Cummins wanted $60.00 to change my fuel filter

[illflem]

Sky,it sounds like they charge $50/hr shop time(about par)with a one hour minimum. You need to find something for them to do with the extra 50 minutes if you want to get what you pay for.

 

[CDretzka]

I just paid 46. 00 for the Dodge Fuel Filter. I wnated to buy from NAPA but they were out of stock. If a fleet Guard is only 11 I'll be sick ($35 down the drain ) By the way it only took 20 minutes to change.

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99 Silver Quad Cab 2500 S/B Glasstite Cap, American Racing Atlas Rims(BFG 285/75/16) BD Low Stall TC, 275 injectors & BD computer, BD pressure Loc & BD valve body, Bullydog 4" exhaust. Westin brush bars, Bushwacker fender flares

 

[Sky]

Craig,

Its time to hit the bathroom because it was $11. 27 for the fleetguard filter. Boy do i hate dealerships.

Sky

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2001 QuadCab,SWB,Auto, 4X4,4" Flowmaster Exhaust, Bosch 275 Injectors, K&N... ... ... .

 

[Papa Joe]

Hi fellas..... I'm sure you guys laughed at my fuel filter thread. The filter I bought at NAPA was $27, which I thought was high. My next one will be $14 at a discount place. The local mini-lube places want the ol' $59. 95 to change the filter (hence why I hedged for so long). So, Cummins isn't really out of line compared with the mini-lubers and neither of them are bad considering the overhead, liability, blah, blah, blah IMHO. Nevertheless, I'm doing my own from now on. I can handle 20 minutes(it's easy, Sky) for $45. Besides, my wife thinks I'm the macho dude when I come in for a beer smelling of diesel. Or, I think I'm the macho dude #ad
Joe

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White 1999, 3500 QuadCab, 6x6, 275 injectors and Practical Solutions Module w/elbow, Automatic, Diamond Plate Running Boards and Flaps, Pac Brake, Missing Muffler, Grover Air Horns.
"SHAKE, RATTLE, AND ROLL"

 

[BigDon]

On a recent trip back from the Midwest towing my 30' TT, I stopped at a Cummins shop to have oil/filter & fuel filter changed. I had 10K and this was 1st fuel filter (4th oil change). Well, they cracked the canister top loosening it and it leaked fuel when they put it back on. They didn't have a replacement and neither did the local Dodge dealer. 24 hours later they had a replacement shipped in and we were on the road again - $86 poorer for the oil & filterS changes (they ate the new cap).
I usually change my own oil/filter, and now I believe that I'll do the fuel filters from now on too! - live & learn! #ad


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BLUE OX - 2000 2500QC/SB Patriot Blue DD1's BD Ex Brake & Autoloc

 

[Fireman Dave]

I just recently got my first fuel filter from Geno's (actually, 2 of them). If it weren't for TDR, I wouldn't have known how much of a rip-off the dealer filter is. Come to think of it, the $31. I saved on just one filter almost paid for my TDR subscription. How's that for a TDR plug? #ad


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2001 2500; SLT; 4x4; QC; LWB; Auto; 3. 54 LS; 265s; Camper; Tow; Sliding Rear Window; Travel Convenience Group; Cab Clearance Lamps; Forest Green

 

[Sky]

I went into Cummins yesterday and to ask them how much to change my fuel filter? He said $60. 00, huh??? ummm ok, id like to buy a fuel filter i said. He went got me a fleetguard and said that will be $11 dollars. So im thinking in the back of my mind they want $50. 00 just to change my filter in labor? WOW... I have never did it before but I think im going to try to attempt it this weekend, from what im told its pretty easy. I just basicly take the top off take out the old one and put the new one in and prime it with fuel or i have herd howes treatment and then put the lid back on and im done. Is this correct?

Thanks for any help in advance,

Sky

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2001 QuadCab,SWB,Auto, 4X4,4" Flowmaster Exhaust, Bosch 275 Injectors, K&N... ... ... .

 

[HEMI®Dart]

Sky,

Here are some tips from Fritz`s web page.
http://www.ecpe.vt.edu/~dfritz/technical/DIESEL/FILTER/99fuel_filter.htm

 

[Sky]

Well I changed it. It was the simplest thing I have ever done in my life. I just cant beleave it was that easy and I saved my self $50 in labor. I sure makes you feel good to be able to do things your self and take pride in your work. I would like to thank everyone for all there help, im sure I will have more "newbie" questions soon! I havnt changed my own oil before but i think ill do that next. I am also going to look into some diesel mechanics classes too. I would love to be able to do everything my self if possible.

Sky

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2001 QuadCab,SWB,Auto, 4X4,4" Flowmaster Exhaust, Bosch 275 Injectors, K&N... ... ... .

 

[Archive]

Originally posted by Sky:
I am also going to look into some diesel mechanics classes too. I would love to be able to do everything my self if possible.

<font color=blue>Just some advice, when you take these classes don't come out of them thinking you "know" it all or can do anything. There is only so much you can learn in a classroom enviroment. Mainly due to having to use the same materials over and over. I took my Hydralics class at Denver Automotive and Diesel twice just for the hell of it because I love hydralics and also the instructor was awesome. The best learning tool is experience. I would suggest attending all the BOMB'ing sessions you can and do some wrenching. Yes the classes will help you along the way. Then after a while you will get confident and tackle "most" problems yourself with the help of the service manual.

If you do get in on some classes, good luck to you. And if you start them, make sure you finish just so that you can say you did it. I went to school for over 1 year and held a 4. 0 GPA but I left school with about 4 to 5 months left before getting my associates degree in Diesel Technology to take on my current job which was just too good to pass up. Now that I have regular hours at work I intend to see if I can transfer my credits and finish it up, I spent too much time working towards to not finish.

Sorry for the ramble... ...

 

[Mopar-muscle]

you guys got a deal , a tdr member that shall remain nameless just got porked to the tune of $500 by his friendly dodge dealer . his truck died , couldn't get it running , had it towed in , its a 99 , they replaced the filter and primed his system , for $500 , he was charged $78 for the filter #ad
#ad

 

[Papa Joe]

Ouch #ad

Good advice, Kat. Especially the part about the BOMB sessions. You can learn more wrenching, watching, and BSing over a beer at a BOMB session than you can ever read in a book #ad
Joe
FWIW If it weren't for my BOMB session at Rob's place where I learned first the fuel bleeding procedure, I could have been fleeced as well.

 

[1tuffram]

I can remember about 4-5yrs ago or so I could go into Cummins, purchase a Fleetguard filter and they would install it for free as a "courtesy service" since they are such a PIA to change in the 12 valve. They don't do it anymore, service dept says too many Dodge's coming in to get filters and it takes 1/2hr shop time. He said the volume of trucks coming in was costing them too much labor. I think maybe they saw a money making opportunity!!! The way I found out was when I got a $75 bill after I purchased a filter and asked if they could "slap 'er on". I about I TRIED TO BY-PASS THE CUSSING FILTER when they handed me the bill. Neeless to say I have been doing it myself since.

 

[RobbyRam]

At 15K miles I had my oil(11 qts Dello 400), oil filter(Baldwin)& Fuel filter(Baldwin) changed including all 6 tires aired up and the front end lubed for a total of $80. 00 at 'Pro-Fleet'(a Big-rig type quick-lube)in Elk Grove ,CA.
I went to my Dodge dealer to buy a fuel filter to do my own 30k maintenance. They wanted $47. 50 for the fuel filter! Yipes! I only bought the Mopar oil, and air filter since those were reasonably priced. Where do I get a good fuel filter?

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Rob in Sacramento
Y2K All Black 3500 ISB 4x4 4:10 LSD,Auto,QC,SLT Laramie, LB, Polished Stull Billet Grill & Fog inserts, Chrome Smitty Built Step Rails, Mopar Chrome-Tipped Mud Flaps, A-Pillar mounted Turbo/Pyro/Trans Temp gauges,21-20-99 & 18-24-99 Computer Re-Flash,Weatherguard 'Weekender' Ladder-rack,Rancho 9000's(the best upgrade I've done so far),Diamond Plated Tool Box, OEM U. R. Bedliner.
I plan to 'BOMB' only after my 100k mile warranty expires Fact:"The First Fords' had 'DODGE' Engines-The Last Fords' NEED THEM!"

 

[Sky]

Go to any Cummins, they have the fleetguards. I paid $11. 27 for mine.

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2001 QuadCab,SWB,Auto, 4X4,4" Flowmaster Exhaust, Bosch 275 Injectors, K&N... ... ... .

 

[Chad Sheets]

The Dodge dealer hosed him out of ignorance, not intention I bet. Ask them what they did to prime the system. I had a 5 star guru tell me (who happens to be a great mechanic... just lacks the diesel knowlede) you have to remove the injectors to prime the system.

I dont know if the dealerships all have some master instruction sheet they follow or what, but with a price like your buddy had to pay, I would almost bet on it.

I did do this 5 star boy a favor and drained every drop of fuel out of my fuel lines and changed the filter for him to see what was needed to prime the system. He had that look on his face that little kids get when you mention Santa's name around Christmas.

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Always ready to help!
2000 2500 Red Sport quad cab, 4x4, K&N, DDI's, straight piped, boost, pyro and fuel pressure gages, Hot Power Edge, mean looking set of 33. 5" tires, Snap On diamond tool box, Marine Corps window sticker, Semper Fi!

1972 340 Cuda'. Original tripple Black, 340 car w/air. Good clean car, super stock springs, Weld Prostars, shaker hood, strong 340 with a 727/4000 stahl, 4. 56... . Bombs away!
NRA Life Member. http://www.geocities.com/chadsheets

 

[Joe G.]

Rob,

Cummins West is in West Sacramento. They have all the stuff you need. Nice guys there. A couple of weeks ago I went in to get a couple of oil filters. No problem, with such a little sale to a guy with a pickup truck. It's hard to walk by the display case with Dodge and Cummins goodies and not buy something.

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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

 

[Sky]

Well I tell you what I will never have anyone else change my filter again. I do agree with getting in on some bomb sessions. I really would love if rob and all you guys lived here #ad
. I would be over there all the time sucking up the knowlege, I do still planning on driving up one weekend when there is going to be some serious bombing happening. I really want to figure out how to get a elbo in my hardline. I have the modual in but it isnt doing no good. #ad

Sky

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2001 QuadCab,SWB,Auto, 4X4,4" Flowmaster Exhaust, Bosch 275 Injectors, K&N... ... ... .

 

[M_Pulling]

Here is one for the road. I had 1800 miles on my truck and had a heck of a time starting it when it was at normal operating temps and the ambient temps outside were sweltering. So I call the selling dealer and ask about it and they say bring it in and let us take a look so I do. They have the truck for about 5 hours and read the error codes and then tell me there is nothing wrong and that DC has a TSB comming out to flash the computer as it has a bad program in the 2001 Dodge trucks. I accept this and go on my way.

Two weeks later still experiencing the same problem and in a 3 hour jury choosing recess I decide to go to a dealer in this town and see what he says. Well he knows just exactly what the problem is because he has a really good diesel mech. and just diagnosed the same problem on another truck the week prior. I am told I have a water contaminated fuel filter. Keeping in mind that I still have less than 2000 miles on the truck I get charged 98. 00 for a fuel filter change.

It is nice to know that there are fuel filters out there that can be obtained at a reasonable price.

PS. After a threat to DC and receiving a Lemmon Law file number I received a New fuel injector pump and reimbursed for the 98. 00 charge on the filter. I have to thank Craig at Red Bluff Chrysler Dodge for the fix on my truck.

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2001 2500 QC 155" WB 4X2 Flame Red Clear Coat SLT Laramie Mist grey interior Trailer Tow group Camper special group Travel convenience group rear slider power seat fog lamps keyless entry AM/FM/CASSETTE/CD W/6-INFINITY SPEAKER SYS LT265/75R16E added stainless wheel well eyebrow trim stainless exhaust cover brushed alluminum RAM billet over cab light Delta Diamond Plate 5th wheel tool box, Dee Zee diamond plate bed rail caps and stainless steel running boards. To come is Line X sprayon bed liner. Also looking for anyone intrested in forming a chapter in and around the Chico, Ca. area?

 

[George Fales]

My dealer charged me $42. 50 for the fuel filter and $31. 50 for labor, a total of $74. 00. I will never have them change it again! I also paid them $19. 00 a quart for synthetic lubricant for my rear end.