Goldenrod Filter

[MIDNIGHT RIDER]

I like the idea of adding the shut off valve.

Where should I install it, before the filter or after?

I'm thinking it will be better after the filter so it will not spill diesel coming back from the line at the time we are changing the element. I'm thinking also about air in the fuel line.

Once you changed the element how do you purge the air out?

Do you screw back the bowl filled with diesel?

Burt.

It is best to have a valve on both sides of the filter.

These need not be right at the filter itself, so long as you can close the lines somewhere before and after to prevent fuel siphoning and spilling everywhere.

It is best, easiest, and most convenient to just go ahead and put both valves right at the filter, though.


As for pre-filling the filter, It is nigh impossible to completely pre-fill the bowl, on account of the element pushing the fuel over the top of the bowl and spilling it everywhere.

I fill the bowl about half full and let siphon action plus the auxilliary electric-pump do the rest.


Lacking an electric-pump, one could install an upward-pointing TEE, to which is attached a hose that proceeds upward to a funnel-accessible location.

The filter/bowl can be serviced, then a funnel poked into the hose and fuel poured in until full.

Of course, a shut-off valve would need be employed that closes off the hose.

Such an arrangement could also be employed to bleed off the air and would replace the set-up described below.


To bleed off trapped air, I installed an upward-facing TEE in the filter outlet, along with a 1/8"-NPT bleeder-valve.


I have plans to replace that bleeder-valve with a length of hose that proceeds to a "chamber", located somewhere up high, with the bleeder located in the top of this chamber.

Thus, any air that may come along will find it's way upward into this chamber, collecting at the top, where I can bleed it away every couple years or so.


Actually, for you guys that are plagued with air-intrusion troubles, such an air-trap chamber could be employed just ahead of the injection-pump, thus eliminating all air woes.

 

[opusd2]

That's an sweet setup! Brass is so pretty when new.

And after many, MANY years of plumbing in fuel oil supply lines when installing HVAC systems (yes, some people still are smart enough to heat with the more efficient oil), I've done most of the installations at least partly in copper but also including brass and BLACK pipe. Galvanized is for water, Black is for oil and gas purposes. As for thread sealant, I ALWAYS use this product-

http://www.herchem.com/products/thread_sealants.html

I use the Megaloc multi-purpose thread sealant. Nearly 15 years ago my boss gave me a container of it after receiving a sample, and I've never used anything else since. The stuff is incredible. It never flakes off on the inside and you don't need a HUGE amount of it to seal what you need to.

And over-tightening a brass fitting or copper flare will only result in a leak. Then the more you tighten, the more it leaks. It takes a deft touch.

This is just a good setup. We have Goldenrods on our fuel transfer tanks at home, as well as the big storage tanks as primaries. They are pretty big and I'd rather have a smaller filter type with a drain on the bottom, but if I don't find what I want, I will definitely go with the Goldenrod since I have one or twp sitting at home.

 

[Cincinnati Guy]

I finally got the filter hooked up! Figured it do it since I just put on a new 3417 filter, might as well finish the goldenrod. Hopefully I dont hit anything to bust it open.
One thing that concerns me is though, isnt the filter suppose to be filled up all the way, mine is only filled about half way. Runs good though, hopefully she dont leak.

 

[MIDNIGHT RIDER]

One thing that concerns me is though, isnt the filter suppose to be filled up all the way, mine is only filled about half way. Runs good though, hopefully she dont leak.

Did you include a provision for bleeding away the trapped air so that the bowl can completely fill ??

Mine fills completely full.

It surprises me that your's runs well with a pocket of air in the bowl.

 

[Cincinnati Guy]

Actually the only trouble I have had was starting it since the bowl isn't quite full yet, but the more I've been driving it the fuller it has gotten. It is about three quarters the way now.

I just wish I could of made it a cleaner look with the rubber hoses. The hoses on the inside of the frame are a mess because of where I installed the filter. The rear most hose has to wrap up behind the selector valve. I wish I could of mounted the filter up farther on the side of the frame, but where I did it seemed the best at the time.

 

[Cincinnati Guy]

Actually the only trouble I have had was starting it since the bowl isn't quite full yet, but the more I've been driving it the fuller it has gotten. It is about three quarters the way now.

I just wish I could of made it a cleaner look with the rubber hoses. The hoses on the inside of the frame are a mess because of where I installed the filter. The rear most hose has to wrap up behind the selector valve. I wish I could of mounted the filter up farther on the side of the frame, but where I did it seemed the best at the time.

 

[Cincinnati Guy]

I finally got around to snapping a picture of my setup.

I never got it setup how I wanted because of where and how I mounted it. I was hoping to have the right side hose looking like the front and how having to curl it back like it is, also the hose is curled back on the back side of the frame.

You must be registered for see images attach

BTW the thread sealant I am using which is mentioned somewhere above. Seems to be working great, Ive used it on all fittings and no leaks!

 

[MIDNIGHT RIDER]

You will like that filter more the longer you have it; they are simply wonderful.

Mounted where you have yours, there are two little modifications I would very soon be making.

A steel guard needs be fashioned to deflect stones and for the occasional tree-limb or whatever that would otherwise knock a hole in it.


Also, I would devise a sleeve of sorts to keep that clear bowl from getting all scratched and filthy; maybe a leg from a pair of jeans zip-tied in place.

 

[87crewdually]

You will like that filter more the longer you have it; they are simply wonderful.

Mounted where you have yours, there are two little modifications I would very soon be making.

A steel guard needs be fashioned to deflect stones and for the occasional tree-limb or whatever that would otherwise knock a hole in it.


Also, I would devise a sleeve of sorts to keep that clear bowl from getting all scratched and filthy; maybe a leg from a pair of jeans zip-tied in place.

How about relocating it inboard and higher on the rail.

 

[Cincinnati Guy]

Where is yours mounted?

 

[87crewdually]

Where is yours mounted?

If this was for me, mine is mounted in the original location for 1987. On the firewall, in the engine bay, out of harms way and in the comfort of the underhood warmth.

 

[Cincinnati Guy]

Well mine is a 94, I dunno if there is any room under the hood. Ive though maybe putting it on the inside of the frame, possibly mounting/Fabbing it to one of the cross overs between the frame to get it up higher.

 

[87crewdually]

Well mine is a 94, I dunno if there is any room under the hood. Ive though maybe putting it on the inside of the frame, possibly mounting/Fabbing it to one of the cross overs between the frame to get it up higher.

Yeah, just throwing out ideas to get you thinking. It may be fine there for the next 20 years, but you never know. For now I'd carry a union (double ended barb fitting) just in case then you can undo the rubber hoses and connect them together to bypass the filter incase it springs a leak or gets knocked off. They are a kick ass filter though and it's nice to have a visual through the sediment bowl.

 

[fields_mj]

This has been my biggest hold up. I cut firewood for the house, and between that and deer hunting, I get off the road some. Mounting it down on the frame would make things SO much easier, BUT with my luck it wouldn't last a week and I'd have the ***** knocked off. I think I can mount it next to the stock filter head in mine. I've got parts of the bracket built, but I haven't had a chance to get back to it for a while now. With fuel prices expected to rise, I'm going to have to put some money into some repairs/upgrades and get some sources of WVO and WMO lined up. I have a funny feeling that running alternate fuels will make me REALLY appriciate the golden rod even more.

 

[MIDNIGHT RIDER]

The GoldenRod on my personal truck resides high, dry, and protected within the fortress of one of my many tool-boxes, a luxury those with sheet-metal beds must often do without.

That being said, I would not hesitate for a second mounting one INSIDE THE CAB, probably in the left-rear corner behind the seat.

This is diesel-fuel we are running, harmless as a lamb, not some highly volatile explosive gas.