I've found that you can take plastic drinking water bottles and jam them up there where the fuel drain hose is rather than run an extension line. Works great!

 

There is a decent amount of fuel that drains, make sure your drinking bottle is big enough...

 

THe mistake I made when I changed my filter for the first time was this: The black top from the old filter stuck in the filter housing top. When I tried to install the new filter, I couldn't get the top to screw down. I became very frustrated, and was cursing AutoZone for selling me the wrong filter, before I read a post somewhere telling me the problem. Just make sure that when you pull out the old filter, the top comes out of the housing lid!

 

Thanks for the step by step it really helps out I need to do mine and this helps thanks alot...

 

Horsehauler, thanks for the post and the pics. I just wish I had actually read it, rather than skimmed through it when I went to do mine!

I figured I'd be intelligent and put the oil drain pan underneath (nice big target!) and open the valve. Worked rather well, since I got to give the front diff cover a good cleaning after it was soaked with fuel.

But, I'm looking at the bright side...at least the diff cover won't rust!

This weekend will entail the small fortune in gear oil (diffs) and this wonderful 505.01 spec'd oil in the Jetta (pretty bad when the 5 litres of oil for the Jetta is more expensive than the 12 qts of non-synthetic for the Ram).

 

remember do not drain diesel fuel on asphalt, especially if it is your asphalt and even more if it is a hot summer day.
Of course one must be enviromentaly friendly at all times.

 

Awesome post!!!!

 

That's great info. Keep the different pics coming on different maint. jobs.
I have a question about priming the fuel systetm after a fuel filter change.
It is said on here several times about bumping the starter over but not cranking the engine, i never do that on my '03. Just turn the key to on once and listen for the pump to stop, then it cranks right up. just wondering if the later models work this way or if you hve to bump the engine over?
A 2 liter coke bottle works very good in catching the diesel from drainning the fuel housing.

 

The reason for bumping the starter is it gets the pump to stay on longer than just a key cycle. if one cycle works for you, great. my 03 always took a few cycles and a bump before starting, but my 05 with one bump it starts right up.

 

I agree that it's not a good idea to 'wipe' anything out. If needed use a spray cleaner that evaporates, and let it dry before using it. Look at the area around the filter before removing it, clean if needed, as you don't dust, sand, dirt clods, etc., falling into the unit. With fuel injection systems the game is clean, clean, clean.

I replaced mine yesterday. I was being careful to keep from getting diesel everywhere, and when I snapped the filter in place it sprayed diesel all over my boots, trousers, seatshirt, driveway..... :^)

 

Save your old diesel fuel that you drain out. Keep it in a plastic bottle with lid or something when your driving. Next time you get on one of those roads with speed bumps, pull over and spill a little of the fluid directly over the bump. Continue this often

 

Horsehauler, what size hose did you use to extend it to the bottle? I've got some extra 1/2" OD 3/8"ID hose, 30feet of it for free, laying around here, will that work, or do i need a bigger ID hose?

 

ill have to go take a look, i forget exactly, ill let you know

 

If a 30 ft section will reach your neighbors driveway, you could always run the line to where he parks. He'd really wonder what his car is leaking after a few filter changes.

 

Shoot, I live in an apartment complex, no driveways here, but I could do that to my roommate.

Thanks HorseHauler, please let me know what you were using