[sfm629]

Had the check engine light come on so took my 2014 eco diesel in and was told there was a fuel restriction.
This is what was found in the fuel filter/water separater. Looks like fiberglass fibers. The filter is a Duralast ff238dl approx. 3 months old.
Has anyone seen this issue before? The filter doesn't look like it is made of these fibers. Other than someone messing with my fuel tank, where can these fibers come from.
Potentially looking as a major repair.
Any input/ideas would be greatly appreciated.

 

[ajb3015]

That is definitely an odd one. I don't think anything like that could get from the tank, through the pump, and into the filter, so I would guess it came from the filter. For future reference, it's best to stick to the mopar fuel filter. Aftermarket fuel filters seem to cause more issues.

 

[TexasJoe]

Have to agree on the aftermarket filter assessment, there is questionable quality issues with them, this fuel system is too expensive to not go OEM. I seen some pretty bad products on ebay as well.

 

[sfm629]

Thank you for the replies. The truck is still in the shop. Hopefully it was caught in time to keep from having too big a problem.
Could be really expensive. Not sure how the filter could break down into these fibers. I'm waiting for the mechanic to tell me the extent of the problem.

 

[Captainmal]

Juzt thinking... often tat is wrong but anyhow. Those fiberglass strands are on the outside of the filter. Guessing that means they came in from the fuel tank and through the in-tank fuel pump.

Diid they get into the injector pump? If not, then the filter worked. Now where that mess came from is still a mystery. Sure doubt it is related to having the filter come apart.

 

[MR. TED]

I cant see pieces of that size going through the screen and the pump in the tank ....

 

[Patroller8D]

I suspect the inside of the filter either desintigrated or wasn't properly made at the factory. I don't care what brand of TP I use to knock the Klingons off Uranus, but for the truck oil and fuel filters I won't take a chance. I think at the next fuel filter change, I will dissect the filter and see whats actually in there, maybe someone who does their own can do the same if it's close to change time.

 

[Brokedownbutgood]

The outer water separator membrane some brands use is a fiber media thats pressed together. It looks like the outer layer of your filter came apart. The fuel flows from outside in and repels any free water to drop and rest in the bottom where you can drain it off.

 

[sfm629]

Well good news. It appears the pieces stayed in the filter area and didn't get to the pump or injectors. Cost $550 to check and flush everything out.
Truck is running fine. Still a mystery where these came from. The old filter looks intact so who knows?

 

[TexasJoe]

I see that Autozone branded filter fell apart so strange, in my younger days I used to think I couldn't afford to spend more on OEM or better quality parts, as the years have passed I've learned I can't afford not to spend more.

Glad it didn't cause any additional damage

 

[sfm629]

Yep. OEM from now on.

 

[sourdo]

I used a NAPA fuel filter once for my Ecodiesel, when I changed it, it was shaped like a football.

After that it was OEM MOPAR, those filters are hell stout looking too.