Wix Fuel Filter and ATF

[HammerDown]

So I got this in from RockAuto... for the decades I used Purolator or Motorcraft but no one stocks them anymore... just Carquest.
Anyhow... I've read where some fill the filter with transmission fluid, start the engine (smokes like crazy) then shuts it off to act as a 'soak' for injection nozzle tip cleaner.
If I recall correctly, the once famous Oil Burners 7.3 forum moderator (Mel, I hope he's well) and creator of the Moose/baby Moose Pump more/less stated that the ATF doesn't really get to the Pumps advance piston to help that.
Anyone here filled their new fuel filter with ATF for a cleaning-soak and noticed any benefit???

 

[Nero]

I havent used atf in a long time. Ive used power service many times with good results. Its thinner than atf so I assume it gets to more places easier... But thats my 2¢

 

[rreegg]

Replaced fuel filter two days ago and filled with power service and b99 because that’s what was on hand. Never really notice much of a difference though, have put in diesel with atf in the past. Not much smoke on my truck with any of the stuff

 

[Kevin 007]

The wix filter does fine.
Always fill the filter with something, of course....but ATF won't do any harm. Filling the filter with ATF, or an additive of choice can potentially help with clearing up some issues like a sticking metering valve, etc.
Go for it. You likely won't notice much of anything aside from maybe a burp or two as the injection system processes any air it might have ingested. nor will you notice much more smoke than normal.

 

[Old Goat]

I have always filled my filter with ATF, even used Marvel Mystery oil, just what I had on hand. I never filled them to be a cleaner,
just so I don`t insert air into the system, and have to do a lot
of cranking on the Starter to fill the Filter etc....
You won`t hurt the injection system.

I have always read ATF will clean up any stuck parts in the IP if
you have a problem.
One other reason I fill the Filter with ATF, it is coming out of a clean bottle compared to pouring Diesel out of a container you filled at the service station nozzle, less chance of dirt.

I never noticed any more smoke coming out of the Tail Pipe than normal.

As to brand of filter, I use Wix.


Goat

 

[HammerDown]

Thanks for the feedback... again, I recall 'some' forum members stating after they filled the new filter with ATF, start the truck, rev it a little then shut it down for an hour or so or maybe several hours/over night for a type of 'cleaning-soak' for the IP and injectors.

 

[Rdnck84_03]

If there is anything sticking in the pump it seems to help loosen things up.

When I got my 84 a couple years ago it had been sitting in a hedge row for 10+ years. I got it running without much effort but the metering valve was very sticky. ( after pushing throttle the rpm wouldn't return to idle or when releasing the throttle the rpm would drop so low that it would die because the governor spring couldn't pull the valve back fast enough)

After replacing the filter and filling it with about 75 percent atf and the rest power service start it and let it run for about a minute (you can usually hear a slight change in the injection clatter when it reaches the cylinders) I let it soak for about 2 days before I started it again.

I'm not going to say that it runs like a new truck, but it definitely cured the issues I was having at the time.

James