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Fuel Filter Replacement on an 03 Duramax

C

chewy

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Davisburg, Michigan
Hi guys. I have an 03 duramax. I had the injectors replaced at 70K (under warrenty) a few years back. Got 180K on it now. GM sent out a notice right around that time saying that the fuel filter must be replaced avery 15K mikes. Prior to my injector issue I was not aware of that and had 60k on the first fuel filter. When I started having problems, first thing I do is replace obvious things like filters. The truck would run fine but had no power. Anyway, injectors got replaced and problem was solved. 15K always seemed the a very aggressive schedule for fuel filter replacement. I still push them to 20-22K now without any problems. How often do you replace the fuel filter? Just curious at this point. Those filters are expensive!
 
get a good absolute 2 micron pre-filter setup (or make your own) and you can almost forget about changing the factory filter

I run the Nicktane Kit using a 2 micron cat filter...he also sells a 1 micron microglass filter and adapter for the OEM filter head...
 
I think you will find 10K is where a lot of people change them. The filters might be slightly high in price but new injectors cost a great deal more.
 
I change every 10K as well. The RACOR's are the same as the new ACDELCO factory filters and I buy em for $36 a piece locally. A CP3 or injectors are both pricey repairs, and fuel filters have ALWAYS been reccomended to be replaced at least every 15K miles. Think of it this way, you don't change your oil and filter once a bearing lets loose do you? SO why would you put off changing a fuel filter until you have a fuel system problem?
 
Definitely no more than 10K. Keep your filters changed and your truck will thank you back!

Chewy: Do you have a DIC on your truck? Try and reset it if you do and see what the DIC suggests. The filters may be pricey, but they need to stay clean. You will see a jump in performance!
 
RI Chevy Silveradoman said:
Definitely no more than 10K. Keep your filters changed and your truck will thank you back!

Chewy: Do you have a DIC on your truck? Try and reset it if you do and see what the DIC suggests. The filters may be pricey, but they need to stay clean. You will see a jump in performance!
Click to expand...

Jeff...you have the Nicktane...have you been cutting your OEM filters open to see if they are even being used?
Ever since I put the Nicktane 2 micron pre-filter on, I've cut open four or more oem filters and they weren't even used...
ever since then I just change the Cat 2mic. every other oil change...$14 each and the factory filter never gets used...
 
I have a secondary pre-OEM Racor filter setup on my truck and I still use the OLD factory filters (I bought a case early on - 2001) which is why I went with the additional filtering system in the first place. I change both filters every 10,000 miles.

Havng said all of this, and not to hi-jack the thread, but does anyone know of a 2-micron filter (like the one Pepp mentioned) that would fit the Pre-OEM Racor unit? Problem is this filter is rated at 2 microns, but I don't know if that is absolute or not. The current filter is an RS60s. The Racor replacement filter costs about $28 and I would really like to find a cheaper filter like the CAT Pepp mentioned...any ideas, other than put a different setup on it. Or just run it like it is?
 
Last edited:
Pepperidge said:
Jeff...you have the Nicktane...have you been cutting your OEM filters open to see if they are even being used?
Ever since I put the Nicktane 2 micron pre-filter on, I've cut open four or more oem filters and they weren't even used...
ever since then I just change the Cat 2mic. every other oil change...$14 each and the factory filter never gets used...
Click to expand...

I did away with the OEM setup in front and went with the nicktane all the way around. Paul, with the nictane setup in the rear, the OEM filter looked brand new. I used to change the OEM every 2 years. I have photos in my garage http://www.thetruckstop.us/forum/album.php?albumid=7.

Heartbeat Hauler said:
I have a secondary pre-OEM Racor filter setup on my truck and I still use the OLD factory filters (I bought a case early on - 2001) which is why I went with the additional filtering system in the first place. I change both filters every 10,000 miles.

Havng said all of this, and not to hi-jack the thread, but does anyone know of a 2-micron filter (like the one Pepp mentioned) that would fit the Pre-OEM Racor unit? Problem is this filter is rated at 2 microns, but I don't know if that is absolute or not. The current filter is an RS60s. The Racor replacement filter costs about $28 and I would really like to find a cheaper filter like the CAT Pepp mentioned...any ideas, other than put a different setup on it. Or just run it like it is?
Click to expand...

This is the only option I know of. http://nicktane.com/osc/product_info.php?products_id=51&osCsid=2b079113aad5978f75b9e8823c70257d It replaces the OEM setup so you can use CAT spin on filters. I have a 2 micron setup in the rear and the front. You can't beat it! Well worth the money.
 
RI Chevy Silveradoman said:
I did away with the OEM setup in front and went with the nicktane all the way around. Paul, with the nictane setup in the rear, the OEM filter looked brand new. I used to change the OEM every 2 years. I have photos in my garage http://www.thetruckstop.us/forum/album.php?albumid=7.



This is the only option I know of. http://nicktane.com/osc/product_info.php?products_id=51&osCsid=2b079113aad5978f75b9e8823c70257d It replaces the OEM setup so you can use CAT spin on filters. I have a 2 micron setup in the rear and the front. You can't beat it! Well worth the money.
Click to expand...

I'll check out that link...thanks!
 
Jeff(HH)

I would do a cross reference of the filters...I know there are other filters that fit the Nicktane head in place of the Cat 2mic. baldwin being one of them...but in reality, a filter head to fit the cat is not that expensive $20+ or so...

I am thinking of eliminating the OEM filter head altogether(more room in the engine compartment) to play with and maybe put like a 10 micron water separating filter with a drain in before the Nicktane on the frame rail...

or I may use the nicktane oem filter adapter for the 1 micron microglass filter...the LB7 injectors may need that and since I'm putting in new injectors with the new build...I'd like to keep them free of any contaminants if at all possible...
 
All of these filters fit the Nicktane head:

2 Micron Spin on Fuel Filter
Baldwin - BF 7587
Donaldson - P551311
CAT - 1R0749
Wix - 33674
Napa - 3674
Fleetguard - FF5319
Luber Finer - LFF2749
Hastings - FF1056
Purolator - F75185

10 Micron Spin of Filters
Baldwin - BF614
Donaldson - P551712
CAT - 1R0712
Wix - 33374
 
Pepperidge said:
Jeff(HH)

I would do a cross reference of the filters...I know there are other filters that fit the Nicktane head in place of the Cat 2mic. baldwin being one of them...but in reality, a filter head to fit the cat is not that expensive $20+ or so...

I am thinking of eliminating the OEM filter head altogether(more room in the engine compartment) to play with and maybe put like a 10 micron water separating filter with a drain in before the Nicktane on the frame rail...

or I may use the nicktane oem filter adapter for the 1 micron microglass filter...the LB7 injectors may need that and since I'm putting in new injectors with the new build...I'd like to keep them free of any contaminants if at all possible...
Click to expand...
I'm about to run out of the cheap (old) fuel filters so that is the reason for looking at different filters. Maybe what I need to do is find a different filter for the pre-OEM? Gonna have to ponder this. Thanks for the different perspective.

RI Chevy Silveradoman said:
All of these filters fit the Nicktane head:

2 Micron Spin on Fuel Filter
Baldwin - BF 7587
Donaldson - P551311
CAT - 1R0749
Wix - 33674
Napa - 3674
Fleetguard - FF5319
Luber Finer - LFF2749
Hastings - FF1056
Purolator - F75185

10 Micron Spin of Filters
Baldwin - BF614
Donaldson - P551712
CAT - 1R0712
Wix - 33374
Click to expand...
Man! Talk about "ask and you shall receive" Thanks for this info. Oh, where did you find this info, or is this gathered knowledge over the years?

Pepperidge said:
good info there Jeff (RI)
Click to expand...
That's for the sure!!
 
btfarm said:
Jeff (HH), RI Jeff put together a real comprehensive listing of filters right about the time this forum was started up as DTR with the help of a few others.

If you're interested in just buying a good stock FF then contact Greg http://lubricationspecialist.com/fr...ileid=25&p=GM-6.2/6.5-and-Duramax-6.6-Diesels one of our SVs.
Click to expand...

That's who I get them from now, or at least the pre-OEM filter, $28 not too bad. I also bought the kit from Greg. I'm just looking for a better alternative for the factory filter once my old filter stash is depleated. When I bought the case of older style filters they were about $18 each, granted they weren't that great but it's what GM designed for it. And, with the additional filter kit I figured I covered my bases. But now there seems to be some really good alternatives without paying double or more for a factory filter.
 
I'm probably going to use the Nicktane Filter head on mine and use cat filters inplace of the OEM, seems to be more economical.
 
8100 Power said:
I'm probably going to use the Nicktane Filter head on mine and use cat filters inplace of the OEM, seems to be more economical.
Click to expand...

I was thinking the same thing. I think the head goes for 90 bucks, but if I'm saving 18 or 20 dollars every time I change the filter it would pay for itself in a couple of years, plus, as good or better filtration, or at least better than the old style factory filter. Something else comes to mind. Originally I went with the Racor secondary kit because I was worried about the possible fuel pressure drop across the Nictane unit. I don't really want to install a lift pump and with my current setup I don't know if I could.
 
Heartbeat Hauler said:
I was thinking the same thing. I think the head goes for 90 bucks, but if I'm saving 18 or 20 dollars every time I change the filter it would pay for itself in a couple of years, plus, as good or better filtration, or at least better than the old style factory filter. Something else comes to mind. Originally I went with the Racor secondary kit because I was worried about the possible fuel pressure drop across the Nictane unit. I don't really want to install a lift pump and with my current setup I don't know if I could.
Click to expand...

Maybe run a 7 Micron for competition use?

I also worried about that..
 
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