When To Replace Your Fass Fuel Filters

FASS fuel filters should be replaced every 10,000 to 25,000 miles, depending on how often the vehicle is used and maintained. Some people opt to change their filters every other oil change (12,000 miles), while others change them yearly. Warning signs that it's time to replace your FASS fuel filter include difficulty starting the engine, a shaky ride at low speeds, and rough idling.

Difficulty starting the vehicle

A clogged fuel filter can cause erratic fuel flow, resulting in longer than usual cranking before the engine starts. If your vehicle is taking longer than usual to start, this may be a sign that you need to change your FASS fuel filter.

Poor Engine Performance

A clogged fuel filter may cause the engine to randomly hesitate, surge or sputter, especially under heavy loads or when accelerating up a steep incline. If you notice these symptoms, your FASS fuel filter may need changing.

Engine Stalling

An engine that repeatedly stalls while driving could indicate a dirty fuel filter. As the clog worsens, fuel delivery becomes more sporadic, leading to excessive stalling, especially during acceleration. In this case, the filter is close to becoming completely blocked, and immediate replacement is necessary.

Random Misfire or Rough Idle

A clogged fuel filter can cause low fuel pressure, resulting in a lean fuel condition and engine misfire. This can lead to poor fuel mileage, rough idling, and possibly the check engine light coming on. If you experience any of these issues, it may be time to change your FASS fuel filter.

Shaky ride at low speeds

A shaky ride at low speeds could indicate that your FASS fuel filter is clogged. This is because a clogged filter causes low fuel pressure, which can result in a lean fuel condition and engine misfire. This can cause the engine to shake or stutter at different speeds, especially under heavy loads or when accelerating up a steep incline.

A clogged fuel filter will cause an erratic fuel flow, which can result in longer cranking before the engine starts. This can also lead to the engine stalling while driving, with the car then starting back up with no noticeable loss of power. As the clog worsens, fuel delivery becomes more sporadic, and stalling becomes more frequent or worsens on acceleration.

To avoid these issues, it is recommended that fuel filters are replaced every 10,000 to 25,000 miles, or yearly, depending on the usage and maintenance of the vehicle. Some FASS filter owners opt to change their filters every other oil change (12,000 miles), or after about 1,000 gallons of fuel has been run through them.

Rough idling

A rough idle can be caused by a variety of issues, including a clogged or dirty fuel filter. A rough idle is characterised by an unstable or uneven engine speed when the vehicle is stationary. This can cause the engine to run poorly, leading to symptoms such as engine stalling, vibrations, or an irregular engine rhythm.

A clogged fuel filter can restrict the flow of fuel to the engine, which can cause the engine to run lean. This can result in a rough idle, as the engine struggles to maintain a steady idle speed. A clogged fuel filter can also cause inconsistent fuel pressure, which can cause the engine to run rough or stall. This is because the fuel pressure is not consistent, leading to a too-lean or too-rich fuel-air mixture.

A rough idle can be a frustrating problem for any driver, and it is important to address the issue as soon as possible. If left unchecked, a clogged fuel filter can cause damage to the engine over time. The fuel filter should be replaced at regular intervals as recommended by the manufacturer.

The manufacturer's recommendation for FASS filters is to change the filter every 15,000 miles for the standard set of filters and 30,000 miles for the XL set of filters. However, it is worth noting that some people choose to change their filters more frequently, such as every other oil change (12,000 miles) or after about 1,000 gallons of fuel has been run through the system. Additionally, if you are experiencing any problems with your engine, it is a good idea to check and potentially change your fuel filter.

Maintenance guide recommendations

Most diesel fuel filters should be replaced every 10,000 to 25,000 miles, or once a year, depending on the frequency of vehicle use and maintenance. For example, if you have a FASS 150 gph pump, it is recommended to change the filters every 12,000 miles or every other oil change.

It is also important to note that the stock filter may no longer be necessary if you have a FASS system, as it is just an added routine expense. Instead, consider getting a fuel bowl from FASS, which works great.

Additionally, it is recommended to keep an eye on your fuel pressure numbers and change the filters whenever they are about 1 psi lower than normal. This is a more accurate indicator of when to change the filters, as it is based on fuel pressure rather than time or mileage.

Finally, always carry extra filters with you, as you may encounter bad fuel, which will require an immediate filter change.

Bacterial growth

To prevent and control bacterial growth in fuel tanks, it is essential to remove water from the tank, use filtration, and/or treat the tank with biocide additives. Regular maintenance, such as draining water from the tank and periodic tank cleaning, is crucial. Additionally, equipping fuel tank vents with filters can prevent bacterial and fungal spores from entering the tank.

It is recommended to check tank bottoms for water every month initially, reducing the frequency if no water is found. Tanks should be inspected for water at least twice a year. Treatment with an approved fuel preservative can also help control or delay the buildup of microbial growth.

In cases of severe contamination, a multi-step process may be required, including draining the tank of all free water, using a high dose of biocide to "shock" the tank, and performing a thorough "man down" tank cleaning. To prevent reoccurrence, a periodic kill dose of biocide should be applied regularly to maintain a clean system.

Frequently asked questions