Do you feel that fuel consumption is getting higher and higher when you use some off-road vehicles? Don’t rush to troubleshoot mechanical failures. You can first check whether the filter has been used for too long.
If you always feel that you add oil faster than before and spend more money recently, but the power of the machine has decreased, then you really have to read this article carefully. Many people know that the diesel filter acts as a filter in the machine, but do you know that the existence of the diesel filter itself can also save fuel? For this cause, we have done a special comparative test.
The Role of Diesel Filter
Don’t underestimate the diesel fuel filter. Although it is just a seemingly inconspicuous component in the fuel system, it almost determines whether the engine can “drink oil smoothly”. Once it starts to clog, the diesel flow will be unstable, the combustion efficiency will decrease, and the fuel consumption will naturally rise. Many equipment operators ignore this point. As a result, when they settle accounts at the end of the year, the wasted fuel money alone is enough to replace the filter several times.
Comparison of Old & New Filter Elements
To verify the impact of diesel fuel filters on fuel efficiency, we conducted a comparative test on a two-year-old engineering equipment with moderate daily use. Before the test, the fuel filter element of this machine had been used for more than 500 hours. Although it seemed to be OK, the performance of the oil system had begun to show a slight hysteresis. We recorded the fuel consumption data before and after the replacement, and tried to ensure that the test conditions were the same, such as the same work site, similar load, and the same quality of diesel.
The results are very intuitive. After replacing the new diesel fuel filter, the hourly fuel consumption dropped from 5.8 liters to 4.9 liters. Although it sounds like only 0.9 liters have been saved, when accumulated to the monthly or even quarterly operating costs, this savings becomes very considerable. More importantly, after replacing the new filter element, the power output of the equipment is more stable, the startup is smoother, and even the operator said “the engine sounds different”.
Quality & Matching are Key
Of course, when it comes to replacing filter elements, buying the right one is the key. Some users are looking for cheapness and will buy some filter elements of unknown origin. They will install them just because they look similar in appearance, but in fact, the filter paper density, interface material, and sealing ring structure may not meet the specifications. The result is a shorter filter life, reduced filtering effect, and even fuel leakage or air blockage under high load.
If you have a limited budget, you can consider FridayParts for compatible parts with a 90-day return. Additionally, when you plan to invest in them online, do not forget to check out the reviews.
Conclusion
So, in the final analysis, the price of a diesel fuel filter may be less than the cost of a box of diesel, but replacing the old filter can bring fuel savings, extended engine life, and stable machine operation, which is far more cost-effective than you think. If you are also worried about fuel consumption, insufficient power, or even cold start difficulties recently, it is better to take action and check the diesel filter that you have ignored for a long time. Maybe it is the key to solving everything.
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