Just went to NAPA to get a new fuel filter and was informed the old PN 3518 was replaced with PN 3818. The fuel cartridge/filter looks identical, however they have replaced the beveled gasket with a square cut one. In the instructions it reads "...this cratridge style fuel filter comes with a square cut gasket not a bevel cut one so change outs are completed quickly and with no confusion over gasket positioning." Has anyone else already used this new style? Has anyone else already used this new style, and how did it work out? If this is old news, sorry, I just know I have read posts talking about placing the bevel gasket in the "right way" to avoid leaks. Thanks,

 

I was nervous about the gasket issue so I have only replaced it with the factory fuel filter. Done it twice now since I've owned it.

 

I also went back to my international oem filters. I bought a lid again too since my truck came with the napa filter.

 

Yes they only sell the one piece filters now. But I had good luck with it, no leaks at all the first time putting it in. So no complaints here. I did notice that since the whole assembly turns while screwing it on it took a lot of diesel to lube it so it turned easily. At first it felt like the o-rings were binding up a little bit, so I took it back out. I considered using some oil instead, but I still had the cup of diesel from the drain and just soaked it. Went in nice and smooth after that. I kind of like the one piece assembly and the no brainer square gasket so far.

 

if you use oil on that new flat oring..your sure to have a leak..use diesel only...many many post about that here if you do a search...

 

I have used the new filter and I haven't had any problems. I've put 1,000 miles on since I changed it and it's still good to go.

 

How often are we supposed to change the fuel filter? I replaced mine when I got it.

 

10,000 miles..i change mine every spring and late fall when temps drop to the teens.no matter what the miles are..

 

The new NAPA filters with the cover and square gasket are no problem. NAPA has actually improved the cover since they introduced their first one piece. Now you can use a common socket wrench to loosen and tighten. That is a great improvement over the old channel-lock trick. I change my fuel filter every 5000 miles, along with air and oil. May be a little excessive, but I get great hand calculated fuel mileage, and it has to contribute to the longevity of the motor and pump. The last one I bought was $19. I must admit though, I didn't like their new one piece at first, but with the improved cover, I have re-evaluated my thinking. NAPA calls the new square rubber seal "error proof."

 

my bowl filter stock cover never once see a wrench of any sort to put it on or take it off with the napa gold filter...it was always done by hand....now that the bowl is gone ...i like my 8 dollar 2 micron spin on filter much better...no bowl to clean or orings to leak..

 

The one a got a few weeks ago didn't have the ability to use the 3/8" ratchet. The one I took off did, but the new one I had to use the channel locks. So I either got an older one, or they changed it again.

The one thing I did notice on that filter was that in one spot the pleats were spread apart more than I'd like. Not sure what the deal is there, but if the next one is like that I might look for a different brand. Doesn't look quite right to be like that.

 

Thanks for the Part # change Brian.

 

i think the new one piece filter is 100% better than the stock unit.
no mess, and virtually idiot proof.

 

New NAPA fuel filter product description. Click on PDF file below to view. You may have to use the + sign on top of the page to make it bigger for better viewing.The picture does not reflect the newest cover...


3818.pdf