"Guys, In colder weather you will have fuel shortage problems if you run less than 6 microns."

Cat's standard filters for several engines, including the 3116 is 2 micron. Warm climate or cold. The ISBs have fuel bowl heaters and if you put the 2 micron filter either in the fuel bowl or between the fuel bowl and the injection pump, the fuel will be somewhat warmed.

I agree with you on this when it comes to putting the filter on the suction side of the lift pump though. 2 micron is too fine.

Here is my 2 micron filter. It sits between the stock fuel filter assembly, which has a heater and the CP3.
https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...ad.php?t=88082


"This is hard on the already deficient lift pump which will stress your CP3 high pressure pump."

I agree. I assume you've heard of Walbro fuel pumps...

"Use lots of additive in winter to emulsify the water....the crap will stick to the water. Make sure you use an additive that kills algae in the warmer temps. When it warms up go to 5 or 7 micron. I use a 10 micron and replace frequently."

That is the beauty of dual filtering. 10 micron catches the big stuff, just as it would in the stock truck and the 2 micron catches all the fine stuff. Pump wear research has shown the debris that does the most damage is in the 3 to 5 micron range because it easily fits between the precise fitting parts.

"Injectors don't fail because of 9 micron dirt...CP3'$$$$ and Lift Pump$$ do fail because of low fuel for lubrication."

Injection pumps will fail because of 9 micron dirt. Use a high pressure, lift pump and the CP3 won't starve, even as the filters plug.

 

When I had read the Cat study on injector wear (several years ago) I thought they concluded 7um and up were the main culprit for high pressure injectors. Is my memory incorrect or has there been some more recent studies that point to the 3-5um?

 

I had an article around that said 3 to 5. I can't find it right now.

This article says 7 micron, but that was in a hydraulic system where the clearances are greater.
http://www.nicktane.com/images/HDT_article_10-10-03.pdf