Oil filter for fuel filter?

[leroyd92]

Im installing a gas filter/ water separator on a carbed truck thats got dirty tanks...

Down the road when i replace the filter, can i use an oil filter or are these special magical items ?

 

[Farmer]

You should use a real spin on fuel filter. Not an oil filter. As most fuel filters have better filtering capability along with media that's capable of water separation.

 

[CT8]

Originally Posted By: Farmer
You should use a real spin on fuel filter. Not an oil filter. As most fuel filters have better filtering capability along with media that's capable of water separation.
+1

 

[leroyd92]

I kinda figured this would be the answer. I had a feeling the fuel filter would have a much smaller micron rating.

 

[DoubleWasp]

Originally Posted By: leroyd92
I kinda figured this would be the answer. I had a feeling the fuel filter would have a much smaller micron rating.


Understatement.

The fuel filters we put in boats are Racor 2-micron units. They also have clear bowls at the bottom to drain separated water, and monitor dirt buildup. That is what you need right there so long as you are still using a mechanical pump. They are not designed to be pressurized, but units that can be pressurized are available.

 

[Rick in PA]

I look at it this way. Manufacturers use the least expensive material that will do the job. I expect an oil filter to be constructed of materials that will resist degradation from the oil, but regarding degradation from fuels... all bets are off. Rubbers can swell and crack. Adhesives can break down. It's not a risk I'd take.

 

[Silk]

With oil filters, the oil enters through the ring of holes on the outside, and comes out the centre hole. With a spin on fuel filter, the fuel goes in the middle, and out the small holes on the outside. I've done it before in an emergency when the centre float of the fuel filter was damaged, and used an oil filter to get them going again...just reverse the hoses...and it needs to have no anti drain back valve.

 

[edwardh1]

use a boat filter, they "trap" water well

 

[edwardh1]

use a boat filter, they "trap" water well, in the bottom

 

[leroyd92]

Originally Posted By: Silk
With oil filters, the oil enters through the ring of holes on the outside, and comes out the centre hole. With a spin on fuel filter, the fuel goes in the middle, and out the small holes on the outside. I've done it before in an emergency when the centre float of the fuel filter was damaged, and used an oil filter to get them going again...just reverse the hoses...and it needs to have no anti drain back valve.



Mine works the same way an oil filter does.

I have the marine attwood system.

 

[4wd]

For new gen HPDI outboards - those spin on's are often a pre filter - and then the fine micron is on the motor.

 

[JMJNet]

Also remember, the Ethanol in the gasoline eats everything.

So the filter material needs to be resilient to the Ethanol also otherwise it will melt and contaminate the fuel system more.

 

[4wd]

I have used Racor on both boats and diesel equipment - IMO - it's one of the name brands that means something ...
Worth the extra bucks over the cheap stuff ...