Diesel equipment filters are such easy parts to change out and can work wonders for diesel equipment. If, for example, a diesel engine seems to be acting up, the solution may be as easy as changing the diesel fuel filter. What does a fuel filter do? It filters out contaminants, such as dirt and debris, to protect the engine.

Equipment that uses diesel fuel usually has two fuel filters, a primary one (located between the fuel tank and the fuel pump) and a secondary one (located in the engine bay). If you suspect that you need to change one of these, there are several points to consider before you do so. This blog will cover just that. Let’s dive in.

 

What Are the Signs That Your Fuel Filter Is Bad?

There are a few signs you need to change your fuel filter in your diesel equipment that all present themselves as problems with your engine. They are:

• Difficulty Starting: When fuel filters are dirty or clogged, they can prevent fuel from getting through to the engine. This can make the engine turn over several times before it starts.
• Unusual Sounds: There is no such thing as a bad fuel filter sound, but an engine certainly can make strange sounds when it’s time to change one or both of the fuel filters. It often sounds like it’s choking.
• Rough Idling: If the equipment shakes while it is on but not moving, it could be a sign that the fuel filter is clogged.
• Shaking at Low Speeds: Because driving slowly uses less fuel, the equipment will get even less fuel to the engine if the fuel filter is clogged. The equipment may start to feel like it’s shaking when going at these slow speeds.

Now that you know what signs to look for to determine whether you need to change your fuel filter, let’s look at how to choose the right one for you.

Fuel Filter Element diesel engine fuel filters 23390-0L070 23390-0L090 for HILUX

How to Choose the Right Fuel Filter

There are a couple of factors to consider to find the right diesel fuel filter for your truck or diesel equipment:

• Media: This is the material that the fuel filter is made of. To choose the right one, know what to filter out and whether to worry about contamination. The equipment’s manual will usually recommend what type to use. Some examples of media types are:
  • Cellulose: Used for particulate removal only
  • Microglass: Used for particulate removal and finer impurities
  • Hydrosorb/Hydroglass: Used for particulate removal, water detection, and water absorption
  • NanoNetⓇ:It not only gives an extra layer of barrier to block out more particles, but it also separates out water without using cellulose. NanoNet ® media does not contain cellulose fibers and unlike conventional filters NanoNet provides the structural integrity needed for a high level of performance. NanoNet provides 3x more protection throughout the life of the filter than the next best competitive product.
• Size: Make sure to get the correct fuel filter size. Bigger filters typically last longer, but check the manual for guidance. 
• Micron Level: The micron rating refers to the size of particles that your filter can block from getting to the engine. One micron is 1/1,000 of a millimeter. If you get a ten-micron filter, for example, then it can block out particles that are 1/100 of a millimeter or bigger. A fuel filter with a low micron level is better at filtering smaller contaminants but tends to get clogged quicker.
• Brand: Typically, it’s better to stick with the fuel filters used by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) so as to avoid compatibility issues.

Once you buy a fuel filter, there are a few precautionary steps to take when changing it out.

What Precaution Is Recommended Before Changing the Fuel Filter?

You should take the following steps to keep yourself safe when changing out a fuel filter:

1. Make sure the engine is cold before changing your fuel filter. This will lower the chances of getting burned.
2. Do not smoke or let others nearby smoke while changing the filter. You will most likely get a bit of diesel fuel on you and risk burning yourself if you or someone else is smoking.
3. Relieve fuel pressure before replacement. Otherwise, you may risk an explosion.
4. Replace damaged parts, such as fuel hoses. This will prevent other issues with the engine to arise later.