pinhole leak in secondary fuel filter

[cell]

Hey guys,

Just reporting something I found a little surprising.

On my OM617 engine, the secondary (spin-on) fuel filter developed a pinhole leak in the bottom. The leak was small enough that it only sprayed diesel out under pressure, so it would shoot out a little jet for every turn of the cam while running.

I was a WIX filter which had about 33 months on it.

Could this have happened by getting a puddle of water in the bottom of it, which started to rust the filter from the inside-out?

I zip-tied the top half of a one liter soda bottle to the fuel filter while driving the auto parts store to get another filter. It looked quite comical.



All they had in stock was a Purolator filter. I'm familiar with the oil filter controversy -- is there a similar fuel filter problem? Should I replace it with a WIX?

[Palangi]

That happened to me once, a long time ago.

I imagine it was just a weak spot in the metal.

That pump can sure squirt out an amazing amount of fuel in 5 minutes.....

[tangofox007]

Originally Posted by cell

All they had in stock was a Purolator filter. I'm familiar with the oil filter controversy -- is there a similar fuel filter problem? Should I replace it with a WIX?

Sure. Now that you have determined how long it takes for a Wix filter to fail, deciding on a preventive maintenance schedule will be a walk in the park.

[vstech]

nah... just get a hose clamp, and lock that MD bottle TIGHT! RedGreen would be proud!

I've used purolators, wix, meyle, etc... purolator makes/reboxes some decent filters, I'd leave it in there until you develop symptoms of starvation...

[layback40]

I would be draining the water out of the bottom of the fuel tank. There must be a bit there.

[Diesel911]

I suppose it is possible for a Filter to rust from the inside out if there is water in the bottom.
After you take the Filter off cut it apart and see if you can see why it rusted through.

33 months with out changing the Filter you got your moneys worth out of it.

[cell]

Diesel911, what interval do you recommend for the fine fuel filter?

[DeliveryValve]

I would change that filter out every 8,500-10,000 miles or every year. But it maybe sooner depending on your fuel quality.

Rusting from the inside would theoretically be the cause because of how common it is to have diesel contaminated with water pumped directly from the fuel station.
Given that fact, the stock shallow filter can only hold so much water that the rest of it would go to your IP. That is why I believe having a filter with a deeper bowl, water separating capabilities and a drain is important.

See thread of the Baldwin or CAT filter upgrade.
Lower Micron Fuel Filter Mod

With the Baldwin filter, you would drain it at least every 10,000 miles (could do it more often if you think fuel quality is an issue) and change it out every 20,000 miles.


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[cell]

Nice mod! I might have to do that myself

[leathermang]

Please people, do not use the Mountain Dew for this fix... it rots your teeth..... use something else....