air filter gage
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
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Filter minder question
I am wondering how good are these things? I spoke with a mechanic friend at a local Ford Dealer and said that the "beast" (his word w/o prompting) needs clean air filters & regular oil changes more than anything. I play dumb with him since our forum is a wealth of knowledge. I changed my air filter at 19k but the minder said it was fine, haden't moved since I bought it. When I tapped the intake side on the ground a lot of dirt came out, & I mean a lot more than I have ever seen from other filters. At what mileage are you guys changing yours!
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 19,098
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From: Great State of Texas
Well...@ 20,000 miles I took mine in for the wire chaffing recall and they did a very thorough, complete diagnostic. Replaced my air filter minder because it was cracked. Checked my air filter and said it was fine.
I was a little surprised 'cause while I don't typically get into real bad dust I get into enough, red clay, dirt roads around Seymore, TX hunting... that I would have thought the filter would be toast by now. Apparently not the case.
I was a little surprised 'cause while I don't typically get into real bad dust I get into enough, red clay, dirt roads around Seymore, TX hunting... that I would have thought the filter would be toast by now. Apparently not the case.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 622
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From: Valencia, CA
air filter gage
just this weekend my check gage light and my dirty air filter warning light came on so I went to check the air filter and yes noticed it being pretty dirty, BUT! I noticed the air filter gage looked as if it had blown off (it was broken) whats up with that? any one have any idea?
Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 121
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From: Tally
I changed my air filter @ 30k miles, the air gauge had moved maybe 1 line on the gauge. The filter didn't look that bad, cept for some bugs (no zoodad mod either) and a bit of sand poured out when I put it down on its face.
Elder User
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 968
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From: Tennesee
You can pretty much ignore the air minder gauge, they are of very poor quality and in most cases either register waaaay to soon or not at all. If you add an aftermarket intake they usually suck down way easily, shows how restrictive the stock intake system really is too. I replaced the air filter on my 6.0 at 8,000 miles and was amazed at the difference in performance, Ford's interval change is waaaay optomistic in my opinion. Got a AFE Stage I Pro Guard 7 when they first came out and have seen better performance and no expensive filters costs since.
Mark @ DPPI
Mark @ DPPI
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Joined: Jul 2005
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The filter gauge in my opinion doesn't work. As a rule of thump replace the filter every 8-12months. A clean filter will make a 1-2mpg difference in fuel economy too.
I would also keep the stock box as it is sealed very well and doesn't let any grime in. The aftermarket kits will never fit as well as the stock unit IMHO
Best of luck.
I would also keep the stock box as it is sealed very well and doesn't let any grime in. The aftermarket kits will never fit as well as the stock unit IMHO
Best of luck.
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After seeing all the dirt that came out of the filter I would have to agree, and I saw a 1mpg increase on the next tank & I am sure of that as I never get more than 13.5, and it went to over 14.5 all city driving.
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Brett Foote
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Texas
air & fuel filter replacements
I took my 05 250 in to my dealer at 15,000 miles for its regular oil change (3K on the first change and 6K each since then - seems to be the most recommended on this site).
Anyway, I told them to replace the fuel and air filters and keep them out for me to see. They changed the fuel filters and the tech said they were very clean and really didn't need changing and suggested I keep buying my fuel at the same stations. (I use truck stops or very high volume convenience stores)
But on the air filter, they charged me $4.95 to open the air filter and check it and put it back. They didn't change it because they said it was very clean.
I pulled a light trailer (4500 pounds) about one fourth of those miles.
So here's my question - did I waste money changing the fuel filters at 15K and since the air filter guage is so unreliable, when do you guys suggest changing the air filter?
By the way - I'm a first time diesel owner and this site has been a fantastic source of information. Should be a must read for any 6.0 owner.
Anyway, I told them to replace the fuel and air filters and keep them out for me to see. They changed the fuel filters and the tech said they were very clean and really didn't need changing and suggested I keep buying my fuel at the same stations. (I use truck stops or very high volume convenience stores)
But on the air filter, they charged me $4.95 to open the air filter and check it and put it back. They didn't change it because they said it was very clean.
I pulled a light trailer (4500 pounds) about one fourth of those miles.
So here's my question - did I waste money changing the fuel filters at 15K and since the air filter guage is so unreliable, when do you guys suggest changing the air filter?
By the way - I'm a first time diesel owner and this site has been a fantastic source of information. Should be a must read for any 6.0 owner.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2004
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From: Melbourne, Aus
I change the airfilter every 5k miles in my PSD, but I live in EXTREMELY dusty conditions.
I would recommend a visual inspection of the actual filter every 5-10k (whenever oil is changed) and then change when required.
I would recommend a visual inspection of the actual filter every 5-10k (whenever oil is changed) and then change when required.
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Joined: Jul 2005
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This is my first 6.0 but I've owned the 7.3 and Cummins motors in pickups and larger trucks. 15k is a good change interval if you don't want to worry about it; just change it every 15k and be happy in the knowledge that everything is going well. In lieu of that you can periodically check the air filter for debris. Once the filter is really clogged you will be able to tell! Plus you will see a decrease in power and fuel mileage.
If I were you I would just stick to the 15k change interval that you are on now. Just think your air filter on a 15k interval costs you less than one half a cent per mile.
If I were you I would just stick to the 15k change interval that you are on now. Just think your air filter on a 15k interval costs you less than one half a cent per mile.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 245
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From: Texas
dealer trying to save me money
If I were you I would just stick to the 15k change interval that you are on now.
ikold - That's what I had planned and why I had asked the dealer to change it at 15K. But they didn't do what I asked. Next time (at the 21K oil change) I'll be more demanding.
Interesting that this is the second dealer that has tried not to do what I asked in order to save me money. The first time was another dealer that tried hard to talk me out of changing my first oil at 3000 miles and told me that I should not change it until 7500. I had to insist that they do the work.
I guess I should be glad that they are trying to save me money rather than gouge me, but I'm afraid their good intentions could cause me problems in the long run on this truck. Like you, I'm more interested in paying a few cents more for the piece of mind.
ikold - That's what I had planned and why I had asked the dealer to change it at 15K. But they didn't do what I asked. Next time (at the 21K oil change) I'll be more demanding.
Interesting that this is the second dealer that has tried not to do what I asked in order to save me money. The first time was another dealer that tried hard to talk me out of changing my first oil at 3000 miles and told me that I should not change it until 7500. I had to insist that they do the work.
I guess I should be glad that they are trying to save me money rather than gouge me, but I'm afraid their good intentions could cause me problems in the long run on this truck. Like you, I'm more interested in paying a few cents more for the piece of mind.
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