Any novice owners about to change their fuel filter's, it was very very easy. The only tool you need is a 6 point (important) 1 1/8&quot; socket and an extension on the ratchet.. If you guys pay to have this done, you're literally throwing money away, it's that easy. Bumped the starter and let the lift pump run, then started it, no sweat.<br><br>I do have a question though. Does the raw fuel pass inwards to the core of the filter, or does it enter the core and pass out? My filter was very black both in and out....course I had 19,000 miles on too!<br><br>-Tom-

 

On my '01, the fuel enters from outside the filter, then leaves through the core. I'm sure the '02's are the same, not sure on the '98 1/2's-'99's.<br><br>Later, Rob

 

The black is what the element does when exposed to fuel. Any &quot;tar&quot; would also be in the bottom of the filter. When you change the filter is will always be a dark grey/black after exposure to diesel fuel.

 

The fuel passes from the outside to the center core, same on oil filters. I did my first fuel filter change at 20K miles. Filter was very clean. Did my second last week at 49K miles on the odometer, 29K miles on the fuel filter. Same results, the filter looked clean. I buy my fuel at the same place all the time. I guess they have clean fuel. As you said...piece of cake to change this filter. I usually bump my starter twice to insure the filter if full before I fire her up.<br><br>Vic-

 

OK, so just because it was black doesn't mean it was dirty then? I didn't notice any accumulation of crud on the filter, but it was coal black. Thanks!<br><br>-Tom-

 

[quote author=Smoke Dog link=board=4;threadid=6825;start=0#64492 date=1036879305]<br>The black is what the element does when exposed to fuel. Any &quot;tar&quot; would also be in the bottom of the filter. When you change the filter is will always be a dark grey/black after exposure to diesel fuel.<br>[/quote] <br><br> <br> I have never had one come out Black, a real light grey but never black. ???

 

[quote author=CHUCK3 link=board=4;threadid=6825;start=0#64552 date=1036890932]<br>[quote author=Smoke Dog link=board=4;threadid=6825;start=0#64492 date=1036879305]<br>The black is what the element does when exposed to fuel. Any &quot;tar&quot; would also be in the bottom of the filter. When you change the filter is will always be a dark grey/black after exposure to diesel fuel.<br>[/quote] <br><br> <br> I have never had one come out Black, a real light grey but never black. ???<br>[/quote]<br><br>Yeah, what Chuck said. My last was OEM (first filter change at 7100 miles ((it was a BOMB party and good time to learn)). Replaced it with a fleet guard so we'll see.<br><br>~Dave

 

I use Stanadyne, but it's a light amber color. All of the Stratapore filters I've changed (not only mine) have been a dark grey. After they sit and drain they will turn a light grey but while loaded with fuel they are a lot darker.