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Donaldson 3-in-1 diesel filters trap both particals and water

Fuel filters are a necessary component of any modern diesel truck. Other articles in this report stress the need to rid diesel of any contamination, especially at the critical moment - just before it enters the fuel injection system. FleetWatch takes a look at a 3-in-1 filter that traps both particulates and water.

Donaldson filters are well known in the trucking industry both as factory and aftermarket components. The company has a modular diesel filtering solution called 'Fuel Manager'. "The system can be custom-configured," says Brian Barber, aftermarket development manager, Donaldson SA. "The base-system can be added to without disconnecting fuel lines."

The Fuel Manager base unit comprises a primary and secondary fuel filter as well as a built-in water separator. "There is a choice of filtration media in the water separator so users can choose one that suits their service interval requirements. The fuel filter media is either 2.5 or 30 micron, depending on buyer requirements," says Barber.

The filter has a see-through water collection bowl for immediate inspection of water and residue levels. "The filter is designed to be spill-free and no tools are required to change filters," Barber adds.

The unit is specifically designed for heavy trucks (350 - 650 HP) and can be mounted on the engine, chassis or frame. The four additional components include a water-in-fuel sensor that signals when water needs to be drained; a hand primer pump that purges the fuel system of air after a filter change and maintains integrity on vacuum-side filter applications, and two heating devices that improve cold-weather starting and prevent fuel waxing.

"The filtration needs of trucks today are pretty stringent," says Barber, "and flexibility and safety are really important considerations when fitting new components to the fuel line. Also, and probably most important to the success of new low sulphur diesel, is understanding the role filters play in keeping engines free of harmful contaminants. When a filter gets clogged, don't blame the filter. Don't puncture it with a screwdriver! Treat the cause. The blocked filter is merely the symptom, signaling the fact that somewhere back down the fuel supply line lies a serious compromise to diesel quality."