Filters on fuel storage tanks

JD 4520 · Dec 30, 2021

I have a 250 gal fuel cube on my property that I use for dyed diesel. It has a single spin on filter set up. I have always used a standard fuel filter. I am wondering if I can use a Water Block fuel filter in its place or if I want the Water Blocker filter, I would have to add a second filter set up like the following picture?

LouNY · Dec 30, 2021

As long as it fits yes.

RjCorazza · Dec 30, 2021

I use the spin on water block filter pictured. They are both 10 micron, so it's one or the other.
Some people run a bowl type filter for water and particulates followed by a water blocking spin on. The water blocking spin on filters aren't cheap.
On edit: I pay 1/2 of what they want for that water blocking spin on filter on Amazon.

greenrider1 · Dec 30, 2021

I don't see any benefit from running two filters in series. I also don't use a water block filter on my diesel tank. These filters are all pretty much a standard thread size so it should fit, but wouldn't hurt to check thread size. Any moisture in the tank should condense and fall to the bottom, since water is heavier than diesel. I use a water absorbing "snake" that drops to the bottom of the tank and pulls back out with a string. I've never noticed this thing to have absorbed any water either, and I've never had any issues with water in my fuel. Maybe I'm just lucky. Who knows?

JD 4520 · Dec 31, 2021

I appreciate the feedback. I will go with the water blocker filter and try to find a better price.
As for the water absorber snake, will it only pick up water at the bottom on a relatively full tank?

RjCorazza · Dec 31, 2021

JD 4520 said:
I appreciate the feedback. I will go with the water blocker filter and try to find a better price.
As for the water absorber snake, will it only pick up water at the bottom on a relatively full tank?

Full or empty doesn't matter, the water will always settle on the bottom. I have also dropped a water snake in my transfer tank, but never found any water of consequence.
I also keep the pump intake an inch off of the bottom of the tank.

Oaktree · Dec 31, 2021

How does a water-blocking filter work? Where does the water it blocks go?

3Ts · Dec 31, 2021

The water block filter works by absorbing the water. This causes the media to swell and closes off the minute passages (typically 20 micron sized) that the fuel flows thru. When the flow is restricted enough, you replace the filter.

nyone · Jan 5, 2022

I would change that to a clear housing filter. This way you can see what's going on. Golden rod also makes clear housings with water block cartridge filters.