change often even when the filter is still perfectly good - because you just don't know. As a counterpoint - I've got a fuel pressure gauge on my project car and have well over 110k miles on the filter with no discernible pressure drop. I'm extra meticulous to avoid bad fuel and it has paid off. I did replace the plastic filter once in this time period because I replaced my rubber hoses with stainless steel braided lines and needed to modify the attach point. I cut the filter open (roughly 80k miles) and found it to be almost "as new".
Again, not arguing with your logic and advice, but pointing out that clean fuel makes all the difference and there is no substitute for hard data.
By the way, it is very difficult to get meaningful pressure data on these diesels - i use a snubber, a damper and software averaging to get a meaningful reading.