Old-timer told me to check my fuel filters first and saved me 4 hours

I had a 2015 Peterbilt that kept losing power going up hills. I spent 2 hours chasing air in the lines, replaced a lift pump, even pulled the injectors to look for issues. Then a retired diesel mechanic named Gary from down the road stopped by my shop and asked if I checked the fuel filters. I told him they looked clean but he said to cut one open anyway. Sure enough the inside was full of algae slime from bad fuel. Popped in new filters and some biocide and the truck ran perfect. Now I always crack open a filter before doing anything else. Has anyone else had a simple fix like that save them a ton of time? I keep some spare Racor filters on hand now just in case.

2 comments

2 Comments

simon_wood721mo ago

Cut one open BEFORE you do anything else, that algae sludge hides real good in the pleats. I do the same thing now on any truck that stumbles under load, it saves me chasing ghosts in the fuel system for hours. A cheap utility knife and a spare filter on the shelf has paid for itself ten times over.

robin8361mo ago

Wish I'd learned that trick sooner @simon_wood72... dumb tax on my part.