metal particles in fuel filter separator bowl

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metal particles in fuel filter separator bowl

May 26, 2019, 05:07:38 pm

What is causing metal particles in to collect in the fuel filter separator bowl. brass colored. Is it a danger to the fuel pump or engine?
1999 U270 36ft 8.3 Cummins

Re: metal particles in fuel filter separator bowl

Reply #1 – May 26, 2019, 05:13:56 pm

No idea what would cause it but yes it is a danger to your pump and engine. That is why you have the filters, to protect your pump and engine. I suggest changing filters ASAP, save the particles and maybe someone else can give you an idea as to the cause.

Best of luck

Re: metal particles in fuel filter separator bowl

Reply #2 – May 26, 2019, 05:27:31 pm

While I agree that you need to determine the source of the metal, your filters WILL catch all of it.

Do verify that your secondary fuel filter is no larger than 5 micron.

Check with your secondary fuel filter manufacturer for spec, OR enter your current filter number here-- the WIX filter site is pretty good about giving micron ratings for their filters that meet the original specs: http://www.wixfilters.com/Lookup/filterlookup.aspx

BTW, Wix, also marketed as NAPA Gold are very high quality filter.

Re: metal particles in fuel filter separator bowl

Reply #3 – May 26, 2019, 05:39:51 pm

Sounds like a good reason for a fuel polishing,whatever it is it's in the fuel tank.

Re: metal particles in fuel filter separator bowl

Reply #4 – May 26, 2019, 06:09:12 pm

fuel polishing?

Re: metal particles in fuel filter separator bowl

Reply #5 – May 26, 2019, 06:18:01 pm

Not to worry. Your filters will catch all of it. If you can see the particles, the secondary will stop them. Particles could have come from the service stations's dispensing pump. Fuel polishing is a waste of money in my opinion. If your Cummins recommends 5 microns then 5 microns will be plenty.

Pierce

Re: metal particles in fuel filter separator bowl

Reply #6 – May 26, 2019, 06:38:54 pm

I use the napa gold filters. fuel and air. just changed my fuel filter 45 miles ago and was checking for leaks when I noticed the particles in the bowl. my 18 wheeler buddy suggested it could be the lift pump going out. anybody have experience or opinion about that?

Re: metal particles in fuel filter separator bowl

Reply #7 – May 26, 2019, 06:46:10 pm

Quote from: Dale Bernice and Gracie – May 26, 2019, 06:38:54 pm

I use the napa gold filters. fuel and air. just changed my fuel filter 45 miles ago and was checking for leaks when I noticed the particles in the bowl. my 18 wheeler buddy suggested it could be the lift pump going out. anybody have experience or opinion about that?

Good to check for leaks around the lift pump and when you check your oil, make sure it's not making any oil. This could be caused by diesel leaking into the crankcase from the pump. Put the dipstick up to your nose to see if it has a diesel smell. Don't know if the lift pump has any brass in it but service station pumps do.

Pierce

Re: metal particles in fuel filter separator bowl

Reply #8 – May 26, 2019, 07:17:22 pm

The Fleetguard FS1022 is a 10 micron filter and is the engine mounted secondary filter on the ISC. It is hard to find the micron specification for that filter on line, but Cummins QuickServe online has that information in the diagnostic and repair manual. You have to register and input your engine serial number to access the online manuals, parts info, and service bulletins for your engine, but it is free. Like any publication, there are errors, but it is very helpful nonetheless.
Don

Re: metal particles in fuel filter separator bowl

Reply #9 – May 26, 2019, 07:47:37 pm

I guess I will watch it for now. I ran the tank down to 1/4 which I normally dont do so will see what happens on a full tank. I have AAA and a toad so if I stall somewhere we can adjust. By the way, Don & Ty, I love your graphics, who did them? painted or vinyl? Mine are original and starting show age.

Re: metal particles in fuel filter separator bowl

Reply #10 – May 26, 2019, 07:53:15 pm

If the particles are in the primary filter then it wouldn't be from the lift pump as it is between the primary and secondary filters.

Re: metal particles in fuel filter separator bowl

Reply #11 – May 26, 2019, 08:41:41 pm

My bet it's from the fuel station pump..In my years I've seen zero "brass shavings" in a filter and if a diesel fuel system could produce it we would have had it.

Re: metal particles in fuel filter separator bowl

Reply #12 – May 26, 2019, 09:18:34 pm

Quote from: Dale Bernice and Gracie – May 26, 2019, 07:47:37 pm

I guess I will watch it for now. I ran the tank down to 1/4 which I normally dont do so will see what happens on a full tank. I have AAA and a toad so if I stall somewhere we can adjust. By the way, Don & Ty, I love your graphics, who did them? painted or vinyl? Mine are original and starting show age.

Thanks! The graphics are painted on and cover up the ghosting left from the decals. The design is something Ty's and I came up with working with the graphic artist at Xtreme in NAC. They called it a modified stage one, with stage one being an exact replica of the original graphics but in paint. The original graphic color scheme was predominantly dark green. Eventually we will get the awnings changed to a tan gold which is an accent color in the current color scheme.
Don

Re: metal particles in fuel filter separator bowl

Reply #13 – May 26, 2019, 09:20:21 pm

Isn't the lift pump after the filters?

Re: metal particles in fuel filter separator bowl

Reply #14 – May 26, 2019, 09:30:27 pm

PRIMARY FUEL FILTER, then LIFT PUMP, then SECONDARY FUEL FILTER, then FUEL INJECTION PUMP/CAPS PUMP/HUEI PUMP/ ETC.

Re: metal particles in fuel filter separator bowl

Reply #15 – May 27, 2019, 10:40:07 am

Quote from: John44 – May 26, 2019, 09:20:21 pm

Isn't the lift pump after the filters?

If you install a pressure gauge on the outlet of the secondary filter, you can see the pressure to the injection pump/unit injectors. But, you would have to have a sending unit to the front for fuel pressure at full throttle so a partially clogged filter could still cause a problem. Still, I have one on both the secondary filter as well as one on the intake (from the tank) of the primary filter. I get about 55 psi at the outlet of the secondary at idle.

On some engines, it's possible to install the incorrect micron rated filter as the threads are the same. Always make sure the micron rating is the same as the manufacturer calls for. When I was importing cars, the diesel fuel was such poor quality that I installed 2 micron Racor filter on all the diesels.

Pierce

Re: metal particles in fuel filter separator bowl

Reply #16 – May 28, 2019, 12:54:42 pm

You would have to have a source for the brass before the filters. Tank? Fuel outlet tubes? Fuel line and fittings?
Fuel filling pump is most likely source. IMHO. Thats why you have a pre filter .

Re: metal particles in fuel filter separator bowl

Reply #17 – May 28, 2019, 01:45:44 pm

Dale,are the particles in the primary filter before the lift pump?,that's why on the other post I asked,if so then they are not from the pump but probably from a fuel station.

Re: metal particles in fuel filter separator bowl

Reply #18 – May 28, 2019, 03:58:19 pm

Still think the culprit is going to be from the truck stop pump. Keep the filters changed and you should finally catch all of it out via filters. May prove me wrong with a engine fuel pump failure but I think not.

Re: metal particles in fuel filter separator bowl

Reply #19 – May 28, 2019, 04:02:11 pm

Don't believe it would be the fuel pump (aka lift pump).

If from external source like fuel station, PRIMARY filter would catch it.
If from lift pump, SECONDARY filter would catch it.

Yes, if injection pump it could circulate back to tank, but would probably take out most of the fuel injectors first.

Re: metal particles in fuel filter separator bowl

Reply #20 – June 02, 2019, 11:33:14 am

thanks for the input everyone. I have a 350 mile weekend trip coming up on 3/4 full tank so will watch my filter bowl closely and see what happens. The fuel station source seems to be the most logical but???

Re: metal particles in fuel filter separator bowl

Reply #21 – June 30, 2019, 01:10:01 am

Update and a thanks to responses. Changed the fuel filter and cleaned out the bowl. drove 200+miles and refilled tank and another 75 miles and very minimal spec's in the bowl. What ever it was got sucked up and out with the old filter. breathing a little easier now but I am still going to replace the secondary filter at the motor block.

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