Help! Please save me from my dealer's $99.99 fuel filter change!

[DEZLPWR]

I called up the dealer today and asked how much they charge for a fuel filter change for my '99. My jaw hit the floor when they said it was $99. 99. I can't seem to comprehend why it would cost that much just to change the fuel filter!

My original plan was to do it myself, but with my limited mechanical skills, I was afraid to. I have been reading some past TDR posts on the subject where people have been cross-threading the top and others having trouble starting the engine after changing the filter. I really don't want that to happen to me.

I just recieved the factory service manual in the mail and I read the section on changing the fuel filter, but it seems kind of complicated with all of the gaskets, o-rings, sensors, heater etc.

When I order the fuel filter from Geno's, does it come with all of the gaskets/o-rings that I need to complete the job?

Also, when I change the filter element, do I really need to remove the WIF sensor and the heater? The priming also has me concerned as well.

Any helpful hints to make this process go smoothly would be greatly appreciated. I really don't want to start the job, get in over my head, and then be s. o. l.

On the other hand, I refuse to pay $99. 99 of my hard-earned cash to have the dealer spend 5 minutes to change a fuel filter.



Anybody in the Seattle area that would be willing to walk me through the fuel filter changing process one time?? (I'll pay for the dinner & beer!)



Sorry for the long post,



Steve

 

[EMDDIESEL]

Ok, i have a 2001 so i know are trucks are not the same, but they are close. First, the filter DOES come with a replacement O ring. Second, dont worry about cross threading, just screw it on straight, dont force it, it will screw on fairly easy then you will snug it down once the O ring makes contact. If it hangs up immediatley, stop, take it off and start over. As for priming, a simple solution is have a cup of diesel fuel ready, once you put the new filter in, pour diesel fuel into the filter housing, then put the cover on, start up and go. Otherwise, after the cover is on, just bump the engine over to get the fuel pump to kick on. Thats how i do it, starts every time. As for the water in fuel sensor, i just wipe it off where it is, i dont remove it. I dont know what, if any differences there are between our years, ill let another 99 owner fill you in on any discrepincies.

P. S. $99. 00 is an outrage, the filter cost less then 20 bucks from Genos and should take you no more then 20 minutes to do with a ratchet, extension and a socket.

 

[Bigsaint]

I can't help you much with many of your questions, but this link will. Mine is a 2001. 5, bit different set up than yours, I believe. Check out this link, read your service manual and do it yourself. $100. 00 for a fuel filter change is insane, and you will be getting to know your truck better in the process. Don't sweat the priming, it's just part of the right of passage, you'll get it right if you just take your time and follow the directions provided. Here's the link to Fritz's site... .



http://dodgeram.org/tech/dsl/filter/99fuel_filter.htm



Scott W.

 

[Scollins]

I live in Renton, WA so I'm not too far away. I'd be glad to help. I've changed mine once, and it was surprising easy. So easy, you'll be even more upset with the outrageous prices the dealer charges. Mine is a '98 12 valve, but I believe that the fuel filter setup is almost identical. Send me an email if you want to work out a time. Also, there are a lot of 24 valve owners down south, so they might chime in here also.

 

[KatDiesel]

There are millions of TDR members in Washington... .....



Ok so maybe just a few dozen... but it seems like theres alot of them!



I can imagine Rob or John can tell you whose close to you in your area and I am pretty sure they wouldn't mind helping out. Buy the filter from Genos and then buy a 6 pack beverage of their (person who changes it)choice and I bet it will be done? I know MikeR is in Seattle.

 

[Shovelhead]

You will also find out that $45. 00+ for a fuel filter from the dealer is an outrage



My local Cummins shop sells them for $17. 00

They're even cheaper on the Web.

 

[John Berger]

Piece of Cake

Steve, I've got a 99. The first time I changed the filter it took me 45 minutes, but that was because I was going slowly and double checking everything I did. Don't pay the dealer that kind of money. The first thing you should do is drain the fuel from the canister. You will see the drain tube at the bottom of the canister and you will need someone to hold the cup underneath the drain tube, from under the truck. Save the fuel, you can put it back into the canister with the new filter. Take a socket to the nut at the top of the filter housing (in the middle) and loosen it until you can pull the housing off. Take the old filter out, put the new o-rings onto the new filter (don't forget to soak the o-rings with diesel. I use the stuff in the cup) and put the filter into the canister, fill with the diesel from the cup and mount it back onto the housing. Now comes the fun part. Once you have verified that everything is securely fastened down get into your truck and turn the key until you hear the starter turn over. Let off the ignition key. This is what the other posters meant by bumping the engine. You should hear the lift pump running. This is normal and should last 20-25 seconds. Try cranking the truck. If it fails, just bump the engine again and let the lift pump run. Don't be afraid to let the starter run for a short period of time when you actually try to start the truck. 15-20 seconds should not be a problem. I usually get my truck started on the second or third try. I had one that took me an hour and a half, but that was the exception as far as my truck was concerned. Have a cold beer ready when you are done. Not only will you feel good for learning something new, but you just saved yourself 100 bucks.

 

[MikeR]

SCooke,



My phone # is 206-592-1685. Gimme a call as soon as you can since I'm off work today. I'll be heading to Tacoma today,and a quick jaunt over the Narrows will be no problem.



-Mike

 

[Fireman]

Steve, It's easier than changing the oil filter !



Fireman

 

[Ron Bissett]

Originally posted by SCooke

I called up the dealer today and asked how much they charge for a fuel filter change for my '99. My jaw hit the floor when they said it was $99. 99. I can't seem to comprehend why it would cost that much just to change the fuel filter!

My original plan was to do it myself, but with my limited mechanical skills, I was afraid to. I have been reading some past TDR posts on the subject where people have been cross-threading the top and others having trouble starting the engine after changing the filter. I really don't want that to happen to me.

I just recieved the factory service manual in the mail and I read the section on changing the fuel filter, but it seems kind of complicated with all of the gaskets, o-rings, sensors, heater etc.

When I order the fuel filter from Geno's, does it come with all of the gaskets/o-rings that I need to complete the job?

Also, when I change the filter element, do I really need to remove the WIF sensor and the heater? The priming also has me concerned as well.

Any helpful hints to make this process go smoothly would be greatly appreciated. I really don't want to start the job, get in over my head, and then be s. o. l.

On the other hand, I refuse to pay $99. 99 of my hard-earned cash to have the dealer spend 5 minutes to change a fuel filter.



Anybody in the Seattle area that would be willing to walk me through the fuel filter changing process one time?? (I'll pay for the dinner & beer!)



Sorry for the long post,



Steve

Like every one said keep your money do it yourself hint 99 has two ports on top you can bleed air at ports . when draining filter small amount is all you need to let out ,saves prime also you can see whats in the canister . If you do not have a spair keep old filter as a spair until you get a spair . why change your self ? dodge guy don't ride with you get in the booneys and filter clogs ? Know what to do is to be four armed (if you got 4 arms you should be able to change filter . LOL you can do it . Ron in LOUISVILLE KY

 

[Sky]

Get your filter at Cummins cost me $11. 27 and I cant bealeave its so easy I almost fell on the floor when I was done knowing that I paid to get this done all the time.

 

[apkole]

The local Cummins dealer in Grand Rapids has been providing this service for me for the cost of the filter when I purchase it from them. Great on the spot service, but I usually call ahead just to make sure they can squeeze me in between the OTR rigs. I let my dealer change the filter on my 99 CTD the first time. Looked at the bill, swallowed hard and coughed it up, and haven't been back since.

 

[Archive]

Well... . did the filter get changed? If not, email me... we can set something up.



I have ordered my last few filters from Genos Garage. I hate the traffic of going up to CumminsNW.

 

[Sky]

Rob,



I can pick you up some if you want here at Cummins and bring them to you at Timberline.

 

[rargo]

Fuel filter

I printed the answer from SBerger(have never changed my fuel filter either),went home and followed his instructions exactly and it took me 20 minutes. I am NOT mechanically inclined. The only problem I had was I could not get my truck to crank without fuel in it , no matter what. I loosened up the filter and filled a hydrometer with diesel and squeezed it into the top of the filter. It cranked right up. Thanks SBerger. R. Argo

 

[MikeR]

Rob,

I dunno if it ever got done... he never called me. I waited around a while never heard from him,so I left. Sorry buddy,but the next three weeks of my life are booked solid.