I've got about 2100 miles on my truck currently. For the first time I've actually had to reset the minder as it was about a quarter inch in. Recently I've done some full throttle-thru the intersection blasts. Only for about 3 or 4 seconds. I've modded my airbox with several 2" holes with screen epoxied and also have the 5.5" alum tube in place of the silencer but that shouldn't matter. My question is, why did this happen and what could I do about stopping it from happening in the future? Are we talking BHAF???

 

Don't worry about the filter minder. It is only a generic indicator for completely stock air intake system. It does not mean anything. You have modified the stock air intake so the filter minder no longer gives any actual indication of air flow. Just check the air filter periodically to see if it needs replacing. If it is dirty replace it.

I have mine on the AFE air intake only to plug the hole designed for it. It is always in the red when I check the filter . I can pull a lot of air now.

 

Well, it seems to me that the filter would be getting a little dirty now with the miles you have and the high demand for air is making the minder start to report it.

 

The filterminder is not a linear device in that it will move a lot more near the end of the air filters life span. It may move like you saw and not move for thousands of miles. It works by measuring the highest vaccuum restriction seen and records it until you hit the reset button. According to what I have read, Cummins specs a max filter restriction of 25in H2O which is in line with almost all the other diesel engine manufacturers. I haven't tested the filterminder but it should record about that at max. You may be able to find information off of Fleetguard's website on the filterminder too. They say to go by it and not go by if the filter looks dirty or not.

 

jkitterman

That is all well and good and I would agree on a completely stock air intake system.

Any modifications or after market air intake systems make it unreliable at best. That is why I check my filter every week. I know mileage, physical condition and how the truck is running and use all factors to decide when to clean or replace filter. Just my.02.

 

"Don't worry about the filter minder. It is only a generic indicator for completely stock air intake system. It does not mean anything. You have modified the stock air intake so the filter minder no longer gives any actual indication of air flow. "

Huh ? Filter minders don't measure air flow. They measure absolute intake pressure ie vacuum levels. A plugged air filter or restricted air intake system will show itself as higher intake vacuum on the filter minder.

I'd say it is time to clean your filter or, if it is already clean, then it is time to look for a less restrictive intake system. If the filter minder is only moving a bit, I wouldn't worry about it. If it is moving a lot all the time, I would do something about it.

"Cummins specs a max filter restriction of 25in H2O which is in line with almost all the other diesel engine manufacturers."

Yes, but less restriction allows the engine to work easier/cooler and decreases the load on the turbo. Turbo chargers operate on pressure ratios and a decrease in the absolute pressure at the inlet will result in a decrease in the ultimately attainable output pressure as well.

 

Ok, I have been spanked and I will go stand in the corner . I will not make that kind of generalized statement any more I promise.

But, the way the Filter Minder is installed on the AFE Air Intake seems to make it inaccurate. I GUESS that the 2" rubber hose and clamps provided with the kit for installing the Filter Minder could have something to do with it. The location of the tap into the tube could be another. Certainly not precise install criteria. With new standard AFE filter installed the "Filter Minder" would pull down to at least 60% on the first WOT. Sustained WOT from 10psi boost level would most of the time pull it down into the red. I do believe that with the new standard AFE Filter and Intake system I am getting more air to the turbo and not less. Sorry, just had to add my last penneys worth.

 

I don't know if you have all read the infamous air filter test from the Duramax site but here is a link to it.

http://home.usadatanet.net/~jbplock/ISO5011/SPICER.htm

There is a good explaination of how the SAE test is performed and how to interpret the results.

When it comes to filtering, quality is the most important factor. I know almost everyone is concerned about horsepower but I really don't see much difference in the filter setup on a stock truck.

 

we have filter minders in our Army 6x6 and they are mounted in the cab a long ways away from the intake through piping . they work pretty good to tell you if the filter is clogged. use it. the book says so. even if your filter has been modified, the gauge should still work. for you guys who are pulling down the minders with modded filter, i would think about how much those filters are really working for you. no matter what the minder is set to pull down when the air is to littel for the engine to run properly. so if it is functioning no matter what filter the truck is using and your engines are not getting enough air. just my take on it.

 

Just to let you guy know, one inch of H2O is equal to about 0.03612 psi or 0.07355 inHg. That gives you a pressure drop of about one psi at Cummins max restriction for a dirty air filter.

 

I have an early '03, HO. Also, I installed an AFE ProGuard-7 air intake system with a Torque Tube. Other than that, the engine is stock.

The Filterminder will get sucked down to the 65% setting with one good full throttle run on both air filter systems. It has been mentioned that the first Filterminders had too weak of a spring in them, causing this problem. I complained to the dealer about it and they said there was nothing they could or would do.

Does anyone know if there was a TSB on this problem. Any numbers would be quite helpful.

Thanks.

Joe F.(Buffalo)

 

about 3 or 4 issues ago there was a tsb on 03 filter reminders........ going to look for it on fritz's website. Dang slow dial-up!

Could not find it on fritz's....... but I know it is a few issues back. Want from part # BLAHBLAH a to # BLAHBLAH AB. Will dig into it more if you do not have the backissue!

 

Whoops........ forgot I was not on the TDR! Going to find backissue of my TDR magazine for your part #.

 

Found it. There is no TSB. But they know about the problem. It is a weak spring that pulls down too easily on the 03's. 53032749 AA is probably the part # you have but you need 53032749 AB. If you play your cards right and are nice to the dealer/service guy he might be able to get you the right part for free. GOOD LUCK. You will probably be buying one if you care that much!

 

Mr. Swamp Donkey,

Thank You, Very Much for all your trouble. I really appreciate your help. I'm taking the truck to the dealer, next week, to have a few things looked at. I talked to them, previously, about the Filterminder but, they wouldn't do anything about it, at that time. Now, that I have some numbers, maybe that will help.

Thanks, Again.

Joe F.(Buffalo)