I just purchased a new '08 3500 Duramax. First of all I’d like to thank everyone on this site as I’ve read it religiously for the last several months before taking the plunge. You’ve convinced me to switch from Ford to Chevy.

I’ve read several threads about how to install pre-filters (with some ingenious rock guard ideas BTW), but have not come across any opinions as to which is actually the best pre-filter. I’m leaning toward the Racor RK32313 as that seems to be what Chevrolet recommends, and I've had good luck with Racor in the past. I had a Racor 500 in my last diesel (97 Ford) and it worked flawlessly. Most of my long haul driving is in Mexico, which occasionally has algae in the fuel. I would change the Racor filter cartridge every 3000 miles and it would have a decent amount of algae with some water in the bowl. When I checked the OEM main filter though, it was squeaky clean. I finally quit checking the main filter and only changed it at the mfgr. recommended mileage.

My questions are:

What is the best pre-filter? Racor? Baldwin? Other?
Is the Racor 500 applicable to the Duramax? If so, is it better or less effective than other pre-filters?

Thanks for your suggestions

Bumping to the top of the active topics to see if someone has an answer

I have no hands on knowledge of the filters you mention. the Nicktane filter with a Cat 0749 2 micron filter seems popular and I have had two of them on two trucks. Like it alot. Also, there is a 1 micron filter availabel for the Nicktane now. Nicktane has it's own little spot out here, check it out.

Dane

I installed the lubrication specialist filter, see this thread if interested:http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=261029