I decided to install their separator unit on my truck, a 2014 CC/LB. When beginning the installation, I ran into clearance issues with the top of the housing and the parking brake cable. The cable wasn't simply brushing the top of the housing, but rather putting downward force on the housing.
I took the unit back off and called Dieselsite for support. Since it was after hours, I got voicemail and expected a return call the following day. Much to my surprise, they called me back within 30 minutes to discuss my issue. They offered a suggestion which they say has worked in the past, in which you loosen all of the housing bolts and allow it to sag, before retightening everything. I tried that and it only dropped the unit about 1/32" which was not enough. I took the mounting bracket off of the unit, and siamesed the holes, then used a Dremel to smooth everything out. This modification dropped the unit 1/2" and still allowed some upward adjustment if needed. I was out of time for that day, so I had to wait to try again on the install.
Day two, I gathered all of my tools and parts together and began the install. Since they claim a 15 minute install, I decided to set the stopwatch function on my phone before sliding under the truck to do the job. With the extra clearance provided by elongating the mounting holes, I cleared the brake cable by just under 1/4". After getting the unit installed, plumbed, restriction indicator mounted and all fittings tightened, I stopped the stopwatch at 12 minutes, 48 seconds. I didn't rush anything, and in fact took more time than really necessary when messing with the DFCM to ensure proper connection.
Afterward, I began the process of priming the system. I was surprised at how much fuel the low pressure pump moves. One cycle of the key had the new filters completely full. I continued to cycle the key though until I no longer heard air coming back through the return line and there was no more cavitation in the low pressure pump. It was around 8-10 cycles. In between cycles, I did several leak checks. I could have probably gotten away with far fewer cycles, but I wasn't in a hurry. After my last purge, I started the engine to check for strange noises and CEL's and had neither. Before heading back into the house, I did a remote start to allow it to run for another 5 minutes without me having to babysit. Total time for the entire job, from walking out to my driveway to walking back into the house was around 25 minutes.
I've submitted the updates to the gang at Dieselsite and they are considering modifications to future shipments to avoid this issue again. They are very customer service oriented and although I did have a problem to work through, I would certainly do it again, because of their helpful attitudes.

Before modifications - notice a bend in the brake cable
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1/2" clearance
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Cable clearance after installation with mods
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Side view from truck to show how low it hangs. The foreground is the step rail.
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Looks good Doug! Nice explanation and pictures as well. Thanks for sharing

 

Very nice write up, full of information and a great number of photos.

The one issue I notice is how the new filter housings look very susceptible to abuse from rocks/road trash sitting where and how they are located.

Any thoughts?

 

I've heard this comment before and while I can't tell in theses photos, I have seen on in person on a 2011. I don't think it's any more susceptible than the stock set-up. It's at about the same height (on the one I saw in person, maybe an inch lower if I recall), but outside the frame rather than in side it. The bowls appear to be made of significantly stronger material than the stock housing. I've heard of a lot of guys breaking the stock housing changing filters. Personally, I think it's fine.

 

I believe they are more susceptible to rocks and road crap getting slung up from the tires than the DFCM simply because it is outside the rail. However, they are made of a fairly strong polycarbonate - same thing as safety glasses - so it's not as big of a concern for me because most of my driving time is on pavement. My next project for this though was going to be a shield for the front of the housing. I should be able to make a deflector out of relatively thin gauge sheet metal and mount it with the same bolts that secure the assembly to the frame rail, by sandwiching the shield between the frame rail and the mounting bracket. I can use an "L" shaped piece of sheet and bend a 90° to create a shield. That will be a later project though. Thanks for the positive comments guys.

 

Great write up.

On the shield idea ..an L shaped piece of alum should do the job. It would deflect a thrown rock and that all I'd worry about.

 

After reading your adventures I decided to take a close look at mine after almost a year in service. I found that when the parking break is off, the cable is, of course, slack and has a clearance of no more then about 1/32 of and inch. When the break is on the cable does touch the aft end of the filter housing and the top of the filter minder. A careful examination of both the cable and the filter showed no sign of wear or abrasion on either.

I will keep an eye on it but, given the lack of any indication of any negative consequences, I've decided to leave well enough alone, at least for now. If I should needs to remove the filter for any other reason I will certainly do your mod. Thanks for the info!

Looking forward to see what you come up with for a shield!!

 

I agree with Senix on aluminium L bracket. Just a deflector

 

I agree with the aluminum. I think any corrosion resistant thin gauge metal will work, but I'm more likely to find scrap sheet tin than scrap aluminum and the insulator crews at the plant also have a bead roller as well as a break that they could bend something up for me. Just have to catch them at the right time. I'm not planning anything fancy or even pretty. Just a shield for the front filter.

 

Looks great Doug, good write up!

 

Looks great, dieselsite definitely makes some nice stuff and ive heard their customer service is excellent. Getting ready to order one of their HPOPs for my 6.0 actually. If i ever had a 6.7 this would definitely be on the list of upgrades...and a L shaped shield sounds like a good idea

 

Just an observation or thought. For those of you who have mentioned the cable rubbing or laying against the aluminum mounting block, would it help to place a piece of that plastic wire loom plastic sleeve round the cable to erase any abrasive rub or wear?

Since the plastic wire loom is already split down one side it should slip right over the cable...right?

 

seems like a good idea...

 

The plastic loom would likely help, but there is a machined slot in the top of the housing made specifically for clearance of the cable, and the cable itself (mine anyway) is already vinyl coated. Additionally, the edge of the machined area in the housing is tapered to remove sharp edges that would fray the cable. My issue was that it wasn't simply rubbing. It was putting downward pressure on the assembly. I needed at least 1/4 inch just to get the pressure off between the cable and the housing, and a half inch to completely clear it.

 

Looks like a pretty slick setup Doug! What is the recommended maintenance interval for the filter system?