It's probably real simple but I want to change the fuel filter myself. Whats the procedure?
Thanks

 

Drain the bowl via the yellow drain valve. Remove the cap and filter, replace with new filter and o-ring, flush bowl with fresh diesel and close drain valve. Fill with fresh diesel and new fliter and tighten the cap. Turn the key to the on pos. 1 or 2 times and then start it up.

 

Here ya go Bear, a link to DTR's Wiki Site...

http://wiki.dieseltruckresource.com/..._Filter_Change

 

If you buy a filter from Dodge it comes with instructions inside the plastic filter wrapper. For some reason the instructions does not state that you need to drain the canister. What is the benifit to draining the canister first?

 

Its easier than you think. I did it myself bout 2 weeks ago. Filter was less than 25 dollars and took less than 30 min. Like 98whitelitin said, drain the bowl then loosen the cap to the filter located in the engine compartment. Then remove and replace the o-ring and install new filter, make sure not to over tighten the cap when you put it back on. Turn key on without starting the truck, allow the pump to cycle. Then for less than a second, crank the truck but dont let it start and wait. This helps bulid up the correct fuel pressure. Repeat this a couple of times and start truck back up, and you are done.

 

I would assume it lets any gunk from the dirty side of the filter drain out, so it can't get into the clean side?

Anyway, it also makes it a little cleaner, especially if you let it sit for a while with the drain open and the cap unscrewed.

 

Water also... When I put the new one in I actually bump the starter once to push any remaining gunk out that might have fallen off the filter or anything else that might have gotten in. Just dont run it to long with the drain open .

 

Yeah, me too.

I'd also recommend putting a longer hose on the drain, so it doesn't drench the axle housing (and make the truck smell) and its easier to catch the diesel in a pan.

Of course, if you forget the pan is there, when you run over it all the diesel slung onto the rear fender will smell anyway.

I don't mind draining a little extra diesel. I just put it in a jug I use as parts cleaner for trailer wheel bearings and whatever else.

 

I would recommend going elsewhere other than the dealer to buy a filter you can get them directly from Cummins for much cheaper.

Also while I havent extended my hose yet, I use the same wiper fluid jug and stick it up there with the hose inside it.

And while I dont bump it to get more fluid out (good idea) I do take some lint free cloths and wipe out the inside of the canister really well.

Oh and also another tip after you put something under the hose to catch the diesel open the drain valve BEFORE you try and loosen the cap, I forgot to open it one day and I had diesel coming out through the lid making a mess, which is another reason you SHOULD drain the bowl besides getting rid of any water or loose sedement that may be floating around in there. It also makes unscrewing the cap easier as well.

So with that said I have NO clue why Dodge wouldnt recommend draining the bowl??