What is the best fuel filter for a Davco?

There are a ton of filter replacement options for the Davco, but which one have you found to perform the best? Or do you think they are all the same.

So far, all I have used are Fleetguard and Baldwin. Up until my current truck, really didn't notice which was better because the Davco wasn't the primary filter, so it was a 25 micron filter. Filter never came close to being clogged up between oil changes (40-50k miles).

Now, running a 7-10 micron filter (I would prefer to stick with a 7 whenever possible), filter life has become an issue, at least during the winter months.

A couple weeks ago, I found out that Fleetguard had 2 different 7 micron filters for my truck. I have the Davco 382, small housing. One is the Elemax, easily identifiable, and other one that Speedco tried to put in my truck that is a fleetguard, without the paper on the outside like the Elemax. Not sure if it is some bulk item that they are getting from fleetguard or what. They told me it is cheaper than the elemax, but lasts longer. I told them to remove it and put the same filter in there that I had in the truck when I arrived. They weren't happy, but they did it.

So, that got me to thinking as I was sitting and looking to order some filters. Which is the best brand to go with? Baldwin? Wix? Fleetguard? Donaldson? Luberfiner? Have another preference?

One thing I know about fuel filters, just because they plug up faster, doesn't mean they are working better. Sometimes, the material on the inside is just inferior.

I have always liked Donaldson filters, never used on in a Davco though. No reason why, just haven't.

Curious as to what your preferences might be though.

 

[Mike]

I find it hilarious and that y’all have to change fuel filters so much. Mine gets changed at service. I have a spare in case of gel up in the winter but, 38000 is what they run without a change. What are y’all doing wrong to have to change filters so much? I am only allowed to get crappy pilot fuel.

Glad you are laughing at my expense, lol.

I Chang mine when it is full, which is quite often. It’s a 7 micron filter in a small Davco 382. This is the only fuel filter my engine has.

 

[Mike]

The Davco 382 has a small and a large bowl. Mine is the small. Can you replace it with the plus size, or are the units themselves different? I would like to use the larger filters.

 

[Ontario Outlaw]

The Davco 382 has a small and a large bowl. Mine is the small. Can you replace it with the plus size, or are the units themselves different? I would like to use the larger filters.

I use a P550467 filter. What do you use?

 

[Electric Chicken]

Glad you are laughing at my expense, lol.

For you it's tax deductible. So I mean...

 

[mndriver]

Large bowl is a 482. Entirely different housing

 

[r3gulator3]

The Davco 382 has a small and a large bowl. Mine is the small. Can you replace it with the plus size, or are the units themselves different? I would like to use the larger filters.

If the oring for the bowl is the same size it would work. I am only familiar with the super wide and and the medium one that’s on my current truck and those do not cross change. However I did go to a davco class and they said if the wrench will fit both units and the oring is the same size you can interchange the parts, no need to look it up. (Not kidding the guy actually said that)

 

[Ontario Outlaw]

If the oring for the bowl is the same size it would work. I am only familiar with the super wide and and the medium one that’s on my current truck and those do not cross change. However I did go to a davco class and they said if the wrench will fit both units and the oring is the same size you can interchange the parts, no need to look it up. (Not kidding the guy actually said that)

 

[Mike]

Large bowl is a 482. Entirely different housing

Talking about the 382, there were two different size covers.

I called Davco today, and they said the plus size and standard size covers are interchange.

They proceeded to tell me that mine should be the plus size because all of the units from 2008 forward came with the larger cover.

I got a new cap and cover today, turns out I had the larger cover all along.

Problem has been that everyone is putting standard size filters in it.

Even today, I had Freightliner set out a couple filters with the new cover. When I arrived to pick it up, they had the smaller standard size filters on the counter.

So now I have a new cap, cover, and the proper size filter for the first time.

Donaldson: P550849
Fleetguard: FS19763

 

[Ontario Outlaw]

Davco said the 103100DAV filter bowl I picked up is the larger housing, for a 382. They said they would recommend using the larger filter

Also, they said they partnered with Fleetguard to patent their products. They said Fleetguard has a rubber widget on the top of their filters to help regulate the pressure differential

They said other filters may “be full” but still not be “used up” because they don’t have the rubber widget

Interesting.

 

[Mike]

Davco said the 103100DAV filter bowl I picked up is the larger housing, for a 382. They said they would recommend using the larger filter

Also, they said they partnered with Fleetguard to patent their products. They said Fleetguard has a rubber widget on the top of their filters to help regulate the pressure differential

They said other filters may “be full” but still not be “used up” because they don’t have the rubber widget

Interesting.

Same bowl I just bought. The fleetguard number I posted above is the one you need if you are looking for a 7 micron.

 

[Ontario Outlaw]

Same bowl I just bought. The fleetguard number I posted above is the one you need if you are looking for a 7 micron.

I’m no widget expert but two Donaldson filters have a rubber widget in the same place as a Fleetguard rubber widget
So I don’t know

I think I’d prefer to stay with all Donaldson

I’m surprised it’s hard to find Donaldson filters on the road, though

 

[mndriver]

Talking about the 382, there were two different size covers.

I called Davco today, and they said the plus size and standard size covers are interchange.

They proceeded to tell me that mine should be the plus size because all of the units from 2008 forward came with the larger cover.

I got a new cap and cover today, turns out I had the larger cover all along.

Problem has been that everyone is putting standard size filters in it.

Even today, I had Freightliner set out a couple filters with the new cover. When I arrived to pick it up, they had the smaller standard size filters on the counter.

So now I have a new cap, cover, and the proper size filter for the first time.

Donaldson: P550849
Fleetguard: FS19763

This is what Volvo put in Wednesday



The info from Donaldson

 

[r3gulator3]

Since it’s winter. Just wanted to remind you all to not have trashy fuel. Filter as much as you can. Anything ten micron or less is preferred. But just so you know they can’t actually measure anything less than 5 micron accurately so that 2 micron is an educated guess. But here’s the fleetguard numbers. I recommend fleetguard filtration over any of the others. They make damn good filters folks.



Anywhere between 10 and 2 is good for you.

This are standard size numbers if you need plus size numbers I can get those for you.

 

[mndriver]

My davco will continue to be a 25 micron filter I've also got a spinon primary filter.

 

[Mike]

This is what Volvo put in Wednesday

View attachment 53101

The info from Donaldson

View attachment 53102

That’s the plus size. Small diameter would be a P550736.

I’m currently running a 25 Micron filter the same size as you, only fleetguard. It’s the only plus size Speedco had in Fleetguard. They had other micron in Luberfiner, but those filters are junk, IMO.

 

[mndriver]

That’s the plus size. Small diameter would be a P550736.

I’m currently running a 25 Micron filter the same size as you, only fleetguard. It’s the only plus size Speedco had in Fleetguard. They had other micron in Luberfiner, but those filters are junk, IMO.

@Junkyarddog is going to try the 763 filter in his classic. See if it helps

 

[Mike]

If you are looking for fleetguard filters, here is the page with all the numbers.

Filters for DAVCO Fuel Processors

Filters for DAVCO Fuel Processors: DAVCO recommends Fleetguard Filters with EleMax and StrataPore technologies.

www.davco.com

 

[r3gulator3]

That’s the plus size. Small diameter would be a P550736.

I’m currently running a 25 Micron filter the same size as you, only fleetguard. It’s the only plus size Speedco had in Fleetguard. They had other micron in Luberfiner, but those filters are junk, IMO.

Stay away from lubrifindee and Baldwin. Both those filters are extreme poor quality.

 

[Old Iron]

I just ordered a Davco 382 with electric and coolant heat. Going on a long hood 379.
I'm wondering if I should mount it in the same spot the old water seperater is, or make a bracket and mount it above the steering shaft behind the air intake on the motor. I'm kinda leery of the plastic housing getting hit with something hanging down that low behind the steer tire.
It looks like some have them hanging outside the frame next to the steer tire.
Any pictures how yours are mounted would be great! Thanks.

 

[mndriver]

Should be fine where the old water separator is

My century was where you were talking about and it was not bad for servicing.



My Volvo is in front of the steer on the curbside.