Fuel filter change frequency

[RalphVa]

Think our manual says 200 hours. I usually change the tractor's a little more often. The mileage on my Jetta is 20k. That's about equivalent to 400 hours on a tractor. Think it was about 30k on the 240D Benz. I never ever changed the Benz's nor the Jetta's more often unless there was a problem. Only had one problem (after running 3 tankfuls of bio, which cleans crud out tanks) with the Benz in 26 years of running it.

Ralph

 

[Paul Thornton]

I religiously use my Mr. Funnel, fuel filter looks new after 100 hours.

 

[Farmall45b]

We change filters at work every year regardless of hours. Our state mandates at least 5% bio diesel be blended in to fuel. Our experience is that if you don't change them every year and are running a bio diesel blend you can have filter problems, especially in the winter. If I remember right from the manual on my new B2650, it states to change yearly if running B5 or above.

 

[oosik]

I think a lot has to do with the quality of the diesel, the method of storage, the method of dispensing, how frequently do you refuel the tractor, the humidity at your location etc. I'm knocking hard on wood as I say this, but I've never had one bit of problem with water in my diesel. Then again, it seldom gets above 35% relative humidity here and I never use the last bit of fuel out of my jerry cans.

 

[Copperhead]

On my commercial stuff, I change fuel filter same time I do oil changes. I also have visual site glass on the Davco 382 system I use on my commercial stuff and can see at a glance if the filter needs changed. The fuel level rises in the sight bowl as the filter clogs and when the level reaches within 1 inch of the top, time to change. Great for winter fuel issues that can clog a filter. On my compact tractor, I just change it when I do annual oil change.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Only when theres a problem with flow. Watch it in the cold. Hard to work on it then ... but a hair drier on the filter for about a half hour will usually get you going.

 

[nepa]

A few years back this post would have been full of people talking about Diesel Bugs clogging their filters. Look at the bottom of your fuel cans. See that black crap? Diesel Bugs. Don't know what they are? Do a search.

 

[bdog]

Maybe I am mistaken but I don't think any harm is done to your engine / fuel system by having a dirty filter. It just causes restrictions and loss of power and ultimately the engine will not run due to fuel starvation. Obviously this can happen at inconvenient times so it is better to keep it maintained but not doing so really isn't doing any harm.

On my 4440 I bought last year I changed the oil and filter and air filter the week I bought it but I didn't touch the fuel filters. I was planting yesterday and it started running rough and ultimately died. I checked the sediment bowl and it was full of junk. Cleaned it out and finished planting. I looked at the filters and they have the hours written on them with a marker - about 600 hrs ago. Once I finish the work I am doing this week I plan to change them out.

 

[crashz]

I had 200 hrs and ~4 yrs on the fuel filter in the Bobcat. this winter, it would start and die, and ultimately not start at all. I thought it could be the pickup tube, but the primer bulb wouldn't push fuel through easily. With a lot of squeezing hard, I could get enough fuel to dribble through.

Replaced the fuel filter and was back in business. I should have done it earlier and now keep filters on hand.