2009 6.4 fuel filters need changing too often.

[Everett]

My 09 F-250 truck wouldn't start when leaving the grocery store to go home. I let it sit for 90 minutes, and it started.
The same thing happened 3 months ago, and I installed new fuel filters and an air cleaner and then it was fine.
I pulled the filters again this morning and they were in bad shape just like last time. Anyone know what may be the cause?
How long do fuel filters generally last for most folks?

 

[6.0 Tech]

I recommend changing fuel filters every 10k.

What do you mean by they were in bad shape? If they are dirtier than truck stop pussy, you’ll probably have to pull the tank and clean it out. If they’re full of metal, you’re looking at a fuel system.

Are you getting fuel from reputable places, or looking for the cheapest available? Around town I tend to use the same couple three fuel stations, that I know are good. If I’m on the road, I try and use truck stops, and big name ones at that, ie loves or flying js, as they’re always busy, so the diesel doesn’t sit real long.

 

[Everett]

I get fuel at Speedy Stop and it's the busiest place around here for diesel, and I feel comfortable the fuel is good (enough).
The filters had water in them when changed on both occasions. I'm thinking the water is not getting separated from the fuel adequately because the water catch never has much water to drain out of it, and the water in the filters of course is a clue. I'm thinking an upgrade here made be the next move. Could use some options.

 

[6.0 Tech]

Water definitely is t good. The water separators on the factory pumps isn’t huge, so if you do have a bunch of water in the fuel, it’s only gonna have a small amount in it every time. If you want to put an aftermarket pump on it, I prefer air dogs over fass pumps, I feel the install of the air dog is a bit easier. Although, no matter what you do, I’d drop the tank, pump it, and clean it out. Chances are you got one tank that had a ton of water in it, and are still working thru it.

 

[Everett]

Thanks for the info 6.0. I'll take a look at Airdog products. It only has one 30 gallon tank, and I'll check into cleaning it out next time the fuel is low. I try to keep the tank full most of the time to minimize condensation buildup inside, but I think your idea is valid and it makes good sense to check it out. I started using Hotshots diesel fuel treatment a couple of months ago. Do you have any thoughts on that product? I like the ease-of-use bottle, and the truck runs better/smoother than before, but I wonder if it's causing problems like loosening or dissolving any crud from the tank walls and that crud may be flowing straight to the filters.

The truck rolled over 250,000 miles just 3 weeks ago and runs very strong and smooth. I bought at auction a year ago and it was pretty rough. Since I've had it, I've done a fair bit to get it into shape, and it's coming along nicely so far. I put body mounts on a last week and now it rides like a different truck with no more squeaks and rattles at all. I did make a mistake in buying all-terrain tires. They wander a bit on the road compared to the road tires it had before. It's not so bad I guess, but maybe next time I'll get that right.
Thanks again for the info on a fuel/water separator and cleaning the tank.

 

[6.0 Tech]

Hot shots makes a great product, I’d have no issue running it.

And you’re welcome for the help, ain’t a lot of us still on here, but the ones that are tend to not be morons, and will typically steer you in the right direction.