Fuel filter microns school me pls

Jason1377

Supporting Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Dec 12, 2017
Posts
975
Reaction score
386
Location
Arkansas
Ok I have a pad style no bowl part number is 33617 says it's 12 microns cost before tax as Napa or O'Reily is $60 they have another one part number 33147 that is 14 microns as cost before tax is $47.99 at both stores. so my novice question is what's the big difference besides two microns and the cost before tax is the smaller one better or is the bigger micron better?

I drive the truck most of the winter whenever it snows or gets icy it's needing a new filter the dash light comes on/stops me dead it has 3k miles on the current filter, trying to save cost since one takes 24 hours to come in the other is pick up at store right now.

P.s thanks for the future schooling.
 

DaveBen

Supporting Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Sep 29, 2010
Posts
1,916
Reaction score
633
Location
Ukiah, Ca
Microns are the metric size of the particle that the filter will not allow to pass. So the 12 micron filter is better than the 14 micron filter. We are talking extremely small and even smaller. I would get the 12 micron filter as it will keep smaller crap out of your fuel system.
 

Jason1377

Supporting Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Dec 12, 2017
Posts
975
Reaction score
386
Location
Arkansas
How often are you needing to replace the filter?

Sorry late response as of right now my truck as only 3,000 miles one the fuel filter give or take a mile I honestly only change it.every winter or when the dash glows, i use white bottle of power service plus Howes anti gel in the fall as power service grey bottle mixed with it sea foam in spring/summer.

Just trying to learn more while not spending alot at the the moment.
 

chris142

Full Access Member
Joined
Apr 15, 2012
Posts
3,007
Reaction score
353
Location
SoCal
Ford recommend you replace the filter every 60k. I do think that's excessive myself. I let mine go 20k.
 

Kevin 007

Full-floater
Joined
Mar 14, 2011
Posts
1,949
Reaction score
231
Location
Nelson BC Canada
The 6.9 filters were 6 micron, then the 7.3 style switched to 12. I think right around the 5 or 6 micron rating would be good for final filtration, and never did like that the 7.3's were so high. I usually rig up something else, usually a Racor of some sort to add some better filtration on the 7.3 trucks. SOOOO.....I would stay away from the 14 and use the 12 micron....and I would also recommend looking at something better when you have the opportunity.
Our DB2 rotary injection pumps, are short lived enough as it is, so the way I see it, they need all the help they can get...do get a reasonably long service life out of them. Especially with this modern, ULSD junk that we are getting these days.
 

Kevin 007

Full-floater
Joined
Mar 14, 2011
Posts
1,949
Reaction score
231
Location
Nelson BC Canada
I recall reading somewhere, that the filters become most efficient at filtering once they have reached a certain saturation point with particulate. Say after a couple thousand clicks or so. Makes sense to me, but that was just hear say on something I was reading somewhere
 

dgr

Full Access Member
Joined
Aug 5, 2012
Posts
915
Reaction score
238
Location
sac town
No way I'd pay $60 for a fuel filter unless I was broke down. I'd go to fleet filter website and buy 2 for that price and put one in a ziplock behind the seat.
 

Ayla

Registered User
Joined
Sep 19, 2019
Posts
22
Reaction score
3
Location
Santa Clara, Ca.
Ok I have a pad style no bowl part number is 33617 says it's 12 microns cost before tax as Napa or O'Reily is $60 they have another one part number 33147 that is 14 microns as cost before tax is $47.99 at both stores. so my novice question is what's the big difference besides two microns and the cost before tax is the smaller one better or is the bigger micron better?

I drive the truck most of the winter whenever it snows or gets icy it's needing a new filter the dash light comes on/stops me dead it has 3k miles on the current filter, trying to save cost since one takes 24 hours to come in the other is pick up at store right now.

P.s thanks for the future schooling.


get a aftermarket cat filter kit. Comes off your fuel filter housing and remote mounts and uses the cat filter. not sure of the micron size, but way better filtration. I use them on my cummins Dodge's. all 3 of them.
 

Black dawg

Registered User
Joined
Jan 9, 2006
Posts
3,995
Reaction score
703
Location
sw mt
I usually convert my trucks to the 6.9 filter or better, and once a year has been plenty for a replacement interval......usually 15k.
 

raydav

Full Access Member
Joined
Sep 12, 2006
Posts
408
Reaction score
143
Location
Apple Valley, CA
You must be registered for see images attach
I have these both Ford and RACOR branded. I assume they made them for Ford. The canisters for this are available in two micron. I have had them on my IDI and PSD for several years. I just put one my 65 Mustang when I installed EFI. The complete assembly is rather pricey but the canisters don't cost much. I have found deals on both. They will accept water sensors.
 
Last edited:

dgr

Full Access Member
Joined
Aug 5, 2012
Posts
915
Reaction score
238
Location
sac town
This is a 6.9 housing. It takes a 7/8 x 14 thread filter. The filter is rated at 8 micron and not expensive.

There is no water separator on it. That is mounted separately by the brake booster. You can see it is also missing the vacuum switch and the heater wire that are on the 7.3 housings.
You must be registered for see images attach
You must be registered for see images attach
 
Top