Changed my fuel filter for the first time today. Tried hard to get the whole canister out so I could wipe it out really good, just spilled diesel all over the place under the hood and on the ground, never got it out.
So, is it safe to spray degreaser under the hood and hose everything off. I figure I should be OK as long as I cover up my BHAF so it does not get wet.

Am I missing something? I am still kind of new to diesel and do not want to learn anything the hard way.

pacmule

 

I use Castrol Super Clean all the time for such occurrences.
No problem except that your water in fuel light might go on until the connector dries.

 

I use simple green, double what the dose recommends on mixing the concentrate. I use simple green to wash my hands after wrenchn, its great for washing other stuff too.

I never liked that degreaser stuff, just seems to strong, tends to eat things like paint if not washed off properly. But it does work on the nasty gunky stuff thats caked on for years.

 

One of my friends worked on diesel tractors alot and he said the best thing he ever used was good ole oven cleaner. I've used it myself and it works good.

 

I don't know if you know about this yet but there is also a fuel strainer also that you can clean or replace. ITs usaully pretty neglected because most people don;t know about them.

 

where is the fuel strainer located?

pacmule

 

I use Simple green.
Strainer is toward the back of the engine, drivers side. Its a reach to get it off. You'll see a fuel line going in and out. Theres a big nut on the bottom that you put a wrench on to twist the strainer off.

 

Read this>
http://dodgeram.org/tech/dsl/filter/pre-filt_clean.htm

 

I (carefully) pressure wash my engine compartment all the time... never had a problem.

It is possible to change the filtre with only nominal/no spillage.

The key hints are:
-drain the canister first into some kind of container, using the water drain.
-Unmount the canister, turn it around 180o, rest it on the frame rail.
-Use the creeper under the truck to do retrieve the canister - it will fit in a path that goes along the transmission.
-Clean it, fill 80%-85% with fuel, use fuel to lube all seals, and THEN insert the new filter.
-Cover with a holefree bag like a kitchen catcher then replace on the frame rail.
-Go to the top again, remove the bag, install the canister, and turn on your truck. Hole the throttle a bit as it will cough and sputter some as it gets rid of the air. Within about 15 seconds the truck will run smoothly again.

There is no need to reprime the system with the finger pump if you fill the canister with sufficient fuel. The order of events is important, as it ensures even the fuel you use to fill the canister is filtered before it gets to the IP.

 

Scott, changing the filter on a '97 is a lot easier than a '98.
Not sure what's different but it's always a mess with a '98

 

Thanks guys for all the help. Scott, I saw an opening down by the tranny and tried what you said, set it on frame went under and tried to pull thru near firewall, compressing insulation was getting me close but I was afraid if I forced it I was going to break something. Will have to check out that strainer. the filter was black when I took it out.

pacmule