Best fuel filters for cat acert

Try Fleetgard FS1212 (if I remember correctly) on the primary. Micron size is a good starting point. Some brands have more pleats in the filter and better construction than others. I run a Cat filter on my secondary. I switched to an old style metal screen filter (Cat makes it) for my primary filter. You unscrew the steel bowl,pull out the filter, clean them, and re-assemble it.
Your filter restriction is normal. The 1212 will run 2 or 3" if it fits. The red on my gauge starts at 10" though it runs well until about 15" and quits running at about 22"(fuel gelled up). Most filters run 3 to 5" when new and climb a few inches over their life, assuming a 15-20,000 mile change interval. If a filter starts plugging(around 10 or 12"), it filters finer as the material fills the pleats and the restriction builds quicker. Hope this was helpful and didn't confuse you more.

 

The manufacturer can tell you the micron rating and flow rating(gallons per hour). Yes the restriction gauge works well, otherwise you're just guessing.

 

I don't have a restriction gauge for my fuel filters in my tractor although I'm assuming its just like the filter under for my air filters. I've never seen one that actually worked and I don't trust them. I run WIX filters on my cat. I've noticed no changes between the cat brand filters and the WIX on either motor the ACERT or my 3406. Then again my trucks are serviced every 12k. It also depends on fuel milage I don't care what anybody says. I know I will NEVER get 20k out of a set of fuel filters with the MPG's I get and 15k is pushing it. I keep at least 1 spare set in my tractor at all times. Parts store was out of WIX and I'm running a set of donadsons on there now. Cheap crappy sons a ####### to say the least. Never again!

Cat makes a good filter I won't argue that but you will pay a premium for those as opposed to buying a cheaper filter that is the same quality (fleet guard) I run WIX because that's what my parts store has in stock and I don't want to drive 40 miles for filters. I don't have any complaints on them but I would still say there are better options.

As for power and what not you're the driver don't use the dummy gauge. When you're losing power you know your filters need to be changed.

 

The fuel restriction gauges work well. They are nothing like the plastic air restriction gauges.

 

I run the FS1212 or the wix 33406 on both our rigs depending on which one is available. I try to keep a CAT 0R-749 on the main of both but have run wix or fleetgard. Honestly I am not sure they pull better with a CAT on em but in my mind they do. Like 379 said I carry a spare set and if it hesitates or stutters once I replace em. I have had an algae in my fuel that stopped up the first filter and restriction gauge and pressure gauge showed fine. Added a treatment to kill algae and now they run usually till restriction gauge shows they are due. What is was about algae I'm not sure but filters are cheap, even if I know its not gonna fix it I spin on a new set sometimes I'm wrong.

 

I do not have a Acert, just an old C12. But run Donaldson filters in everything. They are made at the same facility as the CAT filters. Was told they were the same internally, but the CAT filters do get a stronger structure.

http://www.afsifilters.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=frontpage&Itemid=1

 

The Donaldson filters are cheap because __________________________________________________.

 

Cut them open. Dissect the filters. You'll see the difference in your own eyes. You can cut new ones or used ones. It won't break the bank and you'll know yourself the difference.

 

Never a issue due to a Donaldson filter on current truck, nor any with past trucks.

Regardless, good info in general here as well.http://www.thetruckersreport.com/tr...rt-warning-lf9070-fleetguard-oil-filters.html