Used to change mine at 10K, but noticed filter was always black and nasty and could feel a loss of power. I know change at 7,500 with oil and all is good. $11.50 per filter is cheap insurance.

 

A fuel pressure gauge would tell you when the filter is getting dirty. You can't tell much by looking at it.

 

Ok I'll knock everybody's socks off. My truck has 57,000 miles with the original filter and has been running a little sluggish and idling a little rough so I thought about maybe changing the fuel filter. I came here looking for a procedure (and found it...thanks) along with a whole lot more. Wow can't wait to see how the filter looks and how the truck runs. **** I should be able to do a wheelie now.

 

Well you guys with those 3rd gen trucks should check the tops of your fuel tanks. Theres 2 elbow fittings up there that let water into tank. There used for the gas engines. You should put a length of hose on them ,run hose someplace where water wont feed in. Been a big thread on that somewhere. Use mirror and look on top of tank . You can see them. This should have been taken care of on the assembly line. But I guess it dont rain in Mex.

 

Scott321 that's hilarious. Please post a pic of your filter!!

 

I agree with Johnson about the plastic fuel tanks, warm diesel, etc. My truck is new (500 miles) and I am new to Dodge diesel trucking. I bet I will also have problems until my fuel system gets all the trash, tacos, polypropolene, etc., cleaned out. Sounds like these engines behave like my two John Deere tractors, when the filters get clogged they just loose power/miss/sputter pretty drastically but it does not hurt JD engines from my experience. Sounds like not changing Cummings filters will perhaps kill one or both of the fuel pumps, is that correct?

 

i allways change mine when doing the oil change. Its 12 bucks, and takes 10 minutes to change, drain, and wipe clean.

To the fella thats gonna let the dealer change it for him....better bring your checkbook. Wait till you see what they charge to change that 12 dollar filter

 

Well I don't have a digital camera but I'm almost embarassed to say it was really pathetic looking. Both my air and fuel filter were literally plugged. The poor engine was starving for fuel and air due to my neglect. I can honestly say I'll never do that again. I hope my truck forgives me. The really sad part is that I make my living as an industrial maintenance foreman and was once a machinery technician (diesel mech) in the coast guard and I ended up neglecting my own stuff. I bet you guys are having a good laugh.