Hi, first time post. I've been soaking up all the info on the forum as I have just purchased my first diesel. It is a 1994 7.3 turbo IDI, Auto with 169k. I picked it up about 3 months ago and started running it on biodiesel (50/50 blend of diesel and B99). It was smoking quite a bit when I got it and it ticks alot more than my buddies 93 6.9. I think I may have a bad injector but that is a question for another day. On the bioblend, the engine was much quieter and ran better until the inevitable fuel filter clogging. I've been reading all the post about changing the fuel filter but was intrigued to find the Racor 445, priming filter. It's expensive but I thought it would be worthwhile mod since I would be changing the filter fairly often.

Has anyone replaced the screw on OEM fuel filter assembly with this unit. Is it worth it to go through the trouble. I may have to rerun fuel line as well and possibly fabricate new brackets since the Racor is slightly taller. I know some members have talked about this filter system but noone went into the details of the conversion. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

 

bl311,
Welcome to FTE and the IDI diesel forum.

Although I am not able to run biodiesel as it is not available in my area, my understanding is once it cleans the fuel system out you should not continue to have filter clogging issues. I am of the understanding that it will clean out deposits the even Diesel Kleen will not remove.

I am running the stock 93 filter on my truck, I am sure someone running that filter will be along shortly to help you.

 

I have this system in my 86, I still used a diesel conditioner, did not install it into my 84, I change the regular fuel filter every 2nd oil change...raccor is a good filter though, filters right down into the microns.

 

Did you mount the Racor 445 w/ priming pump? If so did you mount it in the stock position.

 

I mounted my Racor on my 93' off to the passenger side against my tool box I mounted to the fender and got rid off my factory filter set-up all-together. This gives me much better access to the top of the motor. I really like the prime pump.

Note, in my neck of the woods the longer R60S filter cartridges are easier to get and cheaper than the shorter R45S cartridges.

You are stuck with the shorter (R45S) cartridge if you mount the filter in the factory position. By mounting it off to the side I was able to use the larger, longer (R60S) cartridge which also needs less frequent changing.