I've been watching 4WD Pro Tips on TV (and your4x4) and there seems to be a lot of talk about water in Diesel. I get 100% how this could cause problems, but how common is it?

Has anyone had any issues in metro areas?

I'm just about to go on a 3 month trip around Australia too. Is this something anyone has experienced first hand in some of the more remote areas of Australia?

Cheers, Mal.

 

Hi Mal,
A water trap filter will go along way to minuimize this
Here is how i have done it








This way you can pop your head under the vehicle and see the fuel in bowl

I understand your concerns of water in the fuel where you are buying from if the servo looks popular where you are buying from it a fair chance it will be good
I'm sure the some one else out there than can help you a lot more than i did
Have a great trip Whish i was going with you
Cheers,
Patchy

 

Thanks!!

I'll be up your way toward the end of August, let me know where all the big car parking spots are

Cheers, Mal

PS: Hopefully I'll find some good 4X4 tracks too

 

Patchy,
G'day.
Did you get your FM in Australia?
If so where from?
I always prefer to buy from an Australian source whenever possible rather than have to import the stuff from the US.
Thanks.

 

I got my FM in Cairns
Cairns Diesel Service Cairns Diesel Service

Cheers,
Patchy

 

If you are spending much time in the top end, I would strongly recommend an additional fuel filter like Patchy has installed.

I have seen a number of injectors go bad because of the much greater rate of fungal growth in diesel there due to high temps/humidity - particularly where the diesel isn't "fresh".

 

Cheers.

I've been reading a lot about the standard water sensor in the 2012. Some say it works while others say it needs a lot of water in there to trigger the alarm.

I'd be happier knowing there is something else too. Being stranded somewhere with an imported car waiting on parts doesn't sound like fun.

 

Stong point, Had my old ACCO stop dead in its tracks due to Algae in the tank, Hence why i think these filters are essential no mater where you live.
I'm not convinced Diesel adatives to prevent algae work, been down that track with my ACCO
On a brighter note this usually rears its ugly head if the vehicle has been standing for a period of time

Cheers,
Patchy

 

Mal there is a gazillion 4x4 tracks up this way
If you are heading to Cooktown the coast road via the Daintree is a a plesant drive. A few steep climbs a few creek crossings and at the end of the day a few coldies at the Lions Den
Cheers,
Patchy

 

My fuel mods are here:

https://plus.google.com/photos/10776...71269123752241

Went for a Facet brand pump as these are solid-state units that are said to be able to run underwater.

Went for the Baldwin water seperator, no glass bowl as there are some allegations of the glass bowl having been broken by flying gravel.

I always carry a spare filter. The 100 micron unit is a SS strainer and can be cleaned.
The BF goes much finer and has the water bleed built in. I bought a pack of three BF1212 from Wagga Tractor via flea-bay.

 

Always a chance of the bowl being damaged
Always carry complete spares
If you cant see what your fuel looks like it is a bit late

Cheers,
Patchy

 

If I was goint to the trouble and expensive of fitting the filter I would do the whole job. IE: "Hutch Mod" and lift pump. But thats just me.

 

G'day Fellas,

During your research into Pre-Pump filter & Water Separator, did anyone look at the DONALDSON DIESEL FUEL FILTER KIT, Part# P902976.

I can get this kit for around a $100.

Cheers,
Reg

 

Hi Reg, they'll all work to spec. The main thing is that you can obtain replacement elements & take a few with you, and to protect your stock pump, you filter the fuel before it hits the stock pump. The problem then is as the pumps are generally push-pumps, some people elect to run a 'lift pump' to push the fuel through your added filter/seperator.

Here's what I did - I think using the Donaldson would work out pretty much the same:
https://plus.google.com/photos/10776...241?banner=pwa

 

G'day Simon,

I don't really want to go and add another failure point into the system with an added lift come pusher Pp.
I've done the Hutch + Harpoon a few years ago and have only been running an El Cheapo in line plastic pre-pump filter. All without any issue.
I'm just getting further and further out and issolated, and want to avoid getting some proper **** + water diesel into the system from drum/jerry can fuel.

If I treat this filter as a pre-pump strainer + water separator, then I don't need a 5 or even 10 micron element. So I may not need that extra lift pump???

Anyone just running one of these set ups minus the extra lift pump and having no issues?

Cheers,
Reg