Changing fuel filters at 15K.. Any advise?

[Bug Out]

I have no problem with the engine fuel filter. First time for a rear frame filter. Anyone have any pointers? I got the rear filter from GENOS today and noticed the bottom is some type of screw in part? It looks like a spin on filter otherwise. I'm guessing that the part gets removed from the old filter, put on the new??

I only had a peek at the frame filter a couple weeks ago.

Thanks in advance.

 

[MelvinPierce]

Yes, you need to remove the bottom portion, and put it in the new filter.

 

[AnOldBiker]

If this is a new truck for you, I'd also recommend you read through the owners manual and when you can buy a shop manual.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

My fuel filter minder is saying they are probably going to need changing before 15K. I plan to follow the recommendations during the warranty period at least.

 

[SSteilow]

If this is your first Fuel filter change. Might want to follow the Warranty recommendations the first time and let the dealer do the first change. Also as been reported. The first time can be a bear to get the filter out at the rear frame.
I do know most owners want to change their own filters. Just some info for you to condsider.
Best of luck,
Scott

 

[Bug Out]

Joe, I'm at 14400 or so and the filter minder is claiming I got 30% to go...I'm changing them this w/end. 15k was a ball park number..

 

[TDEvans]

Boy I am stumped,you guys are talking about a rear frame filter,I am lost what are you talking about???????

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

2013-4 Rams have a second fuel filter abover the driveshaft, in front of the rear axle.

 

[TDEvans]

Thanks Joseph,I have a 12 I guess that's why I didn't know what they were talking about,Thx,again.

 

[AnOldBiker]

I agree with SSteilow;
if this is the 1st change, it more than likely will be a bear
if this is a warrantee vehicle, make sure you do maintenance as recommended by the manufacture for you protection.

And if you decide to do the general maintenance, like filter changes and such, buy the parts making sure they are acceptable by the manufacture at about the time you change them out, document the date and mileage with the receipts. Sounds like a lot, but not really. One thing to remember is to keep the paperwork handy for well past the end of the warrantee period.

My friend but keep all his paperwork for maintenance in a cheap box in the garage since he bought his 2005. This included recalls notices and resolutions of it. The box wasn't much larger than a shoe box. I'm not that privy of all the small details of the case, but about two years and a half ago, he had engine issues and ended up taking them to court. One of the things they said for their defense was records showed he didn't maintain it as recommend which would be the cause of the issue. His little shabby box was submitted in defense and blew that away. (he won)

Just a simple FYI

 

[leaky gasket]

If you do decide to do your own service you might consider a strap wrench. Place it up high on the filter so when you are taking it off the filter will not crush and make even a bigger mess.

 

[Bug Out]

Update on frame filter change:

I unplugged the water sensor wire/plug on the bottom of the filter from the junction at the cross member above. A small PITA as you have to reach around the drive shaft and exhaust(I think some type of smog drum) drum that was VERY warm from only driving for 45 seconds......

I drained the filter via the water separator valve. I figured this drained the filter all the way...

My biggest problem was the fuel filter was 4- 1/4 " in diameter and ALL of my many oil filter strap wrenches would not do......LOL

Off to Auto zone, buy the 3-3/4- 4-5/8" filter strap wrench.. Back in business.

I remove the filter(which is a spin on type like a oil filter) with ease , no more struggle then a typical oil filter and get a few drops of diesel in my eye...Then after I finish cussing myself, off to the workbench to remove the water separator sensor etc.

I have a Crescent wrench/pilot tool from my other days in metal work and it is large enough to fit the water separator hex head. Could have done it with large channel locks..It came undone with little pressure and the rest was by hand ...

I installed the new gasket for the water sensor unit, which comes in the MOPAR filter from GENOS.

I installed the main gasket on the top of the filter and oiled it a bit. Under the truck and spun it back on by hand until it felt tight by hand. then just a bit more by the strap wrench. All done !!!

Engine fuel filter just as easy as the 2012, 2005, 2000,1997 fuel filter I have changed in the past..

Just a small footnote. the dealer quoted me over the phone a price of over $100 for the frame filter ALONE. I wasn't brave enough to ask how much labor was....It took me all of 20 Minutes to change.

 

[EDankievitch]

I'm guessing the fill air purge is like the older trucks just cycle the key a few times?

 

[Bug Out]

Yes. the filter instructions said just that. Purge air cycling the keys 2-4 x.

 

[EDankievitch]

Thanks for the info I'll be doing mine in 1140 miles.