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Category: Diesel Performance

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Is A Draining (Coalescing) Filter Necessary?

A coalescing style filter is a fuel filter which is designed to separate vapors, liquids, soluble particles, or oil from some other fluid through a coalescing effect. As fuel travels through the system, water coalesces (or builds up) on the outside of an element and then sheds to the bottom and drains when the system is shut down.

But do your filters really need this a coalescing style filter, and does it improve performance?
Truth be told, most of these drain-style filters are not capturing the water they were designed to stop. Instead, water passes right through the drain and directly into your injection system. No Bueno! That is the biggest reason why our partners at Fass stopped manufacturing their filters with a drain.
It is extremely important that the flow rating of the filter matches that of the pump. With a coalescing filter, efficiency tends to drop as flow rates rise. So Fass decided to make a change and went to a synthetic media with a water blocking filter and no drain. They call this the “Extreme Water Separator.”
Since the change, Fass Fuel Filters remove approximately 99% of water from your fuel and they do not have a coalescing drain. In comparison, the average competitor’s coalescing filter removes approximately 66%. Additionally, the extreme separator has also shown that it stops particulates down to 2 micron absolute in a single pass!
The extreme water separator attracts and locks water to it and does not let water drain to the bottom when the system shuts down. It is designed to keep the water locked into place. Therefore, a drain was no longer needed. With the new Extreme Water Separator, you can also rest easy knowing that your injection system is safe and efficiency won’t drop as flow rates increase.

Spring Check-Ups For Your Truck

Do we dare celebrate the end of winter here in Washington? I sure hope we can! And if this is indeed the case, you will want to start preparing for warmer weather. Winter consists of harsh weather that can really do a number to your truck. As the weather starts to warm up, you will want to “take stock” of the impact it had and prepare for the nice weather ahead to ensure it’s in good driving condition. This can lead to some general maintenance and potential repair work. You may also want to reconsider any potential performance upgrades that you have considered in the past.

When it comes to Spring check-ups for your truck, Flying Wrench Services performs a full 100-point inspection. If you are a DIY truck owner, you can use this list to make sure you’ve considered these major factors as well.

Under the Hood

Check Engine Oil – This may seem like a no-brainer, but you will want to check levels and top it off if you have some time before your next change. Of course, it’s best to just do a change altogether and start Spring off on a fresh note.

Check and Top Other Fluids – Again, this may be a no-brainer but this goes beyond just a simple washer fluid and coolant check. You will also want to be sure to check and top-off your gear oil, transfer case fluid, DEF (when applicable) and transmission fluid.

Check the Battery – Winter can put a lot of strain on a battery. Check the terminals for corrosion and if you suspect any issues that may not be visible, bring it into our shop.

Check or Change Air Filters – Be sure to check air filters for debris buildup and if they are close or beyond their sell-by-date, replace them. Additionally, check your cabin filters to ensure proper functionality of the air conditioning.


Outside of Truck Maintenance

Check Windshield Wipers – Constant use during the wintertime can beat up your wipers in a hurry. We will check and replace them if a replacement is needed.

Undercarriage – This includes an inspection of the u-joints, driveline, steering and tracking components, and suspension components. If you are inspecting these components yourself, be sure to look for looseness and impact damage in the ball and socket joints. The best time to grease applicable components is when the load is off the steer axle. For the u-joints, look for looseness and rust in the roller ends. Also inspect the propeller shaft for damage and if the balance weights are present.

This is just a quick rundown of the important things to look for when performing a Spring check-up on your truck. If you think your needs go beyond a simple check-up and that you’re in need of wholesale replacements, it’s best to bring your truck to our shop. Our 100-point inspection will make sure that no stone is left unturned as we prepare you for off-road adventures and Springtime fun!

Concerning Diesel Truck Trends in 2023

Some concerning trends have been occurring here in the shop during the first half of the year. Our main goal is to keep our customers on the road and not be vulnerable to breakdowns and the frustrations that occur during those times.

4th Gen Cummins, (2010-2017): We’ve observed multiple engine failures due to a heater grid mounting bolt breaking/ melting off, falling into the intake, and passing through the engine. This causes catastrophic engine failure and requires a replacement engine. There is a great preemptive solution built by Banks, check it out here: https://www.flyingwrench.net/product-page/monster-ram-intake-system-by-banks

6.7L Ford , S&S Motorsports has come out with a replacement for the problematic CP4 injection pump. For the vehicle with the disaster kit, it’s very helpful but not 100% effective. In comes the solution from S&S Motorsports teaming up with Pure Power Technologies. They developed a CP4 to DRC Conversion. This is a no-tune application and guarantees that lubrication fuel can not get into the injectors. Check out the write-up here: https://www.flyingwrench.net/product-page/6-7-powerstroke-s-s-cp4-to-dcr-pump-conversion-by-s-s-diesel-motorsport

We’ve observed a lot of fuel-related issues. Whether it’s plugged filters or pump and injector failure, fuel-related issues are on a steady rise. So here at Flying Wrench Services and Performance, we are recommending tightening filter replacements from 10,000 miles to 5,000 until this issue abates. Filters are cheap, injectors are expensive. We have also had great luck with Dynomite Diesel’s fuel treatment, Injector Protector, check it out here: https://www.flyingwrench.net/product-page/injector-protector

All these products and more are available through the shop. If you have any questions feel free to email George: [email protected] or Bernie : [email protected] to answer any questions.

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