Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Engine failures due to incorrect oil filters

[DieselB59]

This is what I received in a fax today. Dodge/Cummins has issued a bulletin regarding oil filter usage and resultant engine failures. No engine will be warrantied if it is not using an approved oil filter such as Mopar, Fleetgard, Fleetgard Stratapore, or Purolator. Engine failures resulting from oil filter media coming apart and getting lodged in oil jets which help cool the underside of the pistons, will be the customers' responsibility. This stuff is happening. Funny enough, a 24 valve truck with 85,000 miles on it showed up just hours before we got the fax with a knock coming from the lower end of the block at cylinder #5. It had a NAPA filter on it. I've used Fleetgard filters since day one. I figured the cost as insurance against something bad happening from cheapo filters. Now the illusion of something like that happening is a reality. It must be happening in a decent number for Dodge to issue a bulletin on it.

 

[Rammin On]

If that is so ... if memory serves ... if they specify a specific filter ... they must provide for the duration of the warranty ... . . .



Or . . I may be stupid in my thoughts . .

 

[maint.man]

I've got a 6 month old brand new Fram filter settin' on the bench, in the shop, and the last place it's goin is on my truck . Never had a problem before , but I 'm not takin' any chances.

 

[rrl989]

I haven't heard of any of the 10,000 TDR Members loosing his CTD due to oil filter problems, yet I've heard of dozens of KDP problems. Is'nt is strange that DC/Cummins would issue a warning to us about a filter problem we can avoid, yet they refuse to recognize the KDP which is their responsibility ?



RonL

 

[Oliver88]

Just how bad is the KDP problem in the 95 year models?

Greg

 

[The patriot]

Originally posted by FF1063

I haven't heard of any of the 10,000 loosing his CTD due to oil filter problems, yet I've heard of dozens of KDP problems. Is'nt is strange that DC/Cummins would issue a warning to us about a filter problem we can avoid, yet they refuse to recognize the KDP which is their responsibility ?



RonL

Exactly what I was thinking, along with the 5th gear thing, steering boxes, track bars etc. etc. .

I have over 60K miles on my truck with Fram filters. As soon as I heard this, I went to a different filter.

No problems yet at 80K miles.

And Rammin on is right!

Eric

 

[GAmes]

It's funny that you use the term "cheapo" filters. If you are referring to cost, I have been using fleetguards since day one, and one of the reasons was because they were the least expensive of any that I had found.

 

[CumminFast]

What about Wix filters?

 

[Don M]

I used WIX filters for a long time.



Here is a link to the proper filters to use for our engines.



Don~



http://dodgeram.org/tech/tsb/2001/09-004-01.htm

 

[JTeague]

NAPA and WIX

A NAPA Gold 1607 and a Wix 51607 are the exact same filter. The NAPA Gold filters are Wix filters.

 

[QRTRHRS]

Why would someone spend a goodly amount of money on a truck to start with, add a couple of grand in goodies as most of us do and then worry about a couple of bucks more for filter costs? With all that's been brought up on this one, it should be a no brainer.

 

[CumminFast]

I have got a Wix on now, but plan to get a Fleetguard in the future. They put this oil filter on when I got my rear main seal replaced.

 

[Bob Beauchaine]

Rammin on

They are giving you your choice of three brand names including Purolator so thr Magnuson-Moss act does not apply. The one that surprises me is Purolator - makes me think Purolator makes Fleetgard and Mopar.

Happy Trails

Bob

 

[JohnE]

<blockquote><hr>

DieselB59 wrote:

&quot;This is what I received in a fax today. Dodge/Cummins has issued a bulletin regarding oil filter usage and resultant engine failures. No engine will be warranted if it is not using an approved oil filter such as Mopar, Fleetgard, Fleetgard Stratapore, or Purolator.

…

It must be happening in a decent number for Dodge to issue a bulletin on it. &quot;

<hr></blockquote>

My local Cummins branch only recommends LF3894 (Stratapore) oil filters for 1994 and up Dodge pickups. I'm happy with that as they charge 50&cent; less for the Stratapore than the Microglass.



<blockquote><hr>

FF1063 wrote:

&quot;Isn't is strange that DC/Cummins would issue a warning to us about a filter problem we can avoid, yet they refuse to recognize the KDP which is their responsibility ?&quot;

<hr></blockquote>

I'm at an OEM that uses a lot of Cummins engines. To answer your question NO.

KPD has a much lower incidence rate than owner stupidity and damage caused by <em>aftermarket</em> products such as oil filters, etc. Don't hold your breath for a fleet defect recall to fix the problem. Most of the affected engines should be nearing or over the 100k warranty mark.



<blockquote><hr>

Bob Beauchaine wrote:

&quot;…

The one that surprises me is Purolator - makes me think Purolator makes Fleetgard and Mopar. &quot;

<hr></blockquote>



Fleetguard comes in 3 grades of filter: standard, Microglass, &amp; Stratapore. Purolator may make any of the three grades.



I too, pay less for a Fleetguard Stratapore than a Wix or NAPA Gold. I always keep a spare oil filter and fuel filter or two on the shelf to avoid the necessity of using another brand.



Remember this, MOST Cummins powered Dodge pickup owners do not belong to or even know about TDR. How much have you learned from the magazine or these forumns?



-John

 

[eGarwood]

So I guess anyone out there running an AMSOIL filter is going to switch back to Fleetgaurd? By the way just My 2 cents worth but the first time I did my own oil/filter change I used a Purolator... . It blew up, I mean it litterally blew up!!!!! It came apart at the seams around the top an let loose with oil all over my driveway!

I just thank god it happened In my driveway on warmup and not while driving down the road. Ed3

 

[pwknapp]

Shucks guess I have to change now. Been using those darn Frams for almost 400k.

 

[Joe G.]

Using Fleetguard filters is a no brainer. Cummins says that's the filter to use. They are easy to get. The prices are very competitive. SO what's the problem?

 

[Jeff H]

I'd like to see a copy of anyone's warrenty where it states the use of Fleetgaurd or purilator filter only.

 

[Don M]

Jeff,



Read the link I provided in an earlier post. The use of other filters can cause the oil related failure to be void.



Don~

 

[snake]

Filter ???

I have used Fleetguard from the first oil change, no problem. My father has owned a trucking company for 10 years and uses Fleetguard with NO problems. So