Hello everyone,
I am new to this forum and wanted to get some much needed information. I have seen some major concerns with regards to fuel injector problems, as this is my first diesel truck(04 dmax) I am considering on getting a fuel pre-filter system installed to further protect the injectors from receiving dirty fuel... Right now I am looking at 2 filters, the NICKTANE and the RACOR systems... what I am looking for is some opinions and pro's and con's regarding both brands...

I know the NICKTANE is a great filter from the information i've been reading, but how do you drain the filter if there is water in the fuel??? Is this a straight fuel filter with no water seperator???

I know the RACOR has a water seperator, but how good is the filter element and availabilty as compared to CAT???

also, does anyone know if there is a way to drain the OEM fuel filter??? I see the water sensor and the plastic drain on the bottom but no screw, is it automatic as there is 2 wires going to the bottom of the plastic drain???

sorry this post is long, I dont even know if its in the right place, but as you can see I dont have any experience with a diesel engine..:confused:

please, your help greatly appreciated!!! thanks

The Cat filters do not have a drain on them. I believe Jbplock may have a spreadsheet that shows the results of fuel sampling and testing done and submitted by a number of individuals and IIRC all of the typical setups met the goal ISO numbers. Cat filters are very easy for me to get and I liked Nick's design so that's the route I chose. Carrying spare fuel filters and the tools to change them is pretty much the norm for both the OEM and the Cat or whatever. I've yet to have to use them because of bad fuel, but you never know.

Your drain on the bottom of the OEM is the screw. The wings attached to each side 180 degrees opposed are helpful in turning it.

You didn't mention emulsifying or demulsifying fuel additives which will start a rather lengthy debate.

Search thru the forums, make sure you check thru the DIY forum and for general questions such as this, post em in the LB7 or LLY forums, depending on which you have. You'll get a lot more responses. Welcome to the forum.

Hey Hound,

thanks for the info... found the plastic wing screw you mentioned... thanks for pointing me in the right direction in the forums... there is ssooooo much to learn and a lot of information in these forums...just gotta know where to look...

thanks again!!:D

Glad you found the info you were looking for. Bottom line is any secondary filtration is a good move no matter which option you go with. if i had to state some pro's vs. con's for the two you mentioned i would list:

Availability- better on the CAT- there are cat dealers everywhere

Element size- the CAT is much larger, about 3 times the size

Water seperator- the racor has one and the cat doesn't

Heater- optional on the racor, not available on the CAT. I was a bit concerned with this in the beginning but i haven't heard of any CAT filters gelling up, even in very cold climates. Its a nice option to have if you are really concerned.

Mounting- nicktane doesn't require cutting of any OEM lines and is easily reversible to stock if you plan on moving it from truck to truck. Racor install requires cutting of steel fuel line along frame rail. nicktane mounts higher than the racor so fuel will not spill when servicing. Ball valves before and after the racor will prevent this as well on that installation.

also both can be installed with a rock deflector



as i said, they all work well and it comes down to personal preference. you can't go wrong with either.

Good luck!

Hey Diesel Power,

thanks for your response and information!!! I am new to the forum and I love it!!! learning a lot of things from all the helpful people...I have been reading a lot of the responses regarding the 2 filters mentioned... they seemed to be the most popular and they both work good and no problems, I quess it all came down to personal preference... so got my NICKTANE on order and it should be here tomarro and ready to install by christmas weekend!!!:D

well thanks again, I'll see you in the forums!!!):h