Well, I've tried to search and keep getting an error so I'll post a thread. It's time to change the fuel filter (15k) and I would like to do it myself. I've had an '84 and '86 F**d diesel and the fuel filters were made like oil filters - just a screw off and on filter - but you had to fill the new filter up with fuel before you screwed it on. Light coating of oil on the rubber seal, etc. Then most times I would have to loosen the injector lines and crank until fuel started coming out, then tighten 'em all back down before truck would start.

Does someone have a step-by-step for doing this?

Thanks,

Bob

 

Drain the canister, remove lid, change filter, and I just use some diesel on the o-ring , screw cap back on cycle the key about 3 times and start truck, check for leak`s, simple. I have never filled canister.

 

Thanks! That's the info I was looking for!

Bob

 

Depending on the outside temp cycling the key may not work. I always, regardless of temp, bump the starter and wait for the fuel pump to quit, 25-30 seconds, bump again, wait for it to quit and start it up. I have never had an issues, and change all 3 filters at once.

The HPCR system is self priming, there is no reason/need to add fuel to the canister.

 

I thought that I read some were that the 4th gen trucks require a different procedure for filling the fuel filter after changing. The 3rd gen's you would turn the key on and bump the starter but not start the truck to fill.
Maybe Blake could chime in on the 4th gen's now that he has one and by now has put a few miles on his.
Bob,
What does your owner manual tell you about changing the fuel filter does it provide instructions?
Jim W.

 

Here is the procedure per Chrysler

REMOVAL

1. Clean all debris from around filter canister (1) and canister cover.
2. Using a socket, rotate the fuel filter housing cover (1) counter clockwise and remove cover (1).

INSTALLATION

CAUTION: Do not pre-fill the fuel filter with fuel. Severe damage to fuel system and injection system components may result.


NOTE: The engine has a self-priming low-pressure fuel system (Refer to 14 - Fuel System/Fuel Delivery - Standard Procedure) .

NOTE: DO NOT USEbrake cleaner, carburetor cleaner, or similar harsh solvents for cleaning the internal housing walls.
1. Ensure that the internal housing wall is clean of debris before installing a new fuel filter cartridge.
2. Install fuel filter element (1).
3. Lubricate with clean engine oil and install the new O-ring (2).
4. Install the fuel filter housing cover (1) and tighten to 31 N·m (23 ft. lbs.).

 

What owner's manual? All I got was a CD/DVD and it's almost impossible to find diesel-specific info on it...

Thanks to all who replied - gonna do it this weekend.

Bob

 

http://www.dodge.com/en/owners/manuals/index.html

Fuel Filter Replacement
NOTE: Using a fuel filter that does not meet the
manufacturer’s filtration and water separating requirements
can severely impact fuel system life and reliability.
CAUTION!
• Diesel fuel will damage blacktop paving surfaces.
Drain the filter into an appropriate container.
Do not prefill the fuel filter when installing a new
fuel filter. There is a possibility debris could be
introduced into the fuel filter during this action. It
is best to install the filter dry and allow the in-tank
lift pump to prime the fuel system.
1. Ensure engine is turned off.
2. Place drain pan under the fuel filter drain hose.
3. Open the water drain valve 1/4 turn counterclockwise
and completely drain fuel and water into the approved
container.
4. Close the water drain valve.
5. Remove lid using a socket or strap wrench. Rotate
counterclockwise for removal. Remove used o-ring and
discard it.
6. Remove the used filter cartridge from the housing and
dispose of according to your local regulations.
7. Wipe clean the sealing surfaces of the lid and housing.
8. Install new o-ring back into ring groove on the filter
housing and lubricate with clean engine oil.
9. Remove new filter cartridge from plastic bag and
install into housing.
NOTE: Do not remove cartridge from bag until you
reach this step in order to keep cartridge clean.
10. Push down on the cartridge to ensure it is properly
seated. Do not pre-fill the filter housing with fuel.
11. Install lid onto housing and tighten to 22.5 ft lbs
(30.5 N.m). Do not overtighten the lid.
12. Prime the engine using the procedure in “Priming If
The Engine Has Run Out Of Fuel.” Then start the engine
and confirm there are no leaks.


Priming If The Engine Has Run Out Of Fuel
WARNING!
Do not open the high pressure fuel system with the
engine running. Engine operation causes high fuel
pressure. High pressure fuel spray can cause serious
injury or death.
1. Add a substantial amount of fuel to the tank, approximately
5 to 10 gal (19L to 38L).
2. Turn the ignition switch to the RUN position, wait for
four seconds, then turn the ignition switch back to the
OFF position. Repeat this step four times.
3. Start the engine using the “Normal Starting” procedure.
Refer to “Starting Procedures” in “Starting and
Operating” for further information.
4. Repeat the procedure if the engine does not start.
CAUTION!
Do not engage the starter motor for more than 15 seconds
at a time. Allow two minutes between the
cranking intervals.
NOTE: The engine may run rough until the air is forced
from all the fuel lines.


Bumping the starter just allows the fuel pump to run longer, but WILL NOT work on a vehicle equipped with tip start (which I think is all auto's)

 

OK - that looks pretty simple, and thanks for the link to the pdf manuals!

Regards,

Bob

 

It is 100% easy. You will benefit from a BIG Socket set though

 

What size socket is it? I've got some pretty big wrenches, but socket sizes - don't know....

Thanks,

Bob

 

I think its a 1 1/2. I know its big

 

Forgot to add this: Be sure to apply slight turning force. Do not just use a socket and bear into it. The top of the filter cap is soft and you can break the nut if your not carefull. I used a very long extension 9" and slowly applied pressure and it came off flawlessly. Be sure to have the drain slightly open when you do it. Also, the new filter comes with specific directions so read carefully and always check for leaks.

 

yes very easy to do. i made the mistake of buying the filter and while my truck was being serviced, asked if they would put in the new fuel filter. I said i would pay for it. When done, they said it was $90 for labor, i was shocked. Insane soem of the prices of these places. Needless to say, i will do it myself from now on

 

Well now you have plenty of time to find the right socket. 90 bucks for 10min of work!! OMG that is insane. haha, a mechanic getting plastic surgeon pay now thats funny.

Not really, sorry brother