Notices
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel  
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: DP Tuner

Pre-Pump Fuel Filter Question

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 17, 2014 | 09:04 PM
  #1  
bflora's Avatar
bflora
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 48
Likes: 1
From: Georgetown, TX
Pre-Pump Fuel Filter Question

All,

Moving this over from the "bio-fuel" sections. Anyhow, new here, and was hoping for a bit of assistance as it relates to after market fuel filters. I recently had the 'Driven Diesel Performance' hutch kit installed (here Driven Diesel Fuel Tank / Pre-Pump Kit), and the BF1212 filter appears to have impacted my fuel pressure due to the low micron rating.

It's my understanding it has sufficient flow rating, but the truck just doesn't have the same power it did before this mod. Unfortunately, I do not have a fuel pressure gauge, so I'm blaming the filter without any real proof it's the culprit.

Maybe I'm guessing wrong, and could circumvent the filter as a test, but thought trying something like BF7759 (aka "strainer" type) would be an easier task. After a some research, I can't use the BF7759, as it's a 1-12 and my filter head is a 1-14.

Note, still have my OEM fuel bowl, with a newly installed Motorcraft filter.

With all that said, is a BF1212 style the best for this set-up, and if not, what fuel strainer/filter is recommend pre-pump (OEM rail) to ensure optimal fuel pressure along with extending the life of my OEM fuel pump? I'd rather not install a Carter "assistance" pump to pull from the tank to the filter, as I first want to determine if simply adjusting the filter is the first step here, and it's just another thing to worry about.

 
Reply
Old Mar 17, 2014 | 09:18 PM
  #2  
timmyboy76's Avatar
timmyboy76
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,793
Likes: 50
ya, that i think is, way to low of a micron rating being pre-pump and also having the stock fuel filter. I'd install this

Wix 33239 & Napa 3239 Fuel Filter: FleetFilter Secure Online Store

here's a list of 1-14 threaded spin ons

http://www.fleetfilter.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?
 
Reply
Old Mar 17, 2014 | 09:26 PM
  #3  
bflora's Avatar
bflora
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 48
Likes: 1
From: Georgetown, TX
Thanks for the quick reply!
 
Reply
Old Mar 17, 2014 | 10:21 PM
  #4  
A/Ox4's Avatar
A/Ox4
9 ECHO 1
15 Year Member
Liked
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 12,467
Likes: 58
From: Missouri
Club FTE Silver Member

Pre-pump should be much more of a screen than a filter. A simple inline filter would be sufficient.

If you are using alternative fuels, it should be filtered for particulate matter before putting it in your tank to remove the big stuff. The prepump filter is just to protect the pump.
 
Reply
Old Mar 18, 2014 | 12:09 AM
  #5  
ron's power stroke's Avatar
ron's power stroke
Post Fiend
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 9,714
Likes: 2
From: White Mnt's,New Hampshire
i never had a problem with the 1212,,did you give time for the air to work out of it?? are you sure you have a nice tight seal from the tank all the way to the heads?? you really need to put a psi gauge on there..
here is the specs for the 1212
Flow Rates:
210 GPH @ 1 PSID
300+ GPH @ 3 PSID

Other Specs:
Capacity in Grams: 32.4
Filtration: 4 micron @ 86% / 20 micron @ 99%
Burst Pressure: 150psi
Collapse Pressure: 100psid

you can also run the baldwin 1252..it is whats recomended for the high flow pumps like the fuelab..here is the specs for the 1252

Flow Rates:
Greater than 210 GPH @ 1 PSID
Greater than 300+ GPH @ 3 PSID

Other Specs:
Capacity in Grams: 59
Filtration: 9 micron @ 86% / 40 micron @ 99%
Burst Pressure: 150psi
Collapse Pressure: 100psid
 
Reply
Old Mar 18, 2014 | 04:30 AM
  #6  
dn29626's Avatar
dn29626
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,500
Likes: 14
From: South Carolina
I have 3 filters. The pre-pump filter is high micron (to catch chunks), the other two in the engine compartment are around 10 micron.
 
Reply
Old Mar 18, 2014 | 07:50 AM
  #7  
Tugly's Avatar
Tugly
Hotshot
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 18,849
Likes: 179
From: Puget Sound
I did what you did, installed a fuel pressure gauge, filled my underwear, then installed a proper pre-pump screen.

Before:




After:

 
Reply
Old Mar 18, 2014 | 08:05 AM
  #8  
danskool's Avatar
danskool
Go Bills !
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,778
Likes: 65
From: Buffalo, NY
Club FTE Gold Member
Originally Posted by A/Ox4
Pre-pump should be much more of a screen than a filter. A simple inline filter would be sufficient.

If you are using alternative fuels, it should be filtered for particulate matter before putting it in your tank to remove the big stuff. The prepump filter is just to protect the pump.
I Agree.. Trying to find what micron level of the filter i used ? . I think it was around 30-50 but can't find it. Been in there since i installed it.. I just noticed it has been a few years and i probably should pick a new one up. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...t-numbers.html

I would think anything less in size than the screen size in the pump is fine as long as you still have your factory filter.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

 Brett Foote
story-2

Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

 Brett Foote
story-6

2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

 Brett Foote
story-9

5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

 Joe Kucinski
Old Mar 18, 2014 | 08:14 AM
  #9  
bflora's Avatar
bflora
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 48
Likes: 1
From: Georgetown, TX
I really appreciate all the replies, and thoughts so far!

I agree that I need a fuel pressure gauge, but not something I can do immediately. My local pats store has the Napa 3239, so I'm going to try it later today or tomorrow.

Anyhow, I left out part of the story - when I had the hutch installed with the BF1212, I didn't make it a mile down the road until my fuel pump went out. It's my understanding the fuel bump was weak from the in-tank OEM pick-up and screens being clogged, and the primary reason I did the mod. Anyhow, after cleaning the OEM screens a few months ago, the truck ran fantastic, but I wanted the screen outside of the tank, so I could change without dropping it. To clarify, I ran the truck for weeks after cleaning the in-tank filters, and then later had the hutch installed.

Why was my filters clogged? I think for many reasons, but primarily due to my fuel neck rusting out, which was the first thing I replaced.

Again, I'm guessing the low micro filter was the last blow & just enough to end the life of the pump

Before the mod, with a "weak pump", I still had some impressive "get-up and go", and note, I didn't actually do the install myself, but sure the shop got all the air out, as it's been on for a few weeks now.

Lastly, the BF1212 seems like a great filter, but when I get over 2000 RPMs (or what I'd call putting it on a "load" test), it just doesn't have the power it did before the mod.

Maybe I don't need a filter, as my tank is clean as a whistle and my fuel neck is brand new?!?
 
Reply
Old Mar 18, 2014 | 08:27 AM
  #10  
clux's Avatar
clux
Post Fiend
20 Year Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 10,600
Likes: 3
From: Carhenge
Originally Posted by Tugly
I did what you did, installed a fuel pressure gauge, filled my underwear, then installed a proper pre-pump screen.
I would have changed my underwear before changing filters, but different strokes for different folks.
 
Reply
Old Mar 18, 2014 | 03:15 PM
  #11  
strokin'_tatsch's Avatar
strokin'_tatsch
Hotshot
15 Year Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 10,008
Likes: 7
From: Austin, TX
FWIW, I've been running a Dahl 2 micron pre-pump filter on my OBS for probably 6 years now with ZERO issues. Having a proper filter on the suction side of the pump doesn't hurt anything....

I'm fixing to install the same kit from Strictly Diesel, but I'm also installing the post-pump filter kit, and regulated return w/ bowl delete. I already have the stuff, just need to install.
 
Reply
Old Mar 18, 2014 | 04:15 PM
  #12  
bflora's Avatar
bflora
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 48
Likes: 1
From: Georgetown, TX
@strokin'_tatsch - Are you running an OEM rail-mounted fuel pump?
 
Reply
Old Mar 18, 2014 | 04:30 PM
  #13  
strokin'_tatsch's Avatar
strokin'_tatsch
Hotshot
15 Year Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 10,008
Likes: 7
From: Austin, TX
Originally Posted by bflora
@strokin'_tatsch - Are you running an OEM rail-mounted fuel pump?
I have run both an OEM SD rail mounted pump and a walbro pump on this setup. It worked fine. Eventually I started to see a pressure drop with the stock SD pump when I'd go WOT, hints the switch to a walbro pump. The SD pump started having trouble holding pressure after I switched to bigger injector nozzles. I believe that if I were to change the design of the regulated return on that truck I wouldn't have had the pressure drop with that pump. We'll see soon enough. Same size injectors are getting thrown at my SD with a better RR design and the stock SD pump.
 
Reply
Old Mar 19, 2014 | 05:32 PM
  #14  
bflora's Avatar
bflora
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 48
Likes: 1
From: Georgetown, TX
Well, got the Napa 3239 on there, and can't report it officially made a difference - I didn't really get to test, as this ("Shifter Shortage") https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...tch-short.html happened to me during (after fueling, I went to put the truck in Drive, and heard a pop) - SOB!!!! Anyhow, just proof I need to get to reading more content here on the forum to determine what other preventive maintenance if needed - getting towed sucks!
 
Reply
Old Mar 19, 2014 | 08:24 PM
  #15  
crop harvester's Avatar
crop harvester
Fleet Mechanic
10 Year Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,667
Likes: 5
Club FTE Gold Member
I pull 19k gross up hills,with no problems using Strictly diesels Prepump BF1212 filter,factory lift pump has 218k with truck in signature.
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:12 PM.

story-0
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-1
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-2
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-3
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-6
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

Slideshow: 10 most surprising Ford truck options/features in 2026.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:17:22


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

Slideshow: Here are the top 10 Fords coming to Mecum Indy 2026.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:49:49


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 worst Ford truck wheels of all time

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 16:49:01


VIEW MORE