Do I need to do anything special when I change the fuel filter? How do you bleed the system when I change it?

 

Check out this thread, see if it answers all questions.

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...threadid=19742


phox

 

Something the other thread didn't indicate:

You're going to need an 1 1/8" 6 point socket to remove the cover. If your cover has square hole in it, do not attempt to use a 1/2" square drive on it. You risk breaking it.

 

Thanks for the advice commatoze

 

I would suggest patience and beer! Be sure to clean the canister, crack open the plug on top of the canister, cycle key about 3-4 times, and it should start. If not get a fuel pressure gauge and see what pressures you have. Should be > 12 at idle for a good lift pump.

 

Just be prepared to cycle the fuel pump 15-20 times to prime the system. As far as removing the cover, if you don't have the socket...I had no problem at all removing mine with a 10" Crescent wrench

 

IN the past I have used a air line to pressurize the fuel tank to get a prime.

KC

 

[quote author=Relentless link=board=4;threadid=20321;start=0#msg193003 date=1065362712]
Just be prepared to cycle the fuel pump 15-20 times to prime the system. As far as removing the cover, if you don't have the socket...I had no problem at all removing mine with a 10" Crescent wrench
[/quote]

15-20 times??? seems like that would be a little hard on the lift pump. After pulling the old filter I install the new one on the cover and fill the filter canister right up with diesel. After screwing the filter and cover in place you should only have to cycle the lift pump 2-3 times and it will start right up.

 

To avoid having to bump the lift pump much I fill the canister about 3/4's full and slowly drop the filter attached to the lid in. Tighten lid and bump starter, let lift pump run once and she'll fire right off without any hickups! ;D Just one word of caution, make sure you are using clean fuel to fill the canister. It works great! Phil

 

I really like Phox Mudder's tip of putting the cover on a couple of turns where it will still leak and bumping the starter. The air will come out the loose cap, then you tighten the cap. Mine started immediately after 2 bumps on the starter. That way you know you are starting with filtered fuel and you dont have to bump the starter so many times.

Bryan

 

Thank you all for your help. Hopefully I will get to that this weekend.

 

I changed my filter a couple weeks ago. I crammed a plastic pop bottle below the hose to catch the fuel that I drained out of the canister after I cracked the seal. I removed the filter and got a bunch of rags to clean the canister. Its small so be ready to get a few scrapes on your hands if you have big hands like me. I dropped the filter back in and bumped the engine 6-8 times. I tried to start the engine and it only ran for 10 seconds. At this point the canister was only half full when I checked. My neighbour came over with some fresh fuel and topped the canister up. I put the filter back in and tried to start the engine again( i was holding the starter on for 5 seconds or so). Nothing! I bumped a few times and still nothing. Now I was getting a little worried. I push in the shraeder valve on the post filter side until fuel flowed out. Now I assumed that all the air was bled. It still didn't start.(again holding the starter on for 5 seconds. Out comes the manual, it said to hold the starter on up to 30 seconds to fully bleed the air out. Presto! it started after about 15 seconds. I have the haynes manual(doesn't help with breaks). Hope this makes the experiance less stressful.

Steve

 

The screw on lid on my '02 filter body is plastic and I've read where there has been problems with them cracking. Does Dodge or Cummins offer a medal lid to replace the plastic one on the 2002 year model?

Thanks!

 

remarc31,
Welcome to the DTR family.
There's lotsa good info here on the site.
The earlier models had a 1/2" square drive hole the the center of the lid.
When folks attempted to use a 1/2" ratchet handle to unscrew the lid, the lids were cracking.
The replacement had a round hole which forces you to use the proper sized socket for removal.
There have been no cracking issues that I'm aware of since this change.

Ed

 

Did my first fuel filter change yesterday after reading this post. Had 17,000 mi. on, it was black.Used an inch&ONE EIGTH SIX POINT SOCKET.DRAINED WATER SEPERATOR, CLEANED CANISTER PUT IN CLEAN D/O DROPED IN NEW FILTER CHANGED O RING TIGHTENED DOWN CAP. tURNED KEY ON &OFF THEN TURNED KEY & BUMPED STARTER ONCE, OPENED WATER SEPERATOR BRIEFLY TO PURGE OUT ANY AIR THEN SHE FIRED RIGHT UP.