Changing fuel filter

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Since I've never changed the fuel filter on my truck I would like to know if it's necessary to change the water in fuel sensor every time you change the fuel filter?? Is it possible to only change the fuel filter ?
Also, when changing the air filter,is it necessary to use any type of sealant on the airbox or does the new filter come with a sealant? It's a 94 3500.

[This message has been edited by Bob Ellithorpe (edited 09-14-2000). ]

 

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What year is it?

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Joe George
Eureka, CA

'95 2500 CC auto 4X4,3. 54,Combo EGT/boost guage,custom switch panel,PacBrake,TST #5,BD valve body,Automatic motorhome steps on both sides,Foldacover hard bed cover,Cummins chrome kit,Black steel grill guard,Front hitch receiver

 

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Originally posted by Joe G. :
What year is it?

1994 3500

 

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Bob. No the "water in fuel sensor" can be re used as long as it doesn't break.
Unscrew drain/sensor from filter, you will screw this back on new filter.
Need to know what year 94-96 different from 97-98.
No sealant or gasket used for air filter housing. Don't change unless filter minder is in red zone. You would be wasting your money.
I have 96 shop manual if you neeed further instructions.

 

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Bob,

Changing the fuel filter is a PITA the first few times you do it. Then it's not so bad. Here's how I do it. There are two relays attached to a bracket on the firewall above the filter that are fastened with one screw. Remove the screw and secure the relays to one side with a piece of wire. That will give you a little more room for your hands. Put a drip pan under the truck and drain some fuel out of the filter by pulling up on the drain valve at the bottom. If you want to check for water drain the first bit into a container of some kind. The water in fuel (WIF) sensor has a two wire fastener that you have to disconnect. I use a small screw driver to pry up the little clip that prevents it from comming undone (don't cuss, I told you it was a PITA). At this point some folks use a filter wrench. I don't because the way I do it is easier. Get a large screw driver and a hammer. Use it like a chisel on the top rim of the filter to unscrew it until it's loose enuff to twist by hand. You will have to experiment to find the best way to get your hands in there and the path to pull the filter out. Hint, reach from the front below. The big center screw may decide to come out with the filter so after the filter is off reach under the bracket and if it's loose tighten it up. Make sure that the gasket comes out too. If it doesn't it's stuck to the bracket. Easy to get loose with your thumb nail. Remove the WIF sensor from the old filter and screw it into the new one. Don't forget to lub all gaskets with fuel. Some folks fill the filter with some fuel. I don't because fuel in a can or whatever may not be clean. Screw the new filter in place. Loosen the screw that fastens the output line at the top of the filter braket with a 10mm socket. Then pump the filter full of fuel with the rubber covered button that you can barely reach that's below the filter. You will have to rest before it fills up. When you get fuel with no bubbles from the loosened screw on the output line quit pumping. Tighten the screw and you are done. Don't forget to put the relays back in place.


The oil filter is a piece of cake after the fuel filter is done. I remove the air box to get some room to work. Just pull up on it to get it loose from the fender. Then loosen the clamp on the turbo. This is a good time to check the turbo fan to see if its ok. Cover the turbo with something to keep dirt out. Just use the big screw driver again the same way to remove the filter. Make sure all old gaskets are present and accounted for. Fill the new filter with fresh oil, lub the gasket and screw the new filter on. Both of these filters should be hand tight (takes a grunt to get it tight enuff. )


The only time that you need grease for the air filter is if you are using a K&N or something like that. If it's a stock filter just pull the old one out and put the new one in. MM is right, don't even open it unless the filter minder is complaining.

[This message has been edited by Joe G. (edited 09-14-2000). ]