Fuel filter / Engine filters are one of the important components in heavy equipment. In the field, many cases of damage injector and fuel pump occurs only because of errors in filter installation or even late replacement.
Starting from cleaning the filter area to doing priming & bleeding, this article will discuss step-by-step how to install fuel filter true heavy equipment.
Furthermore, You will also get information about when fuel filter must be replaced, how to replace it until the signs fuel filter must be replaced.
Let's just discuss it.
What is a Heavy Equipment Fuel Filter and Its Function?
Fuel filter is a component that functions to filter fuel from:
- Air
- Solid feces (dust, karat)
- Micro particles that are harmful to the injection system
Without a good filtration system, Dirt from the fuel will enter the injection system and cause:
- Faster injector wear
- Fuel pressure drop
- The engine loses power
Fuel contamination is one of the main causes of injection system failure in modern diesel engines.
Why Fuel Filters Must Be Installed Correctly?
Minor error during installation fuel filter can have a big impact on the entire working system of the machine.
Impact if installed incorrectly fuel filter:
- Air enters the fuel system (air lock)
- Fuel flow is disrupted
- The engine is difficult to start or stops suddenly
- Damage injector and fuel pump
Small particles (<10 micron) mixed into the fuel can significantly accelerate wear of injection components. Therefore, installation fuel filter the truth is an important factor, not just an additional procedure.
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Fuel Filter Type: Pre Filter & Main Filter
Before discussing how to install fuel filter correctly, You should know the difference between pre filter and main filter.
1. Pre Filter (Primary Filter)
Pre filter is a filter that functions as the initial protection of the fuel system.
Detailed functions of pre filter this is as follows:
- Filters coarse particles (dust, karat)
- Separating water from fuel
- Protect main filter from heavy contamination
Characteristics of pre filter this is:
- Usually has a transparent bowl
- Equipped drain valve (water disposal)
- Located before fuel pump
2. Main Filter (Secondary Filter)
Main filter This functions to filter fine particles (<10 micron) and ensure the fuel is completely clean before entering the injection system.
Fill in main filter with solar which is not 100% clean can actually introduce contaminants directly into the injector.
How to Install Heavy Equipment Fuel Filters Correctly
Following are the technical procedures for installation and/or replacement fuel filter true heavy equipment:
1. Turn off the machine and make sure it is safe
Avoid stress in the system, wait until the engine is not hot.
2. Clean the Area Around the Filter
This step applies to pre filter and main filter.
You can use a clean cloth or dry cloth to clean the area around this filter. You can also use air compressor to clean it.
The area around this filter needs to be cleaned because dust or sand can get in housing during use excavator.
3. Leave Filter Long with Care
To remove the old filter, try to use appropriate tools such as strap wrench, chain wrench, cup type wrench or hand lock.
Make sure you rotate counterclockwise.
If there are no adequate tools, You can use a rag or anti-slip cloth.
4. Fill the Pre Filter with Clean Diesel
Use diesel that has been filtered fine filter or a clean cloth to reduce contaminants in the fuel.
Refuel when pre filter still installed or already uninstalled is optional.
5. Apply Oil on Seal / O-Ring
Use machine oil to lubricate seal / O-Ring. Apply engine oil to seal / O-Ring just a little and evenly.
Lubrication on seal / O-ring this helps seal don't dry out and make sure it doesn't fold during installation, and help sealing closer.
6. Install Filter According to the direction of flow
For pre filter – pay attention to the direction of flow (IN/OUT)
For main filter – pay attention to the thread (thread)
When reinstalling or replacing a new one, make sure filter not reversed, avoid cross-thread and tighten sufficiently (hand-tight).
7. Do Priming and Bleeding
What's that Priming ?
Priming is the process of filling the fuel system with diesel before the machine is started.
What's that Bleeding?
Bleeding is the process of removing air from the fuel system heavy equipment.
How to do priming and bleeding:
1. Gundakan hand pump
2. Pump until it feels heavy
3. Open it bleeding (If there are)
4. Let the air out
5. Close when the flow is steady without bubbles
8. Turn on the machine and check
Make sure there are no leaks on the housing filters and machine vibration run stably.
When Fuel Filter Must be Replaced?
General recommendations for duration of use fuel filter ranging between 250-500 working hours.
However, fuel filter need to be considered for immediate replacement if:
- Fuel / The diesel fuel used is of low quality
- The work environment tends to be dusty
- Heavy equipment is often used intensively
Some discussions on the internet say that poor fuel quality can accelerate blockages filter until 2-3 fold.
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- Compulsory! Heavy Equipment Exhaust Emission Standards in Indonesia and the Risks of Violating them
- Heavy Equipment Wastes Fuel? This 7 Causes and Solutions
Signs that the fuel filter has a problem or needs to be replaced
Here we summarize the symptoms fuel filter problems or must be replaced based on work experience in the field:
- The engine is difficult to start
- The power of heavy equipment decreases
- The machine often stutters / brebet
- Fuel consumption increases
- The machine stops suddenly
If one appears, immediately check the condition fuel filter your heavy equipment.
Fatal Error When Installing the Fuel Filter
Based on the experience of several heavy equipment technicians, The following are the most common errors that occur during installation or replacement fuel filter:
- Not bleeding properly
- Wrong direction of filter installation
- Fill the main filter with dirty diesel
- Over-tightening
- Not cleaning the area before installation
Impact if the fuel filter is not maintained
According to research and publications on the internet, If fuel filter not maintained then::
- Heavy equipment engine efficiency can decrease by more than 10%
- The risk of component damage increases
- Operational costs increase
It means, maintenance simple things that are done regularly can save more operational costs.
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FAQ
Whether fuel filter must be filled with diesel before installation?
- Pre filter: can
- Main filter: not recommended
How many hours of use? fuel filter must be replaced?
- Generally 250–500 man hours
What are the consequences of a dirty fuel filter??
- Weak engine, wasteful of fuel, and there is a risk of damaging the injector
Conclusion
Fuel filter is one of the vital components of heavy equipment. Proper installation and replacement is possible:
- Maintain optimal machine performance
- Prevent more expensive damage
- Improve operational efficiency
By following this guide, You can ensure that the heavy equipment works optimally and prevent annoying technical problems from occurring.
Find other interesting articles that discussing topics related to heavy equipment on the website PT Perkasa Sarana Utama (PSU).
PT Perkasa Sarana Utama (PSU) present to provide services rent various heavy equipment with well-maintained units, ready for operation, and has gone through daily inspections (P2H) routine. Each unit is supported by regular maintenance according to technical standards, up to risk downtime in the middle of the project can be minimized.
With the support of a reliable fleet and experienced team, PSUs help ensure work in the field runs more safely, efficient, and on time. Come contact us here!
WhatsApp: 0812-5233-3349
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