When to Change Diesel Fuel Filter

If a diesel fuel filter isn’t replaced in its recommended timeframe, it will become clogged with dirt and debris, which could prevent its heater from properly heating fuel resulting in more paraffins being created by paraffinization.

To minimize this possibility, it is wise to follow the maintenance guide provided with your vehicle manual. Start by removing and disposing of old filters before wiping down both caps and sealing surfaces for cleanliness.

1.       Dirty Fuel Filter

An improperly maintained diesel fuel filter will become clogged with contaminants like paraffins that cannot be burned off, leading to reduced amounts of fuel reaching your engine and leading to poor efficiency, uneven idling and possible engine stalling.

If you notice foul odors while driving, this could be another indicator that it’s time for a filter replacement. These smells come from diesel combustion in your engine and could signal serious engine issues.

When changing a diesel fuel filter, it is best to drain any old oil into a pan on the ground before using an Allen wrench or hex tool to take care of removing its filter cap from its housing and cleaning up both its sealing surface and cap before installing a new one.

2.       Engine Stalling

Filters that become clogged with paraffin can restrict fuel from reaching your engine and lead to issues like jerking motion at lower speeds or engine stalling.

Over time, stalling will become worse due to a clogged filter preventing fuel from reaching the heater, which provides warmth for proper combustion of the fluid fuel.

If a driver experiences these symptoms, it’s essential that they visit one of our service bays during extended or Saturday hours for diesel filter replacement. We follow manufacturer recommendations; which may differ depending on climate conditions. If any questions arise or clarification needs be provided by our team of experts please don’t hesitate to ask – they are more than willing to assist! Our goal is to keep your vehicle running optimally by offering expert repairs and high-quality maintenance services.

3.       Poor Fuel Economy

Poor fuel economy is a telltale sign that your diesel vehicle isn’t operating at optimal performance. Whether the cause lies with aggressive driving habits or just old filters, it is essential to identify and address all potential causes as soon as possible.

An effective diesel fuel filter will remove debris and contaminants from gasoline before entering the transfer pump or injectors that power an engine, providing cleaner fuel to be delivered for improved combustion.

To change a diesel fuel filter, first place an oil drain pan below it and loosening its plug. Remove the old filter, allowing any sediment build-up to flow freely into the oil pan, before placing an O-ring seal around its cap ridge and placing its new filter against it – tightening back up after draining is complete and placing O-ring seal against cap ridge with new O-ring seal against O-ring seal on new filter, before wiping down cap sealing surface and threads as you go along.

4.       Hard Starting

If your diesel vehicle takes longer to start or struggles to accelerate, or has difficulty taking off when starting from a stop, this could be caused by its fuel filter being clogged, preventing the proper amount of fuel for combustion which leads to power reductions and ineffective performance.

Make sure the truck is parked in a warm area, and let it sit for several minutes prior to attempting to start it. This will allow its engine and other components to warm up, making starting easier.

Locate and place a drain pan beneath the filter in order to avoid spilling diesel fuel when replacing it. With an Allen wrench or hex tool, unscrew the filter plug, and allow all of its contents to drain into the pan. Discard old filter with O-ring before installing new one; clean mating surfaces of filter cap and seal groove before installing new filter.