Fuel Filter change intervals

[MRoberts]

As I'm approaching my third fuel filter change, I've got a question and it's really not a big deal. On my 02, I had a FASS system, full set up with filter and water separator. I can't remember what the change intervals were, but the fuel filter was 25K (?) and as for the water separator, it was open the drain until you had pure fuel and shut it.

Now on to my 2015, I can see changing the fuel filter every time, but does the water separator need to be changed out too? Would there be any harm in changing it every other interval?

 

[SnoKing]

RAM specs are 15K for both. When your warranty is up do what ever you want. SnoKing

 

[Learjet]

The first filter is removing a lot of junk if you have seen the video of it cut open after a normal change. I would not take a chance with this.

 

[gsbrockman]

As I'm approaching my third fuel filter change, I've got a question and it's really not a big deal. On my 02, I had a FASS system, full set up with filter and water separator. I can't remember what the change intervals were, but the fuel filter was 25K (?) and as for the water separator, it was open the drain until you had pure fuel and shut it.

Now on to my 2015, I can see changing the fuel filter every time, but does the water separator need to be changed out too? Would there be any harm in changing it every other interval?

The rear separator takes the brunt of the filtering.
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As to skimping on changing only one of the two....your truck / your warranty.
RAM went to greattttttttttt lengths to improve fuel filtration on these trucks in the 2013 model year.
Now that we have some of the best filtration ever offered, some complain and want to save a few consumer dollars.
My truck is at 342,816 miles. I obviously have been out of warranty for quite a while.
The Radio Flyer still gets two new mopar fuel filters every 15k miles.
No injector issues----and I am still on the OEM lift pump as well.

 

[JR]

The primary is only capable of retaining very small amounts of water, beyond that it is designed to pass through the fuel system. This is why it is recommended to periodically drain the filter and equally as important, replace.

Question for Greg - what did you cut your filter media with (bottom pic). Can't tell if the pleats are just laid out from your cut or if the filter was actually that plugged?
Either way it is incredible the gunk you will find in them. They are worth their weight considering the price of the fuel system.

 

[gsbrockman]

The primary is only capable of retaining very small amounts of water, beyond that it is designed to pass through the fuel system. This is why it is recommended to periodically drain the filter and equally as important, replace.

Question for Greg - what did you cut your filter media with (bottom pic). Can't tell if the pleats are just laid out from your cut or if the filter was actually that plugged?
Either way it is incredible the gunk you will find in them. They are worth their weight considering the price of the fuel system.

I actually used a hacksaw. My cutoff wheel broke while I was cutting the metal canister, so I had to bring out the next best thing---a hacksaw---to complete the lobotomy. :-laf

 

[gsbrockman]

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[MRoberts]

LOL! Wasn't looking to skimp! Just a question and it was certainly answered by gsbrockman. Nothing more needs to be said after seeing those pictures! Thanks for posting those pics.

 

[Cummins12V98]

You can get both filters from AMAZON at around $78 Prime. They are OE Mopar.

 

[TMyers]

Was the 2nd fuel filter a 2013 1/2 addition? I have a 2013 2500. I know where the one is under the hood. Where would the other filter be, if it has one?

Thanks in advance for the education.

 

[Learjet]

Was the 2nd fuel filter a 2013 1/2 addition? I have a 2013 2500. I know where the one is under the hood. Where would the other filter be, if it has one?

Thanks in advance for the education.

It would be almost over the rear Differential, if you have one.

 

[masterdrago]

The primary is only capable of retaining very small amounts of water, beyond that it is designed to pass through the fuel system. This is why it is recommended to periodically drain the filter and equally as important, replace.

Question for Greg - what did you cut your filter media with (bottom pic). Can't tell if the pleats are just laid out from your cut or if the filter was actually that plugged?
Either way it is incredible the gunk you will find in them. They are worth their weight considering the price of the fuel system.

My old '09 F250 said to drain the water separator once/mo. I cannot find in any of the owners manuals or supplements to periodically drain but it has always seemed a wise idea since owning the Ford diesel. Especially with fuels today. Where did you see that recommendation?

 

[gsbrockman]

Was the 2nd fuel filter a 2013 1/2 addition? I have a 2013 2500. I know where the one is under the hood. Where would the other filter be, if it has one?

Thanks in advance for the education.

If it is a 2013.....it has it. How many miles have you been running on it?
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[Newsa]

My old '09 F250 said to drain the water separator once/mo. I cannot find in any of the owners manuals or supplements to periodically drain but it has always seemed a wise idea since owning the Ford diesel. Especially with fuels today. Where did you see that recommendation?

I believe draining the filter is only required if you get the "Water in fuel" warning on your dash. It detects a lower electrical resistance in the bottom of (both) filters when water is present.

 

[TMyers]

If it is a 2013.....it has it. How many miles have you been running on it?
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I bought it used but the original owner took extraordinary care of the truck. I'm sure it's up to date on the mileage intervals.

 

[Newsa]

RAM specs are 15K for both. When your warranty is up do what ever you want. SnoKing

15k or one year. Whichever comes first

 

[TMyers]

We had a break in the rain so I grabbed a piece of cardboard and crawled under the truck. Found the second filter. Then, I came inside and searched Amazon for the filters... $91.00 for both. That sounds like a lot!

 

[Newsa]

We had a break in the rain so I grabbed a piece of cardboard and crawled under the truck. Found the second filter. Then, I came inside and searched Amazon for the filters... $91.00 for both. That sounds like a lot!

The price fluctuates quite a bit on Amazon. Sometimes Amazon is cheaper. Sometimes Ebay is cheaper. Just be careful not to buy the auto defender or other off brand on ebay.

 

[gsbrockman]

I bought it used but the original owner took extraordinary care of the truck. I'm sure it's up to date on the mileage intervals.

Well..............there might also be a chance he (and dealer) knew nothing of the 2nd filter (rear separator).

If it is not documented.....I would certainly drop the coin and change them both....just to have a baseline to go off of.

 

[dougsram]

Use a price monitoring site like keepa.com. You can see a chart showing how Amazon prices fluctuate and set a price alert accordingly. I have LF16035 oil filters, MO-291 and FS53000 fuel filters among other maintenance items on my list. Scored two LF16035s for $21 (no tax and free shipping) a few months ago.