Small -spin on- fuel filter change interval

[ericp351]

Hi all, very basic question. If I change, drain, and maintain the large first filter, how often do I need to change the little one? Seams like it could last for decades.

 

[Defcon-1]

Hi all, very basic question. If I change, drain, and maintain the large first filter, how often do I need to change the little one? Seams like it could last for decades.

Good question, lots of variables to truly have a definitive answer, I guess it would vary on engine hours / mileage + rpm average, quality of fuel, if using fuel additives, etc. If you have the 8.3 (not sure if you have the NHC 250) I've read that the little filter can be 2 years / 22.5k miles, but some guys do it annual or at 1200 engine hours. I think the little filter is cheap enough to do it more often, but that's just me lol. Do you have the canister-syle filter for the main fuel filter or did you do a spin-on conversion? That's next on my to-do list actually, will be much easier of a filter-change with a spin-on, that way the little filter will see even less water / dirt if I do that one more frequently haha.

 

[ericp351]

Good question, lots of variables to truly have a definitive answer, I guess it would vary on engine hours / mileage + rpm average, quality of fuel, if using fuel additives, etc. If you have the 8.3 (not sure if you have the NHC 250) I've read that the little filter can be 2 years / 22.5k miles, but some guys do it annual or at 1200 engine hours. I think the little filter is cheap enough to do it more often, but that's just me lol.

I have the little 8.3. After servicing the large filter, I thought the little guy is getting a "free ride".

 

[Defcon-1]

I have the little 8.3. After servicing the large filter, I thought the little guy is getting a "free ride".

It probably is if the main fuel-filter is doing its job / is being serviced routinely and drained frequently. I wonder what the engineering perspective was for the little fuel filter

 

[ericp351]

It probably is if the main fuel-filter is doing its job / is being serviced routinely and drained frequently. I wonder what the engineering perspective was for the little fuel filter

My GUESS is that the little one was general spec by engine maker. Military may have said - "not good enough", and kept proven bigger.

 

[Guyfang]

Have you looked at the L.O., Lubrication Order for your truck? The frequency of changes for that kind of thing are listed there.

 

[98G]

It probably is if the main fuel-filter is doing its job / is being serviced routinely and drained frequently. I wonder what the engineering perspective was for the little fuel filter

The 8.3 started out with the little filter only, and they were clogging too easily so they retrofit the large canister filter in front of it.

Not all of the A2 trucks have both. Some have the little filter only.

 

[ericp351]

Thanks All. Truck has about 6,400 miles- 360 hrs. Changed big one with oil. Think I'll leave the little one for now, drain + enjoy.