Fuel Filter clogged

[hitch]

Vehicle = 1981 720 SD22 with 99k miles. I have about 4k miles on the current fuel filter. The truck was running great, then a couple of weeks ago, I noticed it cranked just a little longer before starting. Then the last time I drove it, Saturday, I noticed a couple of stumbles, then a sporadic loss of power for just a second or two. By the time I was nearly home, about a 10 mile trip, I feared I would not make it up a couple of grades as the engine barely kept running. I ordered a fuel filter and installed it today. Now it is running like new! It seems like that was a very short life for the "WIX 33393" as I only drive about 100 miles per week and mostly on Saturday. I'm going to keep a spare filter in the truck from now on and possibly change it every oil change. Is that over kill, just seems like something as easy as a fuel filter could leave you stranded in very short order if you drive many miles in these trucks. Does Diesel have a higher propensity to be contaminated than gasoline, could I just have gotten a bad tank of fuel?
BTY, thanks everyone for the forum posts, has helped me tons with this truck.

[Nissan_Ranger]

Nothing is more critical than clean fuel AND fueling practises. I won't fuel when it is raining or when the station tanks have just been filled. I don't see a need to change filters at every oil change unless I knew there was a problem with dirt in my fuel tank. As a matter of fact, my current 33393 filter has been on for 4 years now without a hitch. It's the second filter on the truck since I started driving it. I do have a clear plastic primary filter which is still clean from day one. The first 33393 had a hole rust through a scratch in the paint! Dang salt!

N_R

[dn29626]

Install a clear wix 33972 before your 33393 metal filter. They are not OEM for the 1981 but are for 1982 and later.

When i see trash in my 33972 or start loosing power (if you can call it power), i change the clear 33972.

[hitch]

Thanks dn29626, that is the info I needed. I understand "before the screw on wix 33393" but would I be better off putting it between the tank and lift pump, or between the lift pump and the 33393. Wondering how well the lift pump can handle trash. On the 82 and newer, which side of the lift pump is the clear 33972?
Thanks for the reply

[dn29626]

The 33972 is mounted on the firewall between the heater hoses and the engine on 1982 and later. I will look for a picture for you.

The fuel line comes under the cab to the 33972 then to the 33393/33224.

On yours i think the line under the cab goes directly to the 33393.

[seasemesnap]

I had same problem from this brand fuel station fas Gas . I keep extra fuel filter around just in case i ever get water in my fuel . mine has a purge system right on the outside of housing .