By Steve Pollock

 

MARTHASVILLE, MO....Today's diesel fuel presents many challenges to a truck owner besides the "High Price." While cetane levels, lubricity, water, dirt particles and waxing have all been discussed in detail, entrained air/vapors in the fuel have not. Although comprehensive data is available through such companies as Cummins, Detroit, Caterpillar, Racor, MSOE (Milwaukee School of Engineering, the foremost school of hydraulic engineering) and other Fortune 500 companies, this data is hard to discover in public articles. Brad Ekstam, President of Fass Fuel Systems and an expert about diesel fuel and entrained air/vapors, has volunteered to enlighten us in a series of interviews.

 

In previous interviews with Brad we found out how the entrained air/vapors get in the fuel and how they affect performance and injector wear. We also learned how the entrained air vapors are removed and the benefits associated with doing so.

 

In this month's article we would like to share some comments from FASS Fuel System owners and their personal results using the FASS Fuel System.

 

Lynn Chapman of Edmonton, Kentucky is the owner of a 1994 Dodge Ram 3500 2-wheel drive pulling truck, "Smoke Showin." The engine is a 5.9 Cummins. Lynn had this to say about the FASS Fuel System: "There was a noticeable difference in performance and increased horsepower in my truck after installing the FASS System."

 

Another satisfied customer is Keith Summers of Stanek Farms. Keith has a 2006 Dodge Ram 3500 with a W/5.9 twin turbo Cummins. Keith commented: "While a factory fuel pump is adequate, the FASS System delivers volume and pressure while removing the air. This allows a better fuel to air mixture and fuel flow from the injectors. The unit is well built and it's been out in the weather under the fender well for 3 years now without a corrosion problem."

 

Owner-operator Arlindo "AJ" Jardin has the FASS Fuel System installed on his 2000 Freightliner FLD 120. His engine is a 3506E 600 hp CAT. AJ said "I had already made several fuel saving modifications to my truck before installing the FASS System. I still had a mileage improvement of .297 mpg. Pretty impressive for a big 16L engine!"

 

Jerry Kissinger, an owner-operator and veteran truck show participant also uses the FASS Fuel System on his trophy winning 1991 Mack Superliner. Jerry raves: "Believe it not, it makes my 800 horse V-8 run stronger and smoother. Fuel mileage went from 5.4 to 5.8 mpg!"

 

Steve Snyder of Wichita, KS writes: "I have a 1982 Peterbilt with a 3506A CAT. I used to struggle to get. 4.3 mpg. The engine was hard to start and ran rough and missed for a few minutes after. It always had air in the fuel return line. The engine surged during idling and smoked bad under a pull. I installed a FASS system and things really changed. The first thing I noticed was how much faster the engine started and ran smooth. The air was gone from my fuel return. After about 50 miles I noticed that the engine pulled better than it ever had. It had 3 lbs. more intake manifold pressure. The exhaust gas temp was 50 degrees less than before. And the biggest thing was it was getting about 4.75 mpg. After about two weeks I settled down and drove a little easier, the mileage came on up to 5.0"

 

John Marple of Georgetown, TX had this to say about the FASS System: "I am writing in regards to your FASS System I bought for my 2000 Western Star with a 500 CAT. Since installing it in late May I am getting anywhere from ½ to ¾ mile better fuel mileage. I run regional in TX, LA, AR & OK. My longest haul is 350 miles and a lot of local work. I have also noticed an increase in my pulling power."

 

Paul Hayden writes: "Thought I would send you some information since installing my FASS System. I am thrilled with it. It does everything you said it would. The truck idles smoother and it pulls better, too. I only have a 2002 International 9200i with a C-12 CAT that has 430 hp with max 1650 lb. torque. Before installing the FASS System my 3 previous tanks of fuel were 5.15 mpg, 5.35 mg and 5.5 mpg. After installing the system my first 3 fill ups were 5.75 mpg, 5.85 mpg and 5.95 mg. Even in the coldest temperatures 5.75 mpg has been the lowest. But as of lately it has stayed pretty consistent at 6.0 mpg."

 

The accolades continue with Mike Burkhart writing: "Hey Brad, you LIED to me. You said this thing wasn’t going to make "Edge EZ" difference in the performance of my 24 valve. My pump must have been very weak. Your FASS woke that thing up. It runs like a raped ape."

 

Dan McDonald of Gainesville, TX had this to say about the FASS System: "Both Darrell and I have FASS on every thing that we drive. Me on my 2001 Dodge CTD and him on his 2002 Dodge CTD and 2000 Ford Power Stroke. We ordered our first FASS System and were immediately impressed with the quality! 3/8" line, big fuel filter, HUGE lift pump! Seemed over built... the way we like it! We installed the new injection pump and the FASS. We immediately noticed the truck ran smoother and was quieter at idle. (Don't worry! It still rattles like a Cummins! Just more refined!) I got one for my truck and now my wife asked, 'What did you do to the truck that made it quieter?' My truck also has more pep from 30-70 mph. We have since installed several for other people's trucks and have similar results with all. I think this is one of the best diesel performance products out on the market today… BAR NONE! Thanks brad for a great product. You have our support!”

 

From Chris Behrens: "The recent installation of your FASS System has performed as well as you said it would. I installed the unit on a Cummins BC III 400 hp with 550,000 miles on the last rebuild. The improved fuel mileage was enough satisfaction but the increased power was better than I expected. My fuel mileage went from 5.1 mpg to 5.6 mpg and that is a combination of highway and rural driving. With that kind of increase the system should pay for itself before the end of the year. The increase in horsepower allows me to pull hills a full gear higher than before. Shifting is smoother since the engine is so much more responsive. The engine idles like a kitten and I noticed that the back of my stacks don’t black as quickly."

 

"I love the product!" writes Eugene Svistun of Centennial, CO. "Technical assistance was very helpful over the phone! Would strongly recommend to other people!"

 

Rick Grambo of Pylesville, MD raves: "Wow! Great product! Works as advertised. Thanks!"

 

David Lastoria of Medina, OH had this to say: "I have a CAT engine that could not find its way out of a wet paper bag with both ends open. This FASS System has made such an unbelievable difference in every aspect. Fuel mileage did not go up much – but power and performance did. Thank you!"

 

Rounding out the praise is Pete Rushbrook of Prescott, AZ: "I love it. I gained ½ gear on hills, lower pyro, smoother starting and running. Wish I did this a year ago!"

 

The folks at FASS Fuel Systems welcome your questions and comments. You can call their technical department at 636-433-5410 or email them at techsupport@fassride.com.

 

You can also visit FASS Fuel Systems at the following trucking and pick-up truck events:

 

Semi Trucking Shows –

• All Truck Nationals, Carlisle, PA

• Great American Truck Show, Dallas, TX

• Canadian Truck Rodeo, Quebec, Ontario

 

Diesel Pick-Up Shows –

 

• Dodge Pick-up Show, Pahrump, NV

• TS Outlaws, Bowling Green, KY

• 4x4 Jamboree, Lima, OH

• Ballie Diesel Racing, Springfield, MO