Just replaced both OEM and Nicks CAT pre OEM fuel filter. I cut open both filters for comparison. The OEM fuel filter has 11,922 miles on it. The CAT has 10,313. Also, the bottom image is the sediment at the bottom of the CAT filter. The OEM inside casing was spotless but I found 1 tiny brown flake on the water sensor. Truck currently has 34,940 miles on it. Without a problem...knock on wood.


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Dmaxducker


That Oem filter looks awfully clean for that many miles. I would have to say that the Cat filter has done a superb job, especially when you see the sediment in the bottom of the Cat filter. I wonder how the stock filter would have performed with out the Cat? http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Shocked.gif


I can't wait for my Duramax to arrive TPW 02/09/04, so I can install my Nicktane sytem on it. It does appear that it's a very good investment!!!! http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cool.gif


Good filtering to you & your fuel system... Fran


We should all realize that these filters wont prevent failures from happening, but they will help our fuel injection systems last a lot longer with the dirty fuel condition that exists in this country.

I am also planning on installing a CAT filter but am planning on the underhood location. Due to the great filtration of the CAT, as shown above I probably will not change the stock filter for 20k to 30k intervals but change the CAT at the normal 10k. I really like the idea of a CAT filter under the hood, and love the filtration. Whatever filter is added it has to be better than stock.


J

dmaxducker,


Thanks for posting the pics..! Do you recall how much diesel fuel was in the filters when you removed them? Were they at least halfway filled or less? The Cat filter looks like it was at least 80% filled. There has been a lot of discussion in this forum on the need for a LP fuel lift pump, 13-15 psi, to be installed to provide good fuel supply for secondary filtration systems, especially on the Mega filters. I don't pretend to be an mech. engineer, however, I am going to wait until I see these secondary fuel filtration systems become more developed and the bugs worked-out before installing it. Would still like to know about the fuel levels in the filters. Thanks!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

I just replaced my Cat shorty with 11,000 miles and 300+ hours. I can confirm tonight and post a pic. The element is dark all the way to the top so I'm going to change at 7-8K and see. I have ball valves on both the inlet and outlet. My filter was full to the top when I replaced it. The valves worked great. I filled the new one up, spun it on and didn't have to bleed the system at all. Slickhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Approve.gif

Prior to installing a lift pump, my CAT filter was always full to the top when i removed it. it may have something to do with the height of it being close to that of the tank.

Jeli,


I enjoyed reading your post, especially the part about the ball valves being placed on the inlet and outlet side of the filter media. You gotta have a background in plumbing, utility/powerhouse, or HVAC!! Anyway, I think you also may have a anti-theft deterrent mechanism on your hands, too! I'm not a diesel mechanic, but I know that a thief couldn't go too far without fuel to burn. Thats what I like about America, someone always comes up with a better mousetrap. Good Work!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Approve.gif

I just replaced the OEM fuel filter at 15K miles and the Nicktane Cat filter that had 9K miles on it. I think the Cat filter is doing its job because the OEM filter still has a lot of useage left. No rust at the bottom of the OEM cannister. I've been using FPPF Total Power since the Nictane install. Have not had any problems with TP.





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