Fuel filter micron rating

[Auto Doc's]

Hello MParr,

All fuel is inherently "dirty", and the fuel filter needs to be replaced to minimize this fine sediment "sludge" from reaching the carburetor and clogging up passages. A fuel filter is cheap insurance to prevent more serious problems. The more hours a machine is used, the more often the fuel filter should be changed.

In a nutshell, filters that are too fine will tend to clog up faster, ones that are not fine enough will allow this stuff to reach the carburetor and collect inside it.

 

[MParr]

Hello MParr,

All fuel is inherently "dirty", and the fuel filter needs to be replaced to minimize this fine sediment "sludge" from reaching the carburetor and clogging up passages. A fuel filter is cheap insurance to prevent more serious problems. The more hours a machine is used, the more often the fuel filter should be changed.

In a nutshell, filters that are too fine will tend to clog up faster, ones that are not fine enough will allow this stuff to reach the carburetor and collect inside it.

Correct. That's why the engine manufacturers specify a certain timetable for replacement.
If you are running an EFI engine, the specifications of the timetable for changing then needs to followed.
This is my usual filter choice.

Kohler Fuel Filter

Kohler SKU: 24-050-13-S Kohler Fuel Filter. Used on Kohler Engines equipment. Shop now for OEM Kohler Fuel Filter In-stock and ready to ship.

www.propartsdirect.net

 

[Skippydiesel]

EFI engines need "cleaner" fuel than carburetted engines.
When it comes to talking filters its almost a chalk & cheese scenario - ie don't mix them

FI systems usually require significantly finer (smaller micron) filters. Most often metal casing. Higher cost. Often quite a large filter to allow for sort of standard service intervals, with les risk of blocking.

Carburettor systems - as we have been discussing. If able to see gauze filter medium - no need to follow service intervals - replace/clean as needed= save dollars.

Both filter systems will benefit from refuelling hygiene (filter funnel). Unfortunatly the FI system, being opaque, can not realy take advantage of the as needed extended service interval.

 

[Skippydiesel]

Hello MParr,

All fuel is inherently "dirty", and the fuel filter needs to be replaced to minimize this fine sediment "sludge" from reaching the carburetor and clogging up passages. A fuel filter is cheap insurance to prevent more serious problems. The more hours a machine is used, the more often the fuel filter should be changed.

In a nutshell, filters that are too fine will tend to clog up faster, ones that are not fine enough will allow this stuff to reach the carburetor and collect inside it.

I agree that all fuel is potentially contaminated ("dirty" is a bit of an over statement).
Carburetted systems are able to tolerate significant particle size ie as long as particles are smaller than smallest jet aperture, they will pass through. This is why you should take advise from manufacturer as to filter micron - no point at all in having greater/finer filtration than needed.

The more hours a machine is used, the more often the fuel filter should be change

Doesn't make sense - A filter that you cant visually check for adequate flow, should be changed according to the engine/mower manufactures recommendation ie after so many hours. Simple - the engine processes fuel at a near set rate ie so many litres /hr. After X number of hours the filter has allowed X amount of fuel to pass. On the basis of real life testing, may be approaching the point where flow will start to drop below that required to mainatine full operating rpm.

"..............stuff to reach the carburetor and collect inside it.

What really matter is the "stuff" that wont readily pass through the jets. Float bowls that may collect a little stuff/water are doing their job - not a problem if servicing appropriate.

 

[SeniorCitizen]

Use a paint filter to keep June bugs etc. from ever entering the tank . NAPA auto supplier has those .

 

[Skippydiesel]

Use a paint filter to keep June bugs etc. from ever entering the tank . NAPA auto supplier has those .

Or a "Mr Funnel " combination funnel & filter that will also remove any free water in the fuel. Mr Funnel comes in various sizes.
For the penny pinchers ;
You can make any funnel into a filter funnel by using filter fabric or very fine brass gauze (hard to find these days).
The fabric or gauze will have to be shaped to fit the funnel - best that the shape is a bit shallower than the funnel ie allows a space below it.

 

[Auto Doc's]

Hi Skippydiesel,

What's bad about these is people using (abusing) these funnels is when they think they will rejuvenate old, oxidized fuel that has sit in an abandoned machine for years. these do nothing for bad fuel.

 

[Skippydiesel]

Hi Skippydiesel,

What's bad about these is people using (abusing) these funnels is when they think they will rejuvenate old, oxidized fuel that has sit in an abandoned machine for years. these do nothing for bad fuel.

What can I say? - Mechanical aptitude/knowhow used to be common - no longer.