NissanDiesel Forums

I know these are not the factory fuel filters, but is there a problem with using them. They have 5/16 inlet and outlets which i like and are on opposite ends. I have two of them connected in line at my fire wall.

I've had one on the inlet side to the main filter unit ever since I started driving the truck. I replace it annually and find no serious dirt in the paper element which I cut out of the filter and examine before disposal...

N_R

dn29626 wrote:I know these are not the factory fuel filters, but is there a problem with using them.

Fram G2


That's a paper element. The OEM filter is a wire mesh. Yes, it's a problem. See my Tale of Woe for details.

The summary is that that filter is in a suction portion of the circuit, and the lift pump can't suck very hard and diesel (and esp. biodiesel) becomes too viscous at low temps for the lift pump to suck through a paper element. For hard numbers, see the link above.

Second that. Drove 200 miles through backwoods Alabama at 40mph because of Fram paper filter. Looked fine - little fuel flow. Was going 25mph last couple of miles. Replace secondary fuel filter with a Wix - no joy. Read Al's tale and bought a cheap clear fuel filter with a mesh. Cranked right up after I primed the injector pump. You can get a similar clear filter at Walmart in the boating section for under $10. The connections are end to end, but otherwise works great.

benquick wrote:...bought a cheap clear fuel filter with a mesh. Cranked right up after I primed the injector pump. You can get a similar clear filter at Walmart in the boating section for under $10...

I thought the package said that filter was only for carburated gasoline engines.

In this case it is only used to catch the big stuff, not as the sole filter. Its components can stand up to gas or diesel. The real work is done by the big secondary filter.

It should be noted that, although the OEM mesh filter is only available at Nissan, it's only about $11, so unless you can't get near a dealer (I just order it mail-order), there's no reason to go aftermarket.

The mesh filter is to protect the lift pump from boulders & bugs. It doesn't protect the injection pump itself; that's what the big, expensive secondary filter is for.

The lift pump is a pretty basic and robust pump. Old carbureted engines with diaphragm pumps didn't use a filter before them. I think the reason Nissan put one on the SDs is due to the piston pump design, as opposed to the diaphragm design that's more common.

Will adding a 12v pump help, perhaps just before the primary filter? Is there a preferred location for a 12v pump?

My nissan dealer says the OEM primary filters are no longer available.

I got curious and have been doing searches of diesel mercedes filters and learned the Wix 33006 (elbow on top) and 33007 (straight) are available at oreillys (has the best prices on these) and several other brands are also available at Advance and Autozone. Micron rated at 50 to 75.
I already purchased one of each to try.

I am going to hold off on the 12v pump.

I do have one of these small lift pumps.
The specs for it are here:

http://nissandiesel.dyndns.org/viewtopi ... 3561#13561

And here:

http://nissandiesel.dyndns.org/viewtopi ... 6&start=15

I also use a small inline filter # GF-204 which has a paper element within it. I use a screen type pre-filter to catch the sticks and rocks and bugs like Al refers to. I use this paper inline filter to basically make the more expensive PITA to change filter last longer. I have had no problems thus far and have been using them for 2 years now with no adverse effects. I also keep an eye on them and change them every 10,000 km. The small inline pump I have "pushing" the fuel through all filters and traps. The low pressure and the "by pass" feature of this pump allows for the regular lift pump on the Kiki pump to operate as normal if I were to unplug the electric one. This electric one also makes for real easy fuel system bleeding when I change the larger more expensive filter.
I have a VE style pump and do not know if the lift pump between the two is different or not.
FWIW

Paul

plenzen
Does the 12v pump make this a self purging system or must it still be purged when doing a filter change? (My 2001 F350 diesel is self purging.)

Self purging.
I simply turn the pump on after a filter change and listen to it change tone after a few moments. Then, just start the truck and let it idle for 5 mins or so and drive away. If you were anxious about using it all the time you can just unplug it after it bleeds the system and drive as normal.

Paul

Thanks.
I prefer self purging. I will check for a local 12v pump source first.
How long have you had the 12v pump on yours?

Almost 3 years now

dn29626 wrote:My nissan dealer says the OEM primary filters are no longer available.

Sure?
http://www.nismoparts.com/cart/?pn=16401-36W01
http://www.courtesyparts.com/-p-260840.html
http://www.nissanpartsdirect.com/oempar ... earchAll=1

A supplemental electric pump is not necessary with the SD22. Electric fuel pumps are one of least reliable items added to vehicles.