Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Opinions on LP strainer - keep or toss?

[MFalkinham]

I'm doing some preventative maintenance on my '98. I've replaced the 5/16" fuel return hose, and the molded hose between the preheater and LP. I've also got the starter out for the Larry contact upgrade.

I'm not putting the preheater back in even though it appears to be working. This unit seems to have a high failure rate, and with the amount of anti-gel additive I use it probably doesn't help much.

But what about the strainer? I didn't buy the Cummins kit because my nearest dealer is 90 minutes away and I forgot to order one from Geno's. It is in re-usable condition and does appear to have kept some large debris out of the LP.

However, it's a pain to get at (I have the front wheel and liner out now to make it easier). Does this strainer really protect the LP from early failure, or is it just a Dodge add-on that other Cummins applications do without. I'd rather not have to clean it out every 15k, as the normal fuel filter is a big enough pain to change.

 

[Joe G.]

The strainer should be pretty easy to get at from the bottom. A long extension with a U-joint. Use a 17mm socket. The strainer is just a fine mesh screen. As long as the gasket is ok you should be good to go. I clean my pre-filter strainer every third or forth oil change. It's never very dirty.

 

[Missouri Mule]

I think the pre-filter is needed. I agree with Joe that it is pretty easy to get to from the bottom.