I'm sure there's a post here somewhere but my "search" returned more than I can view... Getting ready to do my first fuel filter change (2001.5, automatic, stock). Looking for some tips---I'm not too mech.inclined and I'd hate to do this and then not have it start up... Here's what I've heard so far:
1) Drain the fuel from the canister first; this reduces the chance of allowing debris to go down someplace bad.
2) Clean off any dirt/grime around the seam
3) Remove the cover (i have a socket for that)
4) Lift off the cover; have a bread bag or wal-mart bag ready to catch drips
5) Unclip the old; clip on the new
6) Look for rubber gaskets (top/bottom/both?)

What I don't know:
1) Should I re-fill the container? If yes, before or after I insert the new filter?
2) Will I have to turn the key on/off a few times? (i know I'll get the uh-oh feeling if it doesn't start up right away...i don't like that feeling)
3) Good filters? Bad filters?
4) Fuel in tank--best to do this on a full tank or empty or don't matter?

Apologies in advance if this is posted someplace else (a link to where would be appreciated). Thanks yall! -dan

 

ok your truck I believe the filter will stay on the lid when you unscrew it off; So if you want to fill it up some with fresh diesel it would not hurt but not more than half because whenyou put the new filter down in there it will over spill.
Becareful with Orings. Put some light grease so they slide on. Change the orings that come with the new filter.

I usually use Napa filters. good quality and always availible.


When tighten up.

Open ignition bump starter, Dont try to start.

Do this 6-8 x's.

Listen for the lift pump filling your system with fuel.

Then after 5- 10 mins of bump and listen. ( listen requires 30 secs after each bump of starter ) Finally try and start. Dont be afraid to hold accelerator down 1/2 to 3/4 ways.

When it starts it might be alittle rough for 10-20 secs. Just hold at low idle say 1400 til all air clears.

Good luck and hope this helps some!!

 

you can save yourself some headache by filling the filter before you install the new one.

 

That's good advice from SilverRam, pretty much how I do mine. I use a coffee can to put the old filter in when I pull it and wipe out the filter canister especially down by the pick up for the water sensor. I know about how full the housing is when I pull the old filter and fill it to there (about halfway)with clean diesel before I install the new filter so I don't spill it all over the place. Just snug up the lid when you reinstall, it doesn't have to be real tight, just enough to not leak. Bumping the starter is key to getting the lift pump to run for 25-30 secs to fill the canister after the change. You should be able to hear it cycle. Kurt

 

Very good description above
I usually refill the container and add maybe 1/2 ounce of 2 stroke oil, just to give pump a little extra lube while priming.
It might not be necessary but makes my brain feel better knowing there's a little extra lube.

 

You don't have to drain the canister every time you change the filter. I completely drain it every 3rd or 4th time. Other times, I just slowly pull the old filter out & put the new one in.

 

If you don't drain the canister any junk that the filter has been collecting on the outside of it will be allowed to get in the new filter while dropping it into the old fuel???? I always drain and wipe out the inside of the canister. Usually a small amount of sediment in the bottom of the canister. You are only looking at maybe 8 oz of fuel loss by dumping the canister.

TallTom

 

If you do drain your canister, dont forget to close the drain before you start to bump the starter or start the engine..

Don't ask how I learned to triple check...

 

you don't need to run the lift pump 6-8 times and refilling isn't necessary i pull filter put new 1 in and cycle lift twice engine starts and runs like champ every time 6-8 times is just a waste of time. i never prefill filters let it run through the way it was designed to that way you know that whatever oil or fuel is filtered.

 

Same thoughts here. I don't fill the canister. I just bump the starter once and let the pump run. Then fire the truck up.

 

Yup, just drain it, wipe it, reinstall the new filter give her a bump bump and yer good to go. It is way easy with a leveling kit too I found. I just place the cup on the axle and let it drain without out getting all dieseled up. When we did my buddies ram without the leveling I could not get it up in there and had to hold it, boo.

 

I leave the lid loose, bump the starter, and when the diesel starts flowing out the cracks I tighten her up good, pump it a second time, and its good to go

 

Even after bumping the starter once or twice to fill my canister (and I know it's fulll because I have one of the plugs on top looose enough to let the air out and start squirting diesel when it's full).
..Even after that, mine still won't start unless I loosen an injector and crank it to reprime the VP.
I'm not sure how you guys are so lucky to not have to do this.
Mine has always been thatway, and.otherwise...always starts with literally a half a crank. It's always immiediate.

Thats my two cents.

 

You can have the canister full and it won't overflow when you reinsert the new filter, just go slow. Don't over tighten either, its easy to do when using such a big socket and 1/2 ratchet.

 

Maybe the LP has better pumping ability, I pump mine once from a empty canister and it's overflowing in seconds. I bet it pumps a 1/2 gallon in the 30sec run time, maybe more at no pressure.