Over $4,000 for a fuel system repair? Yes. For the second time in the last few months, we have heard from someone that they had to spend that much on their late model diesel truck. Why? Well, here’s some helpful info:
From the NAPA Auto Parts website:
“Today’s fuel injector units require cleaner fuel. High-pressure injectors are less tolerant of both fine solid particles and water that reduce fuel lubricity. Improved economy and tightened emission standards require increased cylinder combustion pressures, which demand cleaner fuel intake. Look to NAPA Filters for diesel fuel filters and fuel/water separators that filter out even the smallest particles of rust, scale, dirt and water.”
From the Wix Filtration Products website:
“The fuel filter is often the forgotten filter. Yet the fuel put into diesel and off-road equipment, more often than not, contains contaminants such as dirt, rust, scale, and water. These impurities can plug fuel injectors and carburetors, resulting in engine malfunction or deterioration.
“These contaminants often originate from dirty and rusty storage tanks, and as the vehicle ages, from corrosion within the fuel system components. All the more reason to invest in high-quality WIX fuel filters and to maintain them at recommended intervals.
“It is also good to remember that the primary fuel filter for any diesel engine should always be a fuel/water separator. All diesel fuel contains some water, and removing it ensures longer diesel injection system life and productive engine uptime. This is why WIX fuel filters feature Quickvent® water removal capabilities.”
The bottom line: it is imperative that the fuel filters on a diesel truck be replaced regularly. Truck manufacturer recommendations vary, depending on the exact engine’s requirements, from 10,000 to 20,000-mile intervals. Check your Owner’s Manual (if you don’t have one you can probably find it online).
