Additional fuel filter for 2500

[Rzrbrn]

I hope I have not put this in the wrong forum.

I am new. I am not a mechanic. I also own a 2005 Jeep Liberty CRD, bought new in 2005, which has 200k miles on it, and on which I have done a couple of oil changes myself, after which I have taken it in to a dealership for all oil changes and engine work. I do this because on the 3rd or 4th oil change I stripped the oil drain plug. The OEM oil drain plug required an Allen wrench. I thought I knew better and installed a more typical male bolt oil plug...within the next 3 or 4 oil changes I stripped the oil pan threads. So after that I just take in every 5K miles to have the dealer put in Mobil 1 0W40 full synthetic as stipulated by the mfg.

I am telling you this so you will have an idea of my limited capabilities.

I just bought a diesel truck, new, 2019 Ram 2500 4x4, 6.7L Cummins. The dealer agreed to include 4 free oil changes. However, I just read that the first differential oil change should be done at 500 miles, so I will probably have that done.

I bought this to tow a 8K lbs loaded travel trailer. I have about 200 miles on the odometer.
I plan of buying my first load of Diesel Kleen after reading about additives on this forum. Never used this in the Jeep.

Now I am wondering if I should add an additional fuel filter, as recommended by someone on an RV forum. I searched on this forum and see that there may be a number of kits available and that some forum members build their own kits. This is way beyond my capability. Has anyone used the following fuel filter kit, and if so, how difficult was it to install? Is there a simpler kit on the market? Should I have it installed by the dealership or some other ASE certified shop?

This is the kit I may try to add to my truck:

http://dieselfuelfilterkit.com/docs/13_install.pdf

Any thoughts will be appreciated.

Henry

 

[Rzrbrn]

I tried to edit my previous post but it was rejected as being to spam like. So Here it is again.

I just reviewed the 2019 Owners manual, Diesel Supplement. It does not say to change the differential oil at 500 miles. Should it be changed at this mileage?

 

[lpennock]

2019 already have dual fuel filters. No need for additional filters since around 2014.

The 500miles is for break in of the gears before you tow heavy. No need to do an additional gear lube change if you don't beat the gears up in the first 500 miles. Doesn't hurt to do it but it isn't necessary. Personally I would consider doing it a 15K miles if towing heave more than I would worry about the 500miles,

 

[Cummins12V98]

OE gear lube is junk IMHO. I would go no more than 5k and change to AMZ/OIL 75-90 SevereGear or another high quality Synthetic lube.

 

[HPSimpson]

You have a rear frame mounted fuel filter and one on the engine mount fuel filter you change both at 15K miles, I did replace the front and rear diff fluid at 5000 miles and used 75-90 severe gear oil.

 

[Newsa]

I would actually caution against adding an additional fuel filter. Suppose the installer doesn't do it carefully and allows debris or metal fragments/particles into the system?

You mighy actually be voiding your warranty?

 

[dieselshadow]

ANY modification to the fuel system puts your warranty in serious deniability territory. First thing they’ll say is “this isn’t factory.”

 

[HPSimpson]

Exterminate adding anything to your fuel system "your warranty " is gone period !

 

[Ozymandias]

You are fine with the OEM filter setup, like mentioned after 2014 it's nonsens to modify it. Before it was recommended and for the real old CDIs it was strongly recommended.

 

[Rzrbrn]

Thank you all. I won't add the filter and I will follow the mfg recommended intervals. Much appreciated.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Stick to MOPAR FleetGuard and RACOR FUEL FILTERS!!!

 

[OrranOakey]

Very good advice

 

[jacknife]

That Fuel filter cap under the hood is a real bear to get off . If you can find someone experienced to help you change them the first time that would be a plus . LEARN HOW TO DO IT GO ON U TUBE easiest way to learn to do basic maintenance . The dealer will screw you royal on fuel filter changes . Buy them on line and do not buy cheap knock offs . Also I always care a spare set of filters and the tools to change them .

 

[Rzrbrn]

I went on line and watched a number of videos related to Ram oil changes and I have bought tools that may make things a bit easier, including an articulated socket adapter. I also found a front fuel filter cap made of metal which I may buy and install at a later date.

Just FYI, my truck did not come with an engine heater cord. At the very least, I will make the first fuel filter change myself and at that time try to plug in the cord. I could not find this cord attached anywhere under the truck, so I bought one from the dealership where I bought the truck. $95.00 for an OEM cord. I NOW see these cords can be purchased on line for $25 or so. At least this OEM cord is encased in a plastic loom. The same dealership quoted me $1500 to install an engine block heater, because it was not listed on the sticker as being on the truck. Turns out all Cummins 6.7 have engine block heaters, and when I pointed this out they said they would only charge $500 if I buy the plug and have it installed. I figure I will first try to do it myself when I make the first oil change.

 

[Dasmoeturhead]

I'd find a new dealership ASAP.

 

[Rzrbrn]

The dealership included 4 free oil changes. That will take me a long time. I am an old man, or so my wife keeps telling me....I hope I can get at least 3 of the four....

 

[lpennock]

I went on line and watched a number of videos related to Ram oil changes and I have bought tools that may make things a bit easier, including an articulated socket adapter. I also found a front fuel filter cap made of metal which I may buy and install at a later date.

No need for the metal cap, the plastic hold up well.

 

[Rzrbrn]

Ipennock, I was wondering about the durability of the plastic cap, thank you.

 

[AH64ID]

OE plastic cap is fine and easy to remove with the right tools, just be sure to drain it first.

As stated the ‘13+ fuel filtration is top notch, one of the best OEM systems out there.

 

[Jim W]

I see no one has mentioned Geno's garage for tools. I would look on page 66 of the latest catalog (107) for tools to open your fuel filter on your truck. I purchased a Dog-bone Fuel filter Wrench for a Christmas present for my youngers son's 2013.5 truck. He has used this a couple of times and said it has work great, did not round off the hex nut on the plastic cap.

Geno's has created several tools to help in servicing our trucks and they are all top-notch tools. I have purchased some of them for my 2008 and use them when servicing the truck.

Another thing I would do is when the dealership services your truck is to ensure that the oil jockeys don't overfill the engine with oil. I know my dealership did this twice with free oil changes. I complained the first time and the service manager stated he would inform the guys who changed the oil, will it never happen. After the second time, I have never been back except for recalls. On surveys that the dealership has asked me to fill out in the past. This is the reason I was un-happy with them and stated I was dissatisfied. I have never heard from anyone.

As far as being to old to service your truck, I am nearing 71 and I still service my truck. I want to know if it is done right. Some things I will take to a local garage that I trust if I don’t have the tools or expertise to do the work.