Gas Filter Change - Problems?

[SixPac]

2001 Dodge 4X4, Auto, Quad



I'm planning on changing my fuel filter for the first time before long. I am looking for any "heads up" anyone knows about when it comes to changing this filter. Looks pretty straight forward from reading the service manual, but I know how that can go sometimes.



I still have well under 10,000 miles on my truck but I don't want to have to change it in the Winter time. What would be your advice as to how long I should wait or not wait to change it. Is there any real advantage in changing it before the "book" says it is due? I spoke with a friend the other day who said he has 30,000 mi on his truck and has never changed it. I don't think I could do that.



Thanks,



Bob

 

[JJMiller]

Check out



http://dodgeram.org/tech/dsl/filter/00fuel_filter.htm



for all you need to know about this procedure.



It's easy, only takes a few minutes, and is mess-free if you use the zip-lock bag trick.



Personally, I think the recommended 15000 mile interval is a bit long to go on the fuel filter. When I changed mine at 15400, the filter had filtered no less than 880 gallons of the cheapest diesel I can find. The element was black and nasty (for what that's worth). A fuel filter from cummins is not that expensive, and probably well worth the piece of mind to do it every oil change (I'm on the 7500 mile plan).



--J

 

[Mactruck]

Since when did diesels have GAS filters



(Just kidding )



I changed mine at 10,000 miles and will continue to change them at that inteval. These VP44 fuel pumps have failures that some say are contributed to being overworked by clogged fuel filters.

It's also easier to remember when to change it. (10k, 20k, 30k, so-on).

JMHO

Also I was nervous as hell when I changed mine thinking it would never start again because of the possibility of getting air in the lines. Once you do it you'll want to change it every 10k because it's so easy.

 

[hammong]

Biggest piece of advice I have on the subject is NOT to use a 1/2" socket extension in the little hole in the center of your filter cap. You're much better off putting on the 1 1/8" socket on the big hex head of the cap when removing/re-installing it.



Get your fuel filter from Geno's or some other mail-order house. The filter is $48. 50 from your local Mopar parts counter - "too expensive" for sure.



I changed mine this past week for the second time at 24K miles. It was "moderately dirty" at 9K miles (changed first one at 15K).



Greg

 

[lschultz]

Me(2000) and my son(99) change them every 10000 miles. I get them from Ginos. There not hard to do. Cheap insurance.

 

[Batman]

Every 10k is good advice.



Gas????????????

 

[Ron Bissett]

Your buddy may go for 100,000 thousand more miles but he is like a guy walking on thin ice ,could go at any time and what is filter for save the pump save the injectors and spray pattern ,seems he don't know any better . Tell him . Ron in Louisville KY change mine at 11000.

 

[DarrellB]

Gas, whats gas? Can someone help me with this one I'm lost.



Change mine with every oil filter change, 6,000 miles or sooner. I tow alot.



Big D