Archived Need FUEL FILTER Changing Advice On My 2001 2500

[mfeininger]

I am a new member. I own an '01 2500 quad cab with a six-speed transmission. I want to change my fuel filter today but I remember hearing something about getting air in the system of a diesel and having to bleed it. Can someone please tell me how to change this filter correctly? Also, does anyone have any input on the recommended 20000 mile change interval? More, less, right on? Thanks for the help members! Mitch F. from da nort

 

[pnwradar]

Most of the horror stories about bleeding and priming the fuel system come from owners of the older trucks. Our newer trucks have an electric pump that will re-prime the fuel filter fairly quickly. The only time you might have trouble is if there's air trapped in the high-pressure injector lines -- say, after you've installed some new high-performance injectors -- not something you're likely to have happen on it's own, unless you run the tank completely out of fuel.



Dave Fritz' directions are pretty good. I've never drained more than about half the fuel out, just enough to get the old filter out and the new one in, without getting unfiltered fuel on the clean side of the filter.



-jon-

 

[rkressg]

Changing Fuel Filter

First off, only buy filters from your Cummins dealer if possible (I am sorry, but I cannnot remember the Fleetguard number). They usually run about $7 (from Mopig, my dealer wanted $50!). You need a 1 1/8" 6 point socket to remove the filter cap. Your filter is located just behind the intake elbow. It has a large black lid on it. Just loosten the cap slowly and lift the lid out (Some diesel fuel will drip off the bottom of the filter, so have a zip-lock bag handy). The filter is attached to the lid. Pop the filter off the lid when it is out and replace with a new one. Be sure to replace the rubber gasket around the top of the lid. Wet the new rubber gasket with diesel to prevent leakage. Your new filter will come with one. Tighten the lid, but do not over torque. I have found it useful to put the lid on by hand as tight as I can and that is usually enough. I have never had a problem with restarting. :-{}

 

[redneckdr]

filter change

i didn't go read dave Fritz's instructions, this time, but restarting generally isn't a big deal. tighten the top of the filter down, then "bump" the starter. don't attempt to start the engine, until you've "bumped" the starter a couple of times. the fuel pump should run 20-30 seconds when you let off of the key. after you've cycled it a couple of times, try to start. if doesn't start after about 10 seconds , stop, and "bump" the starter again to cycle the pump a couple of times. try to start again. she will prolly fire up and run rough for a minute or so, then smooth out.

 

[mfeininger]

thanks for the wealth of info!!

TDR rocks! I am amazed at the quick response i recieved from fellow members and am very impressed with the knowledgable people who are members. thanks so much and rock on TDR!!

 

[Bigsaint]

Mitch, I'll add just one more piece of advice... snip off a short length from shorty, the drain line for the fuel filter housing, go to the local hardware store and buy a section of the proper i. d. hose and replace shorty with same, enough to reach a container placed below the frame. Just tuck the extra a hole in the frame when not in use, makes life better IMHO.



Scott W.