Newbie, changed fuel filter today, have questions

[Doubletrouble]

 I am a newbie to Cummins diesel trucks so bare with me and my questions.

 I changed my fuel filter today, once the old filter was out I noticed debris in the bottom on the filter housing so I cleaned that out best I could. I had to drain the housing so it took a few key cycles to prime again but she did restart.

 While doing this I noticed another inline filter before the LP that I'm sure is not factory. See pics below, before and after cleaning out the debris, last one you should be able to see the inline filter down near the frame.

 Also, there is what seems like a larger line from the LP to the filter housing. Is this just an adapter or is it what is considered a "big line kit"? I'll post a pic to hopefully show this blue line I'm talking about. Thanks in advance for any replies.

 

[hdpwipmonkey]

Looks to me like previous owner just replaced that piece of line with some new fuel line.  Not a "Big Line Kit".  A big line kit will typically have not only bigger fuel line but also the connectors to eliminate the restrictive banjo bolts.

[JAG1]

That [nline filter is so small it will restrict fuel flow enough to do damage to your VP44. It would be better left off of there. What you really need though is a bigger canister type filter before the lift pump, a big line kit, a fuel pressure gauge and an after market lift pump capable of holding a minimum of 14 p.s.i.. We have all had to do this for a healthy long running engine and injection pump.

[Doubletrouble]

 There is a FASS DRP lift pump on the side of the block, that should be adequate for a stock engine correct? As far as the pre-pump inline wouldn't a canister type be more restricted? I was thinking (through research) a Napa 3270 inline mesh filter rated at 140 micron. Bad idea?

 I did check fuel pressure before and after filter change, at idle before 17psi, after at idle 18psi.

[Doubletrouble]

Upon further investigation, the pre filter I referred to was included with the FASS kit for filtration before the pump. It is a screen type filter to catch any debris from the tank. I found a video of a FASS install online that included this filter.

 Sorry, just a newbie to Cummins trying to get an understanding of things. I typically do all my own wrenching but this is a new ball game to me with the diesel. Only other diesel I have ever worked on is a 1973 ford 5000 tractor non turbo, and it was basic stuff.

[Dieselfuture]

My fass 150 didn't come with a pre-filter, must be something they started doing recently. I was under assumption that fuel goes through first big filter/water separator before it enters gear rotor/pump then goes through final 2 micron filter before it heads to vp.

 

[Mopar1973Man]

Filter housing is fine. That is nothing. The ranchers out her will have up to full one inch of mud or sand in the bottom of the fuel filter from all the farm red dye. Your good! I will admit that is not a big line kit. Big line kit is full 1/2 inch plumbing and hose from the tank to the VP44. No banjo bolts. As for the test port that was a weird thing. Some had two port one at the filter inlet and the other at the VP44. Then switch to VP44 only later on.

 

I change fuel filters about every 50k to 70k miles. My fuel supply is extremely clean and takes a very long time till my AirDog 165 and the stock filter to even turn colors. 

 

[dripley]

I belueve he just has the FASS ddrp. Hence the small strainer.

[Mopar1973Man]

1 minute ago, dripley said:

I belueve he just has the FASS ddrp. Hence the small strainer.

 

Junk pumps... Personally. The pump is too far from the tank and uses the stock lines yet. Typically have really wide range of pressure fall over range of throttle and load.

[Doubletrouble]

 I agree it is to far from the tank. I'm new to Dodge and Cummins (in dodges at least, I drive truck for a living). 

 What would be your recommendation as far as fuel delivery and a reasonable fuel gauge? I'd like to have the pods on the pillar but it's not in the budget at the moment, been a little slow at work.

[hdpwipmonkey]

6 minutes ago, Doubletrouble said:

What would be your recommendation as far as fuel delivery and a reasonable fuel gauge? I'd like to have the pods on the pillar but it's not in the budget at the moment, been a little slow at work.

 

First thing I did when I bought my truck is put in a new lift pump.  I went with a FASS 165 at the recommendation of a friend.  So far its been ok.  Had an issue with the pressure fluctuating at first but solved that with a new return spring and viton check ball.  17psi at idle and 15psi at WOT.  Now, if I had known then what I know now I probably would have gone with a mechanical fuel pump.  More reliable with no electronics to worry about.  They are both about the same price though.  

 

For gauges I went with Glowshift.  I got a three gauge set and the A-pillar pod.  Had them about a year and no real issues so far.  The EGT gauge is slow to react and seems to be off compared to the Quadzilla EGT probe but so far the fuel and boost gauges seem to be ok.  

The good... they are cheap.   The bad... they are cheap. 

 

I would like to get some ISSPro gauges once these bite the dust though.

[01cummins4ever]

At the very least install a good in cab fuel pressure gauge, even though the fass ddrp is not known for long term longevity if its supplying good fuel pressure you can roll with it until it craps. I’ve used electric pump in the past, then upgraded to a mechanical pump and never looked back.

 

you can get a single gauge mount on the steering column if a double or triple mount is not in the budget .

[Doubletrouble]

I've been looking at fuel pressure gauges, they are more expensive than I thought for what they are. I'd like to get the trio on the A pillar eventually. I may not need them with a stock motor but I do like to keep an eye on things.

[dripley]

Keeping an eye fuel pressure is highly recommened at the least. If the lift pump craps out you will know before the VP lets you know by crapping out itself. This is true for the stock or heavily modded engine.

Edited January 4, 2020 by dripley

[JAG1]

3 hours ago, Doubletrouble said:

I've been looking at fuel pressure gauges, they are more expensive than I thought for what they are. I'd like to get the trio on the A pillar eventually. I may not need them with a stock motor but I do like to keep an eye on things.

Out of the two brands of fuel pressure gauges I own and have tested for accuracy, the Isspro is the closest to actual pressures. my excavator who was in business for over 40 yrs  owned lots of equipment, says always go with and stay with Isspro. 

 

If you call Isspro in Portland, Oregon they will tell you the best source on where to buy and avoid retail that's been added on retail. I cannot remember the source they gave me but it's on Airport Way in Portland, Oregon. They will remember and help you. They good people down there.

Edited January 4, 2020 by JAG1