The dictionary states that a filter is a porous device for removing impurities or solid particles from a liquid or gas that are passed through it, this adequately sums up the types of filters Norden Hydraulics stocks for use in motor vehicles.
Motor vehicles have filters for various uses from air to fuel and oil filters, the filters in the Speedflow range are used as fluid filters and come in a range of sizes determined not only by their physical dimensions but also by the micron size of the filter element material.
Microns are the measurement used to determine the efficiency of a filter, and in this case the smaller the number the better the filter as it means the material the filter is made of is finer and allows less particles through.
A micron is a unit of measure in the metric system equal to 1 millionth of a meter in length (about 39 millionths of an inch). The average cross-section of a human hair is 50 microns.
Generally, a fuel system pre-filter (before the pump) uses a 25 to 400 micron filter. This filter is to catch larger particles allowing smaller partials that can flow throw the pump without preventing any damage and clogging prematurely the final filter (after the pump) that is 1 to 74 microns. High-performance fuel injector manufacturers recommend a 10 micron or finer filter.
However, it is not always useful to have a very fine filter as with most things it depends on the use, you have to take into account flow rates, fluid type, microns and space constraints. If you are unsure of the filter to use please contact the specialists at Norden Hydraulics who can advise you.
Norden has a range of fuel filters:
The micro filters are available in two connections, screwed or hose tail fitting. These are the smallest filters in the range with a body length of 28mm making them perfect to place inline where space is limited or only a small filter is required. The body is machined from 6061-T6 aluminium with hard anodised finish and fitted with a 44 micron pleated disc screen.
This series is suitable for applications that are tight on space but require a high flow rate and come in a variety of elements from 10 to 100 micron.
Also available in this range is the Inline Filters 601 Metric and Check Valve Series, this range of filters has a built-in check valve to allow fuel to only pass into the filter and hold the filter full of fuel. It is also available in either an M12 or M18 outlet making it suitable for aftermarket fuel pumps and are machined from high-quality 6061-T6 aluminum and hard anodized.
The 602 long series is the big brother of the 601 series, measuring 45mm (1.75”) with a body length of 145mm (5.725”) plus the fitting length. These are available with M12 inlet or M18 outlet ends making them also suitable for applications such as aftermarket fuel pumps.
This series comes in a variety of elements from 10 to 100 micron.
As with the 601 series the 602 series is available in a long, metric and check valve type in which the inlet side of the filter has a built-in check valve to allow fuel to only pass one way. Available in -6, -8 and M12 x 1.5 metric to suit aftermarket fuel pumps.
The 603 Mega Series is the newest addition to Speedflow's range of filters. Measuring 63mm OD with a body length of 177mm plus the fitting length. These have an element area of 649cm2 with a choice of 2 micron sizes. The unique end cap design locates the filter element without the need for a spring to hold it in place. Machined from quality 6061-T6 aluminium and hard anodised for maximum protection. Designed to be used for inlinefuel and oil applications.
This filter has -12 female )-ring ports which allows the 920 series adapters to be used to convert it to -06, -08, -10, -12 or -16.
The 603 Mega Series is the newest addition to Speedflow's range of filters. Measuring 63mm OD with a body length of 177mm plus the fitting length. These have an element area of 649cm2 with a choice of 2 micron sizes. The unique end cap design locates the filter element without the need for a spring to hold it in place. Machined from quality 6061-T6 aluminium and hard anodised for maximum protection! Designed to be used for inline Fuel and Oil applications.
These include an M12 sensor port located on the inlet end cap of the filter.
Can be plugged off using 814-MM12-BLK or converted to 1/8" NPT with 912-M12-02-BLK.
Norden’s range of scavenge filters are available as either straight or with a 90 degree bend at one end and designed to be placed on scavenge lines to protect the dry sump pump from debris during a major engine failure. The series of scavenge filters are available in a variety of sizes and options and in either black or blue anodized aluminium.
A fuel filter simply because of the job it performs needs to be changed as it traps impurities and so after a time these will build up, substantially impeding the flow of fluid or fuel and in extreme instances the flow can be totally stopped.
It is impossible to say how often to change a fuel filter as it depends very much on the quality of fuel being passed through it. A good high quality fuel will have fewer impurities and so the filter will need to be changed less often. However, even the best quality fuel can pick up impurities lying in the bottom of an old fuel tank – in car or in at the petrol station. Picking up impurities from a car’s fuel tank is especially common if you have driven a car to almost empty.
The best bet is to follow the manufacturer’s specifications but that may not always be possible, a good rule of thumb is to change a fuel filter every 20,000-40,000 kilometres. But it is only a rule of thumb as sometimes you can start to feel that a filter needs to be replaced as there may be an increase in fuel consumption, lack of power on acceleration, or the check engine light comes on in modern vehicles. In worst case scenarios, the car comes to spluttering halt as it cannot get enough fuel.
Fuel filter replacement is to be tackled with due care and must be tested afterwards not replacing a fuel filter correctly can lead to under bonnet fires.
First, find the fuel filter and inspect it before removing it from the vehicle, look for signs of external wear to see if it is rubbing or hitting against anything and check the ends for any signs of leakage, look at the hose connections and check for wear and tear. If there is any leakage or hose wear replace the hose/hoses and/or connectors.
Relieve the system of fuel pressure before disconnecting the hoses from the filter then remove the filter and if possible check to see how dirty or worn it is inside to use as a gauge to determine how often to change it. Replace the filter with a new one and make sure the connections are tight then pressurize the system and check for leaks and flow where possible.
Through countless hours of design and testing to ensure the best filtration available on the performance market, Speedflow 601 and 602 series filters have been tested to be flowing well in excess of 15GPM (53LPM) with minimal pressure loss using a -10 unit. These units are usable for applications over 3000HP!
With a huge range of replacement parts available including weld necks and caps, 100 series sockets, centre nipples and 400 series collars conveniently available you know where to go if you have a damaged part.
