Fuel filter change!!!

[KYOUNG]

Just changed what looked like the factory fuel filter on my 09 with 24k on it. I had assumed the truck had had some normal maintenance, but apparently the previous owner had not ever changed the filter! This might be why it seemed to be down on power when i pulled the fiver a few weeks ago. I had bought filters from Genos and had the stocker off Sunday when i realized i needed to put the fs2 shell on it, so i pulled the truck out of the garage with my tractor so i could close the door. Whent to Cummins Southern Plains in Tulsa, Ok and purchased a complete new filter and shell kit for 45 bucks and got it running now...

 

[Bater]

I had my annual diesel shower this afternoon, but now recognize that an added step to the Mopar fuel filter cartridge replacement instructions might prevent that in the future.

The instructions tell you to:

• Loosen drain valve until valve drops
• Collect and dispose of fuel properly.

In my experience all the fuel doesn't seem to drain out, I suspect likely due to the vacuum caused by lack of a way to vent the top of the filter. I think next time I will open the drain, and slightly crack the filter loose as well, so all the fuel drains out, I hope.

Oh and getting the Water In Fuel connector off is a pain in the behind. On my truck it lands right next to a heavy electrical cable and is hard to disconnect.

Today I also realized that I could rotate the hose clamp bolt on the air intake, and cut a small tie wrap on the negative battery cable, so I could lift the filter out the top of the engine. Much prefer that to trying to insert a nice clean filter from underneath my dirty truck.

Anyhow, the whole fuel filter location just plain stinks in general*, given it's such an important item. I'd gladly buy the designing Chrysler engineer(s) a steak dinner, that is if they would climb under my 4wd truck parked in the driveway and change this filter!

Andy

* I have commented before that your 1/2' drive ratchet ends up precariously close to the unfused leads of the starter. I now disconnect the batteries.

 

[KYOUNG]

I changed mine from the top... it will come right out the front through a huge hole behind the radiator. .

 

[Bater]

I changed mine from the top... it will come right out the front through a huge hole behind the radiator. .

Learning on this thread, and the one about 2010 and up fuel filters, that the engineers did improve this location.



I just tried using a wrapped oil filter as a test (about the same size as the fuel cannister), and while it does indeed easily fit down behind the radiator, lack of clearance under the intake housing etc prevents it from turning 90 degrees to get over to the back of the engine where the fuel filter is. Must be some lines and hoses routed slightly differently on your '09 versus my '08. Drats...



Andy

 

[Jim W]

Since I change my filter myself instead of the dealer I have found that for me, it is easier to remove the driver side tire and wheel. I know others will chime in and state that you do not need to take this added step. I have stated that for ME it is easier.

I have changed 5 filters since I bought the truck; the dealer did the first one. Since then I have tried different ways in servicing the fuel filter each time. The last two times the front tire was removed and this although longer process to do was the least mess for me. With the tire removed I do not get a Diesel shower.

I have loosen the water drain valve and allowed the valve to drop like the instructions have stated. I also have tried to vent the canister by loosening the canister and hoping this would allow fuel to drain, it did not work for me. The only thing to do is have a large catch basin and a jug for the diesel to drain into when removing the fuel filter. With plenty of rags and newspaper to wipe up the diesel spill that will occur when changing the fuel filter.

My wife always knows when my filters get changed she can smell diesel in the garage for the next week.

Jim W.