Fuel filter life

[Lucas]

I am wondering if anyone has added a additional fuel tank in the bed of the truck and piped it to a prefilter setup under the truck bed and gravity feeding the existing tank? I realize a valve would need to be installed to avoid over filling but it should make the expensive fuel filters last alot longer along with the benefits of more tankage. I would probably T into the existing tank fill hose. Also I found a high vacuum indicator for diesel fuel that looks just like the one on the air cleaner. It is offered by Parker/Racor but I haven't found the pricing yet. Any one used these and how do you plumb it in?

[Grumman]

I have an auxillary 90 gallon L tank that has a draw tube hooked up to an electric switch that switches between the factory or aux. tank. Gravity feeds are typically considered illegal in most states. Some will enforce epa regs., some don't really care. I operate the truck in a "hotshot" operation and one of drivers got cited in Texas for having an illegal tank. His was gravity feed into the filler neck. He bought the tank and filler neck adapter from Northern Tool. Just because you can buy something in a store doesn't mean it's legal. Hope this helps.

[Lucas]

Thanks Grumman, I never even thought that it would be illegal!! Have you added any external filtering. I saw a powerstrock in a parking lot yesterday that had your system and they had added a spin on filter that was mounted under the box rail. Is the draw to system and switch expensive, hard to install, and where did you mount your switch. Thanks again!!

[WestCoastCanuk]

Guys,
I learned the hard way that filters are cheaper than repairs. I limped into Lake Havasu City, towing a 14,000 lb fifth-wheel, thinking I might consider a new fuel filter. Turns out it was clogged, and the dealer's diesel specialist told me to change it at each oil change, as per the "Engine Oil Life Remaining" indicator on the truck. He said the Duramax runs a higher-than-normal fuel pressue system, and if there is a fuel pressure drop, the engine management system detects the corresponding drop in fuel volume, and puts the engine into "limp" mode, keeping you down to under 2,000 rpm. Protects the engine (and GM's warranty budget).

I like the idea of bulk-buying filters; cheaper to change it out early than having the dealer diagnosing some 'running problem" !