Fuel Filter Mystery

[Montanabackroads]

Hi folks,

First time posting as I am new to the 5-ton space, but I wanted to start off by saying thank you to everyone who posts on here. In my short ownership, I have already solved a number of problems much more easily by the insight provided by everyone.

Short back story: I purchased an M812 from a seller in Colorado that claimed it was 'well taken care of'. I had decided to fly down from Montana, make the purchase, and drive it back to Montana knowing it would take a couple of days. Well, after about 12 hours in the truck and all of about 80 miles, I called a lowboy and it became a trailer princess for a day.

I started working on doing the normal maintenance last week, oil change, greasing, checking for leaks, etc and got to changing the fuel filter. I think I figured out why it was such a 'dog' trying to drive back. Don't get me wrong, I know it will never be cruising up a mountain pass at 60 MPH, but 4 percent grades were first and second gear at 5 - 10 MPH max.

Anyone have any idea what could have caused this to happen to the fuel filter? I consider myself a skilled gas engine mechanic but I have not spent much time on diesels other than normal maintenance on farm tractors, dozers, etc. Other than age as 'well maintained' doesn't seem accurate, maybe water in the fuel that caused the outer layer to turn to mush?

 

[Mullaney]

Hi folks,

First time posting as I am new to the 5-ton space, but I wanted to start off by saying thank you to everyone who posts on here. In my short ownership, I have already solved a number of problems much more easily by the insight provided by everyone.

Short back story: I purchased an M812 from a seller in Colorado that claimed it was 'well taken care of'. I had decided to fly down from Montana, make the purchase, and drive it back to Montana knowing it would take a couple of days. Well, after about 12 hours in the truck and all of about 80 miles, I called a lowboy and it became a trailer princess for a day.

I started working on doing the normal maintenance last week, oil change, greasing, checking for leaks, etc and got to changing the fuel filter. I think I figured out why it was such a 'dog' trying to drive back. Don't get me wrong, I know it will never be cruising up a mountain pass at 60 MPH, but 4 percent grades were first and second gear at 5 - 10 MPH max.

Anyone have any idea what could have caused this to happen to the fuel filter? I consider myself a skilled gas engine mechanic but I have not spent much time on diesels other than normal maintenance on farm tractors, dozers, etc. Other than age as 'well maintained' doesn't seem accurate, maybe water in the fuel that caused the outer layer to turn to mush?

View attachment 949979

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Yessir, maybe well maintained means something different in Colorado?

Then again too, it may be that as you started driving the truck - the sludge in the bottom of the tank got picked up and passed through the filter - until it couldn't pass any more... You might get a bright flashlight and point it down in the tank. Is it clean and clear? It might have a little algae starting to grow.

Definitely need that filter!

 

[juanprado]

My swag is Fuel contamination with high level of water at some point?

 

[M35A2-AZ]

It maybe Algae in the fuel, I would clean the lines and change all the filters. Try and use some Diesel Kleen in the fuel.

 

[WillWagner]

Water usually makes the pleats wavy. The media in your filter doesn't look too wavy, so there is a little water in it. I have no clue what caused the outer to come apart like that.

What was the bottom of that can looking like?

Maybe bio diesel or an additive?