When To Change Your Airdog Fuel Filter

The AirDog® filtration system is an innovative water separator and filtration system for heavy-duty diesel fuel systems. Like all filtration systems, it requires periodic filter changes to maintain optimal performance. While there is no fixed interval for changing the AirDog fuel filters, several factors determine when a change is needed. These include the quality of diesel fuel, the severity of operating conditions, and signs of wear and tear on the filter. It is recommended to check the fuel filter every time the oil is changed and more frequently when using lower-quality fuel or operating under severe conditions. Additionally, keeping a spare set of filters and regularly monitoring the indicator light can help ensure the optimal performance of the engine.

How to change an Airdog fuel filter

Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Supplies

Before you start, make sure you have the necessary tools and supplies ready. To change your Airdog fuel filter, you will need:

• A replacement Airdog water separator and fuel filter set
• A clean container for used filters
• Nitrile gloves to protect your hands
• A rag or paper towels for cleaning
• A socket or wrench set (if required)
• A way to wash your hands (as you may get diesel on you even if you wear gloves)

Step 2: Safety First

When performing maintenance on a heavy-duty vehicle, safety should be your top priority. Basic safety protocols when changing fuel filters include:

• Parking in a well-ventilated area
• Engaging the parking brake
• Turning off the engine
• Keeping rags ready to clean up any fuel spills
• Knowing how to properly dispose of the used filters before removing them (have a container to put them in and know the local regulations for disposal)

Step 3: Identify Your Airdog Filters

Airdog provides various water separators and fuel filters designed for different heavy-duty diesel systems. Ensure you have the correct replacement filters for your specific system before removing the old ones. Airdog's new water separator model includes Hydrosorb media, which efficiently removes water and particulates.

Step 4: Prepare for the Change

Locate the existing Airdog water separator and fuel filter. Have your replacement filters within easy reach, and place a clean container beneath the filters to catch any fuel or residue that may drip during the process.

Step 5: Remove the Old Filters

The water separator and fuel filter have similar removal processes, but there are some differences. For the water separator:

• Unscrew the old water separator from its housing using a wrench or socket.
• Allow any remaining fuel to drain into the container.
• Dispose of the old water separator properly.

For the fuel filter:

• Carefully remove the old fuel filter by unscrewing it counterclockwise.
• Try to prevent fuel spills during removal. If spilling occurs, keep the filter over the container until it stops.
• Dispose of the old fuel filter properly.

Step 6: Prepare the New Filters

Before installation, pre-fill the new water separator with clean diesel fuel to prime the system and prevent air from entering. There is no need to pre-fill the fuel filter; simply ensure it is clean and ready for installation.

Step 7: Install the New Filters

Screw the new water separator and fuel filter into their respective housings clockwise until they are snug. Do not overtighten.

Step 8: Prime the System

Turn the key to the "ON" position without starting the engine, and let the Airdog pump run for about 30 seconds. This will ensure the system is primed and there are no air pockets in the fuel lines.

Step 9: Final Checks

Inspect for any leaks around the new filters and check that they are securely attached but not overtightened.

Step 10: Monitor the Indicator Light

If your Airdog system has an indicator light, monitor it closely. If it stays on for an extended period, it's a sign that it's time for another filter change.

How often to change the filter

The fuel filter plays a crucial role in heavy-duty diesel engine performance by removing contaminants and ensuring clean diesel fuel reaches the engine. As fuel filters have a limited lifespan, it is essential to know when to replace them to maintain optimal engine performance.

There are two primary methods to identify when to replace your fuel filter. The first is to consistently check the fuel filter as part of your regular maintenance practices. The second is to be aware of the warning signs of a worn-out fuel filter, which include decreased fuel efficiency or performance, strange engine noises, and difficulty starting the engine or rough idling.

It is recommended that you check your fuel filter for signs of wear and tear every time you change the oil and perform regular maintenance on your truck. This is especially important if you are operating under severe conditions or using lower-quality fuel, as the severity of your operating conditions will affect your fuel filter replacement interval. For example, a concrete mixer that burns more fuel per mile should have its fuel filter checked at a lower mileage interval compared to a highway truck.

Fuel quality also affects fuel filter life. Contaminated fuel requires fuel filters to block more particulates, causing filters to clog and become less effective at lower miles. Therefore, it is recommended to check your fuel filter more frequently when using contaminated fuel or operating in winter conditions, as cold temperatures impact diesel fuel.

Some truck owners recommend changing the fuel filter right before winter and then again in spring. Others suggest changing the filter every 8,000 to 10,000 miles or every year, depending on the quality of fuel used and the maintenance plan. It is also important to monitor the fuel pressure, as a drop in pressure can indicate that the filter needs to be changed.

The AirDog® filtration system offers an innovative water separator and filtration system for heavy-duty diesel fuel systems. While the need for a filter change can vary, it is recommended that all AirDog® users keep a spare set of filters in their trucks at all times.

By following the recommended maintenance intervals and replacing your fuel filters as needed, you can ensure the optimal performance of your engine and reduce the potential for future engine problems.

Optimal performance

The AirDog® fuel filtration system is designed to maintain a healthy and efficient fuel system in your diesel engine. The fuel filter plays a critical role in the performance of heavy-duty diesel engines by removing contaminants and ensuring clean diesel fuel reaches the engine. Therefore, it is essential to keep your AirDog® filtration system in optimal condition to achieve peak performance from your engine.

To ensure optimal performance, it is recommended to change your AirDog® fuel filters periodically. While there is no fixed interval for filter replacement, several factors can help determine when a change is necessary. Firstly, the lifespan of a fuel filter depends on the amount of work it performs, which is directly related to the amount of fuel consumed rather than the miles driven. For example, a concrete mixer's fuel filter should be changed at a lower mileage interval compared to a highway truck because the cement mixer burns more fuel per mile.

Secondly, fuel quality also impacts the lifespan of a fuel filter. When dealing with contaminated fuel or lower-quality fuel, the filter clogs more quickly, leading to reduced efficiency. Therefore, it is advisable to check your fuel filter more frequently when using contaminated or lower-quality fuel. Additionally, cold temperatures during winter operations can affect diesel fuel, requiring more frequent filter checks.

Some signs that indicate the need for a fuel filter replacement include decreased fuel efficiency or performance, strange engine noises, and difficulty starting the engine or rough idling. A drop in fuel efficiency or a decrease in engine performance when accelerating or on a grade could suggest a clogged fuel filter. Furthermore, if the engine sounds like it is choking or makes unusual noises, it may be due to a clogged filter restricting fuel flow.

To maintain optimal performance, it is recommended to keep a spare set of AirDog® filters in your truck at all times. This will enable you to promptly replace the filters whenever necessary, ensuring your engine runs efficiently. Additionally, proper disposal of used filters is crucial to reduce environmental impact and avoid potential fines for improper disposal.

Warning signs

• Decreased fuel efficiency or performance: A clogged filter restricts fuel flow to the engine, which can cause inconsistent fuel delivery. As a result, the engine may receive either less or more fuel than optimal, leading to reduced fuel efficiency. You may notice a drop in performance when accelerating or on a grade, which could be a sign that your fuel filter needs checking.
• Strange engine noises: A clogged fuel filter can cause the engine to make choking sounds as it struggles to draw enough fuel. The increased strain on the fuel pump can also create a buzzing noise as it tries to pull fuel through the obstructed filter.
• Difficulty starting the engine or rough idling: Diesel engines require a significant amount of fuel to start, and a clogged fuel filter can prevent the engine from getting the necessary amount. Rough idling or shaking when operating at low speeds may indicate that the engine is not receiving an adequate fuel supply, with the fuel filter likely being the culprit.
• Indicator light: If your AirDog® system has an indicator light, this can be a helpful reminder. If the light stays on for an extended period, it's a clear sign that your filter needs changing.

It's important to note that the frequency of changing your Airdog fuel filters may vary depending on several factors, including the age of the filters, the quality of fuel used, and the operating conditions of your vehicle. Regular maintenance and keeping a spare set of filters on hand are recommended to ensure optimal performance and avoid unexpected issues.

Filter disposal

• Step 1: Before removing the old filters, ensure you have the necessary tools and safety gear, including nitrile gloves, rags or paper towels, and a clean container for used filters. Park in a well-ventilated area, engage the parking brake, turn off the engine, and keep rags ready to clean up any fuel spills.
• Step 2: Understand the local regulations for waste disposal. Be prepared for proper disposal of the used filters before removing them. Know that exhausted filters are considered technical-industrial waste and cannot be treated as municipal solid waste. They must be delivered to specialised waste disposal sites.
• Step 3: Identify the type of filter you are dealing with. Filtration products can be categorised into four main waste disposal categories: Activated Carbon Filters, Glass Microfibre Filters, Impregnated Activated Carbon Filters, and Synthetic Filters. Each category has specific characteristics and disposal requirements.
• Step 4: Remove the old filters carefully. Allow any remaining fuel to drain into a container. Properly dispose of the old filters according to their category and local regulations.
• Step 5: If required by your local regulations, perform a waste classification analysis to determine the hazard level of the waste. This analysis will help demonstrate that the waste is not hazardous and can be disposed of safely.
• Step 6: Store and transport the used filters safely and securely to the designated waste disposal site. Ensure you comply with all relevant environmental legislation and regulations.

Additional Considerations:

• It is essential to change filters periodically to maintain optimal engine performance. Keep a spare set of filters in your vehicle at all times, as the need for a filter change can arise unexpectedly.
• Used filters should be handled and stored securely to prevent fuel spills and leaks.
• Proper filter disposal is crucial for reducing environmental impact and avoiding potential fines for improper disposal.

Frequently asked questions