tywebb3

I figure I mine as well change my fuel filter when I install my fp gauge this weekend on my '01. Can anyone give me any tips. Is their a certain brand of filter that is better than others and/or are there certain brands to stay away from all together?

Also, how do I bleed the system after the new filter is installed? I plan on connecting the line for the fuel pressure gauge to the bottom banjo fitting on the fuel filter housing...right?

Thanks

farmer dave

The fuel filter isn't that hard to replace. Alot of people go with the fleet gaurd filters for both fuel and oil. As for bleeding the line, there is a bleed screw on top of the filter housing that you loosen up.

phox_mulder

There's a bleed screw on a 2001?
Could've sworn it was a plastic screw on cap.

Here's what I do.

http://dodgeram.org/tech/dsl/filter/00fuel_filter.htm

I just add this from experience.

Pay special attention to the size of the socket you'll need, and don't even tempt fate by trying it with the square hole.
It was enough of a problem the removed it and it now has a round hole in the 2002's on up.
In fact, your 2001 might already have the improved cap.

When you thread the lid back on before bumping the starter to fill the bowl, leave the lid a little loose, then bump the starter.
The air will be pushed out the loose lid instead of into the lines, just be quick like a bunny getting around to tighten the lid once the fuel starts spurting out around the edges.
One bump of the starter, with the lid loose, is enough to overfill the bowl in about 10 seconds.
Once you get the lid tightened down, the engine should start right up and run like the filter was never changed.

First time I did it I just followed the directions on that site, and it took many cranks, flooring the pedal, more cranking, bit of panicking, then it finally started and ran rough for a bit before smoothing out.

Last 3 filter changes, with my extra hint performed, and it never hiccupped.


phox

tywebb3

Perfect...that's just what I was looking for.

Can the Fleet Guard filters be purchased at any local auto parts store? I checked the Advance Auto website but they don't list them. Would Wix or Fram be a suitable substitute if my local store doesn't have FG?

Commatoze

....it seemed like a microsecond before my bowl was filled and squirting out the side. Don't attempt this on asphalt! The diesel will go right thru it and you'll have a gummy soft spot for the next few years.

crobtex

Be careful what kind of aftermarket filter you use. Some people have reported problems with them. It's best to go to Cummins dealer and use what Cummins makes/recommends.

crobtex

phox,

10-4 on the panic the first time it didn't crank right up.

smokindog

Cummins owns Fleetguard. Who better to MFG a filter for their engine?

drafalske

I always attach a long hose to the drain **** and put the other end in a gas can. I then bump the starter and open the drain ****... pushes the air right out and I never spill a drop of diesel. Except for the time I left the drain open after I removed the hose and started up the truck. That was messy.

Mopar1973man

Oh Geez... He said the F word! I would stick to ONLY fleetguard or Mopar Filters. You can normally find fleetguards at a big truck / tractor shops. It not worth distroying a $1500 dollar VP44 pump over a $8 dollar filter!

tywebb3

I found the Fleetguard filter at a local International shop today and picked one up.