We're trying to replace the fuel filter...(5.9 liter CTD)...the top cap of canister is extremely tight. Is there any previous step that is necessary before removing...or do you just 'grunt' and forcibly twist it off? (Using a wrench) thank you!

 

There is an O-ring that fits between the filter housing and the lid, if over tightened the O-ring will cause alot of resistance, you are going to have to just apply torque till it spins off replace O-ring and filter but dont put it too tight.

Cheers, Kevin

 

Do we have to replace the O-ring? does this mean another trip to the car store? (And don't you love how I'm saying "we" like I'm out there getting my hands dirty) thanks!!! I'll wait for your answer and hollar it out the window!

 

o ring should be included with new filter
Clark

 

I just tighten my filters hand-tight, and it still takes a filter wrench and quite a bit of "umph" to get it off when I change it. They tighten up on their own.

 

I've also seen in Geno's Garage catalog that the factory filters are on VERY VERY tight. I usually just pound a screw driver through the oil filter to get it off, don't know about on 3rd gens, won't be long till the old man's fuel filter is due...

 

He's working with the fuel filter guys.
My '99 keeps lookin' better all the time.

 

I said fuel in my post

 

Talkin' 'bout poundin' a screwdriver through an Oil Filter .....just wanted to be sure we're all on the same wavelength.

Large socket/wrench of the appropriate size, should work.

 

As with any liquid filled container with any pressure in it, if you drain even the slightest amount of fuel from it, the amount of torque required to loosen the filter cap will be much less. Try it, you will like it.

 

Georgia Peach,

The last two new vehicles I've owned (the most recent 2004 Ram), It was very difficult to remove the fuel filter, oil filter, and oil drain plug. I went to a Jiffy Lube, and they wouldn't touch either vehicle. I would recommend that you bring it to a Dodge Dealer for the first changes. This way if something breaks, you should not be responsible.

Let us know how you do.

Alan

 

Do the 03's have the same plastic lid as the 2nd gens? If so, you'll need a socket to get it loose. Get a 1 1/8" 6 point socket, not a 12 point.

murray, if you can afford to go to Dodge to change the fuel filter, more power to ya man! 'Cause, they really rock ya for a 5 minute job. I heard sixty-some dollars. You can get Fleetguard fuel filters online at places like Geno's Garage for 14 bucks. It's a really simple job, except I would recommend draining the cannister of fuel, not just pulling the up old one, and plunking in the new one. Not doing so, may leave a lot of gunk in the cannister along with possible water droplets. The aluminum bottom on my filter housing is all pitted due to a minor amount of water accumulation which sat on the bottom.

 

Hi Commatoze,

I agree, not all people can afford dealer prices. My suggestion was for Georgia Peach to do this as a first time service, in order to avoid problems removing filters (Oil or Fuel) and the oil drain plug. If she were to break/strip something I'm sure Dodge would probably not pay for the fix.

After re-reading her post I checked out her signature, and it appears that she has an '03. Obviously the filters were more then likely changed in the past, so my advise was probably for naught.

Thanks for the reply,
Alan