In wintertime, I always have short life of my fuel filters. Whats the problem and how can I avoid it?
Short life of fuel filters in winter is caused by plugging of the filter due to fuel waxing. Fuel waxing occurs when paraffin in fuel starts to “crystallize”. To avoid this problem, Cummins Filtration recommends the installation of an electrical heating element, called PTC (Positive Temperature Controller). PTCs can be connected on 12V and 24 V DC systems. PTC elements are self-regulating and self-protecting heaters–they do not require an additional thermostat in the fuel system to control the heating function. Cummins Filtration has PTC adapter kits in its product range to fit the heater between the existing filter head and spin-on filter. When fuel filters are mounted in suction line, this is a good solution to the problem. Most European engine manufacturers have Bosch/CAV type injection systems, where fuel filters are installed in pressure line. With these systems, Cummins Filtration recommends installing a combination of PTC-kit with FS-filter in suction line. Depending on the req
