Changed my fuel filter 5k later than my normal interval... I usually change it every 10k but ran it for 15k this time. It came out extremely black... I'm wondering if I need to spend a day and pull the injectors to go after the O-rings or if this looks normal for a fuel filter after 15,000 miles???

Also found an oily ICP sensor, cleaned it out with electronics cleaner and ordered the sensor and pigtail from riffraff tonight (from past experience Clay will have that to my door ASAP).

Truck is a late '99, has 141,000 miles, I use no oil during my 5k oil change interval and I have almost 35k worth of perfect used oil analysis. Would you pull the injectors and change O-rings???

 

Yeah... injector O-rings for sure.

As for the ICP sensor, first try cleaning it with electrical contact cleaner and refresh the dielectric grease on the seal. Check if the oil in there returns at a later time. If you experience a loss in power, then I would suggest the OBDII tools link in my signature before moving on to any expensive parts.

 

Thanks for the reply Tugly.

I'm 2 weeks out on a day off of work... will it hurt to continue to drive it until I can get after the O-rings? I have a full set of Alliant O-rings sitting in the garage, if it's no bueno to drive with the oil/fuel o-rings leaking my only other option is to drop it at my local diesel shop and give an arm and a leg for labor.

 

Personally, I would replace the filter and run it for your usual 10k miles then check to see if it is black. You say you are not consuming oil so it could be something as simple as a tank or two of dirty fuel. When I first got my current truck the filter was black but at 10k intervals since, the filter has been honey colored each change.

Then again, I'm from the camp "if it ain't broke, don't fix it....unless it's an upgrade"

As far as the sensor is concerned, you are doing right to replace it asap. Motorcraft only.

 

Do you by any chance use any fuel additives in your tank such as 2stroke oil? If so that would be normal.

 

I used Stanadyne for a while, currently I'm using the Power Service Diesel Kleen gray bottle.

 

They have a yellowish tint to them, so it was maybe it was just due to the extended service, I wouldn't worry just change it at the next interval and see if it continues to turn black and see if your not loosing oil.

 

If you're not tearing through the oil, yeah... just keep driving. These engines take a lot more torture than a little dark fuel and keep delivering the mail.

 

just change and drive and don't worry.That's what the filters look like on these things when not changed out regularly. It was probably close to being completely clogged and you are lucky you didn't get stranded, like me 10 years ago. Of course, I learned my lesson and not only carry a spare with me, but also change it every spring no matter how few miles I put on it.

 

So if there is ANY oil at all on the ICP sensor, its due for a change?

Is there another problem that Zero has that might be leading to the oily ICP?

 

Really?
Do you think oil should be migrating through your ICP sensor?
Mine had crapped out and it was oil free. Replace it and clean the connector if the insulation is still in good condition. If the insulation is breaking down replace it as well. The sensor is not that expensive but getting broke down is.

 

Yes to the first question.

No to the second one.

 

Me too....

 

Finally got time to pull the injectors, definitely needed o-rings.

Seems like a lot of carbon buildup on the nozzles, will a brass brush be gentle enough to clean these up??

 

Yes, a brass brush will work fine. It won't get in the teeny tiny holes that the diesel sprays out of, though.