Quick help with fuel filter change!!

[BApple]

I just changed the fuel filter in my 04. 5. Seems I read somewhere that I need to fill the canister up before actually starting the truck. Do I just bump the starter 1-2 times then let is sit for 20-30 seconds? Will this fill the canister up and enable me to go ahead and start up? Need some quick answers if you guys can help. Don't wanna mess anything up. Just tripped 7k miles, and the original filter is pretty nasty!! What to do, help quick? I can't go anywhere till I get this settled and I wanna do it right. TIA



Brad

 

[MechanicMike]

Never tried your method of filling the canister. I always fill the canister with fuel before I reinstall everything, this way I am sure no air will get into the system. Have done it this way many times and never had any problems. Hope this helps. Mike

 

[mberry]

I just changed the fuel filter in my 04. 5. Seems I read somewhere that I need to fill the canister up before actually starting the truck. Do I just bump the starter 1-2 times then let is sit for 20-30 seconds? Will this fill the canister up and enable me to go ahead and start up? Need some quick answers if you guys can help. Don't wanna mess anything up. Just tripped 7k miles, and the original filter is pretty nasty!! What to do, help quick? I can't go anywhere till I get this settled and I wanna do it right. TIA



Brad

You do not need to pre-fill the canister on the 3rd gens. Bumping the starter like you said will be just fine.

 

[LightmanE300]

Bapple - read your owners manual. You do not need to bump the starter, simply put the new filter in and close the housing, and then turn the key to the on position. You will hear the lift pump clicking as it fills the filter. Wait 30-45 seconds until it stops, turn the key off and on again for one more cycle of clicking, then fire it up.

 

[Prairie Dog]

I've found that it takes at least 6 or 7 key actuations to get it fully primed. If I don't hit it at least that no. of times it stalls and I have to start all over.

 

[JVolpe]

It took me 4 or 5 times on the key actuations to get fully primed also. First time when I just did it twice, it tried to start and died.

 

[BApple]

Guys,



Thanks for the replys and the help. I bumped the starter 3 times waiting for the pump to stop each time (20 secs or so). Fired right up when I tried to start it up. No leaks and running smooth. Thanks again for the help.



Brad

 

[R.M.THOMPSON]

I'm not so convinced that changing the fuel filter without draing the bowl completely is a good idea. Seems to be the chance for washing debri off of the element and into the bottom center outlet area would be darn near catastrophic to the lucky injector on the recieving end !!! Hence some of the 3rd gen fueling issues. (2 micron filters sound better every day don't they ?)

 

[Byershome]

I believe the manual says to drain the bowl. I always drain it and then take the shop vac to it to make sure no trash gets left behind. Put in the new filter then use the self priming feature to fill it up. She fires right up. The hard part is turning her off instead of backing out of the garage and going for a joyride :-laf

 

[Prairie Dog]

I believe the manual says to drain the bowl. I always drain it and then take the shop vac to it to make sure no trash gets left behind. Put in the new filter then use the self priming feature to fill it up. She fires right up. The hard part is turning her off instead of backing out of the garage and going for a joyride :-laf

I couldn't agree more. You will have problems if you keep dumping dirty fuel into your high preesure pump and injectors.

Now I know somebody will say "I've done it that way for XX years" or "The shop I work in does it that way" etc. It's still wrong and inviting trouble. Heck, the problem may not even show up until your out of warranty so don't count on Dodge to cover it for you.