Any feedback on filter heaters?

rockyridgefarm · Jan 29, 2019

I bought this filter heater a few years ago when my skid steer gelled up. By the time I got it, I had the skid steer going and didn’t worry about installing it... until today. Skid steer started stumbling and losing power, so I headed for the barn and got there before it died. I just installed it and restarted. Skid steer started surging and staggering again for a few minutes, but is now running fine.

Anyone have any long term feedback on these?

jacksun65 · Jan 29, 2019

on trucks I have used many, artic fox, davco, fleetguard etc. I found that the ones that use heat from
the cooling systems work best. Plug in the block heater and heat fuel also. I like the ones with the
filter on top, as the filter plugs the fuel level rises. this is on trucks don't see why it won't work on
tractors.

ed will · Jan 29, 2019

Hi I have a 1983 Toyota 4cyl D. It has a filter heater on it
that comes on automatically. I don't know exactly how it is
actuated. The wires going to it are surprisingly light. Years
ago I went to the T dealer and asked what the wires were for
going to filter on the firewall. They said it was a filter
heater. Ed Will Oliver BC

caterpillar guy · Jan 29, 2019

I assume this is a fuel filter heater. If so I have always found if there was a problem I needed to change filters. I try to change fuel filters in the late fall. That has seemed to solve the fuel filter problems during winter months.
Racor used to have a water separator filter with heater in them. I found they caused more problems than they fixed.

jeffcat · Jan 29, 2019

Just make sure you put it on as snug and tight as possible. If the heat can't
transfer to the metal can it will cut the service life on that heater. The
blanked will have hot spots. Have used similar in circulator systems.

hoghollow · Jan 29, 2019

Had same problem with my skidsteer went to Murray's in Lancaster and bought 7.5 gal
of kerosene and put in skid steer end of problem. Cost 37.00 dollars but happy to have
problem solved.

Bob Bancroft · Jan 29, 2019

I agree. I really appreciate the fuel heater/water separator on my truck. It's heated by the coolant, and has a handy drain on it.

Bob Bancroft · Jan 29, 2019

What's the heat source? Do you plug it into 120V?
My two diesel loaders are running fine. But I went to pump fuel into one of them recently, and could only get a drizzle out of either supply tank! Both had new filters in the fall! A couple days later and a few degrees higher, and I could pump fuel.

TGP · Jan 29, 2019

(quoted from post at 12:07:51 01/29/19) What's the heat source? Do you plug it into 120V?
My two diesel loaders are running fine. But I went to pump fuel into one of them recently, and could only get a drizzle out of either supply tank! Both had new filters in the fall! A couple days later and a few degrees higher, and I could pump fuel.

You need some anti-gel additive.
You can't rely on your supplier treating the fuel, even though they say they do, and probably does, but at a minimum amount.

Treatment, new filters late fall, no heater no problem.
Tom

rockyridgefarm · Jan 29, 2019

(quoted from post at 10:07:51 01/29/19) What's the heat source? Do you plug it into 120V?
My two diesel loaders are running fine. But I went to pump fuel into one of them recently, and could only get a drizzle out of either supply tank! Both had new filters in the fall! A couple days later and a few degrees higher, and I could pump fuel.

They make them in both 12 and 120, but mine is 12vDC, so the battery is the power source. For emergency use, I just hardwired it in and disconnected it when I shut the skid steer off. I'll be putting a switch when I can install it more permanently.

I had also dumped in a half a jug of diesel 911 after I started it and before I started using it, so I can't be sure if the heater was 100% of the solution. It started running rough about 5 minutes after I went out. It didn't stop running rough until about 5 minutes after I installed the heater.

Worst is it'll be 40 degrees and raining by Sunday!

Jim.ME · Jan 29, 2019

I had about the same experience as Bob the other day, about 0F, with a bulk tank filter. Started pumping some fuel and quickly the flow stopped. I had added anti-gel, above the minimum amount, to the bulk tank just before the tank was filled so it would mix. As I did that the driver said they had treated it as well, since it was a late fall delivery. The filter had had little fuel through it since changed and there was no water in its sediment bowl. There is a water sock in the tank and it has not expanded. The filter was totally waxed over when I pulled it out the next day. Some equipment had been fueled with this over the time since it was delivered and we have had no problems with the equipment running. Maybe the difference in just setting in an exposed tank and a running engine having a smaller flow and a bit of heat? Yes, cutting it with kerosene might have prevented it. I have some K1 on hand and will add to equipment tanks if they start having issues.

Any feedback on filter heaters?

rockyridgefarm

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jacksun65

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ed will

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caterpillar guy

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jeffcat

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hoghollow

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Bob Bancroft

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Bob Bancroft

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TGP

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rockyridgefarm

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Jim.ME

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