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Filters also will accumulate "sticky" leftovers from the refining process. Asphaltenes for example. These are smaller than 5 micron, but will stick to the filter, gradually plugging its pores up.
Good information. Asphaltenes came up in a recent thread thanks to Dennis.
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Asphaltenes are actually small particles, but clump together.
"Dark Fuel
Asphaltenes are a bituminous material found in most diesel fuels with the concentration varying between batches and geographic location around the world. They are a natural contaminant from the refining process of producing various fuels out of a base crude oil. Asphaltenes are not soluble in fuel and are generally less than 2μm in size in their natural state. However,
within diesel fuel they have a tendency to agglomerate, forming clusters in the order of 100-200μm, making them a key component to premature fuel filter blockage. Asphaltenes are NOT always filtered out by fuel producers in the refining process due to their small size and the expense of removal."
"Do you see black specs floating in your fuel? Does your diesel fuel appear discolored and darker than normal or are your fuel filters black? Do you notice you are losing MPG? Asphaltene might be your problem!
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Fuel Scorching Leads to Asphaltene Buildup
Simply put, the injector operates with a large amount of pressure and at a very high temperature and unfortunately it can scorch the fuel. This burning can create a black asphaltene buildup. The small pieces of asphaltenes, which contain carbon, group together forming larger clusters that can even plug the fuel filters and lead to a shorter filter life. This can cause lost MPG in your vehicle and that means you are wasting money and not getting the most out of your fuel.
Asphaltenes can be present any time of year and is all too common so be on the lookout! You should know that if you have asphaltenes,
they won’t go away on their own and need to be treated by a fuel professional. If you believe you may be experiencing this issue, contact us today so that we inspect your equipment and properly treat your problem."
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My fuel filter change interval is every other oil change. That works out to about 28,000 miles with my typical ASSYST prompted oil change interval. Similar to Glasseye realizing 100,000 miles came around, my filter replacement schedule has at times fallen apart. Sometimes that has resulted in slightly over 50,000 miles on the fuel filter before changing.
vic
Added:
Glasseye can you post a picture comparing the inside media (the filtered side) to the outside filter media.
The #4 picture that Glasseye posted shows the torn outside section right next to the folded back inside section.