After the interest in the Frantz toilet paper bypass oil filters, some interest and questions arose over the use of the similar Frantz fuel filters. I obtained one of the fuel filters, and decided to do a flow test to see if enough fuel flow was possible thru the filter using the stock lift pump - fortunately, I have a spare LP, so the test was relatively easy to accomplish. I also have a mechanical fuel pressure guage, a suitable 12 volt battery, and a charger to maintain proper voltage to the LP during testing. Here's the main players in this test - the LP, Frantz filter, and my guage:
Using a 5 gallon can of diesel fuel as my source, I connected all the goodies together, initially simply drawing fuel from that can at floor level, then thru the pump, then the filter, then back to the can - my pressure guage was T'd at the outlet of the LP, between it and the filter. First thing, was checking for proper voltage, measured right at the pump power connector:
YUP - enough voltage!
Next was to clamp off the output of the LP to verify it was putting out proper PSI:
YUP, could get 15-16 PSI, depending on how well I could cut flow off. Next, I needed to baseline all the hoses and the EMPTY filter canister to see how much restriction they placed on the flow by themselves - the fittiings and hoses supplied in the Frantz are all 3/8 stuff - here's what the guage showed in that setup:
HMMMmm - just under 1 PSI...
OK, now install a new TP element, and let's see what we get...
HMmmmm - OK - just under 9 PSI - but what flow do we now have? WELL, I made several test runs filling a 1 gallon jug, and ran a consistent 45 seconds per gallon - that translates to roughly 80 GPH with the LP as used in a 24 valve engine...
SO, where does that leave us? GEE, *I* dunno - our 24 valve VP-44 injector pumps will require a MAXIMUM flow of about 45 GPH - but the unknown is, what will the Frantz setup deliver once connected to the somewhat more restrictive stock lines and fittings on our trucks - and then the restriction of the remaining stock fuel filter? After all, this Frantz isn't suggested to REPLACE the stock filter - only as an added level of filtration over and above what the stocker is capable of. It's suggested that the Frantz fuel filter be installed between the stock LP and the existing fuel filter.
I seriouly doubt many of us would see the same 80 GPH capability in a typical stock installation - then throw in a few miles and some cruddy fuel - then what? In my case, with an added pusher and about 22 PSI to start with, I'm probably safe - but that's just me...
Maybe a little discussion and speculation is in order? What PSI and flow rates are used/needed in the other systems used in these trucks? I see this setup as marginal in a stock full-flow arrangement in the 24 valve trucks, even less than margunal on moderate mods like a Comp box and/or injectors - what about the others?
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