Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Which Fuel Filter?

[Oil Ape]

I was just wondering what you guys recommend as far as brand of Fuel Filter for a 1997, or does it really matter. Also, if you have any suggestions on making this change as painless as possible.



Thanks ahead of time... .



P. S. My dad has a 96' and he is getting a few mpg better than my own. As such, I'm hoping a few filter change may help a little. If you know of any other tricks such as timing degrees etc... Pease post!!!

 

[Woodenhead]

Fleetguard, Fleetguard or Fleetguard. Same goes for the oil filter.



Take Care

Mike

 

[Deezul1]

WIX makes pretty good filters too

 

[illflem]

Fleetguard fuel filter is a painted over Wix, only difference whatsoever is price.

 

[shendren]

painless?... ... ... ... . i didn't know it was painful.



reach under with your left hand and put an oil wrench on it. it spins right off.



put the new one on dry and CLEAN.



crack the bleed screw (10mm i think)



then hit the primer button for a minute or so with a broom handle.



fire it up.



check for leaks.



you're done... ... .

 

[Oil Ape]

I've done my dad's 96' and it is probably easier than changing the oil filter. But my 97' they decided to mix it up a bit. It not only takes a different filter but the access to that filter looks to be one royal pain. I'm hoping I'm mistaken... .

 

[Simon]

I just had a WIX filter split while on the road. Truck still ran but what a mess. Be careful not to over tighten. I don't think this was the case here, could be a defective filter

 

[rjones]

I fill my filter first then you dont have to bleed anything.....

 

[shendren]

i was told buy cummins to put it on dry and fill it with good filtered fuel from the tank, via the prime button.....

 

[illflem]

Unless you fill the filter with clean filtered fuel from a clean container you're asking for trouble. No big deal to pump the button plus you don't spill fuel all over the place trying to squeeze a filled up filter into that tight spot.

 

[rjones]

I keep a gallon of diesel in my garage thats clean and its not that hard to put on when filled just have to take your time... . either/or I guess I just been filling my filters in bigger trucks in the past no biggy... . whatever easiest for you... . Rick

 

[rjones]

OBTW Bill Im trying to catch up to you in postes I dont have all the answers, but Ive been replying with alot of smiley faces

 

[KPerkins]

If your fuel filter is like my '98, it is a bit of a pain . There's a nut in the center of the top cover that you need to loosen while holding the can with your other hand. there's new o-rings that need to be replaced and when installing there's a notch that has to line up or you could crack the housing.

Nice to see someone local on here.

 

[JohnE]

97's use a fuel filter element and not the cartridge unit as 94-96's.

Fleetguard, Wix, or Case/IH/New Holland should all work fine.



Tricks on changing the filter?

Heed Ken's warnings.

Drain the case before anything else. The baggie trick around the case is fine, too. The drain hose from the valve simply pulls off.

Always have a backup filter incase you screw something up or the mfg sends a bad product.



NEVER pre-fill a fuel filter, use the primer button to re-fill the system. Oh, don't whine. I have to lie on my back under the truck to access the primer button. An Espar unit blocks access from the top side.



It really isn't hard after the first time.

 

[shendren]

johnE,



my 96 does not take a cartridge unit... .

 

[FD5]

Does the fuel filter gasket need a coat of oil like the oil filter? If so, do you use engine oil or diesel fuel.

Thanks,

 

[bmoeller]

Originally posted by shendren

i was told buy cummins to put it on dry and fill it with good filtered fuel from the tank, via the prime button.....

That's what I do. No problem.

 

[JohnE]

Originally posted by shendren

johnE,



my 96 does not take a cartridge unit... .

Do you replace the filter element inside the case or replace the entire filter unit? The throwaway filter unit is a cartridge to me.



Every 96 I've had my nose under uses the throwaway filter cartridge units.

 

[Deezul1]

97 went to a canister with the filter inside it. I have had a 96 with a spin on and now a 97 with the canister and there isnt much difference in how hard they are to do, just different problems.

 

[wcjp]

Was it Baldwin that didn't test so well? I found a place locally that sells them for a decent price.