How often do you replace your diesel fuel filters?

[BeerBrewer-MGRV]

We own a 2018 Ram 2500 CTD and I've got a question about how often should I change the two fuel filters? This is my first diesel truck (purchased new Feb 2019) and we only have just over 27K miles on it. That equates to less to less than 7K per year. So I've been changing the two fuel filters when I change the oil and oil filter, which is about once a year or 7k miles. Oddly enough the truck is telling me the oil and filter is only like 50% used up, but I do it anyway. I'm wondering if I can go longer with the fuel filters, since they are PITA to change out, especially the one in rear of the truck. I'd like to shoot the engineer that decided that is was a good idea to place the filter dead center and directly above the drive shaft, so when you try to remove, you invariably spill some fuel, it hits the drive shaft and goes everywhere!

Thanks

 

[Super_Design_16_21]

We own a 2018 Ram 2500 CTD and I've got a question about how often should I change the two fuel filters? This is my first diesel truck (purchased new Feb 2019) and we only have just over 27K miles on it. That equates to less to less than 7K per year. So I've been changing the two fuel filters when I change the oil and oil filter, which is about once a year or 7k miles. Oddly enough the truck is telling me the oil and filter is only like 50% used up, but I do it anyway. I'm wondering if I can go longer with the fuel filters, since they are PITA to change out, especially the one in rear of the truck. I'd like to shoot the engineer that decided that is was a good idea to place the filter dead center and directly above the drive shaft, so when you try to remove, you invariably spill some fuel, it hits the drive shaft and goes everywhere!

Thanks

I would check your owners manual. I think my 2016 ford 6.7 diesel supplement recommended 15k intervals for example. Should be in your owners manual somewhere.

 

[Redapple63]

I would check in tour owners manual. I think my 2016 ford 6.7 diesel supplement recommended 15k intervals for example. Should be in your owners manual somewhere.

Same for my GMC. I cut oem recommended in half. Replace every 7ish. Using the life monitor it usually goes much longer. Don’t know about Dodge or Ford, but GMC and Chevy is a 5 minute replacement on the newer models. Spin off, replace element and spin back on.

Bill

 

[Hoopy Frood]

I figure to change my fuel filters around 10,000 miles. I think they recommend like 15,000- 20,000 miles. Or every other oil change. I'm completely unable to change oil at 10,000 mile intervals. So mine gets changed around 7,500 miles. Just too old to change my ways. Fuel filters get changed around the same time. Considering the cost of the fuel system rebuild, I guess it's just cheap(ish) insurance.

 

[mwdilday]

I would check the manual. My 2023 Chevy 3500HD has it in the computer so it lets me know.

 

[msutoad]

I have a 2020 PowerStroke and a 2020 Duramax, and I change both fuel filters every 10K miles, or I would once a year. Filters are cheap compared to Diesel motor work in my opinion. I am putting 20K miles on my trucks each a year, so they each get 2 sets of filters a year. Both my trucks have electronic timers of when to change them, but I ignore those and change them early at 10K. Must my ritual and preference. Hope this helps…

Jason

 

[ajg617]

I change oil and fuel filters every 8K, especially after towing long distances in heat.

 

[FT4NOW]

I do fuel filters every 10k which is less than the recommended mileage, cheap insurance for an expensive fuel system.

 

[Tom Traveler]

So here is a related question. Let's say, for example, the recommended fuel filter change is 10,000 miles or 12 months. You put 5,000 miles on your truck in 12 months. The electronic maintenance minder, which only knows miles, says 50% life remaining. Are you going to change your fuel filters? Why? How does time degrade the filter? I guess water in the filters and housings could cause problems over time, but does anyone know specifically why the time constraint is important?

 

[campinfool]

I owned a 2004 Ram 3500 CTD that was never driven from November to April through 2018 when I bought an F350 with the 6.7 Powerstroke and have given it the same treatment. I change oil and filter at 5,000 miles. I change the air and fuel filters every other oil change. I buy my fuel at the same station locally and make sure to run winter blend fuel in the fall. I have not had any issues so far.
Jim

 

[Dick Noble]

I had two different trucks stop on me with clogged fuel filters. Had less then 10,000 miles on them. Had both towed to dealers since I did not know what the problem was. Now I have the fuel filters changed each time I have the oil changed.

 

[BeerBrewer-MGRV]

So here is a related question. Let's say, for example, the recommended fuel filter change is 10,000 miles or 12 months. You put 5,000 miles on your truck in 12 months. The electronic maintenance minder, which only knows miles, says 50% life remaining. Are you going to change your fuel filters? Why? How does time degrade the filter? I guess water in the filters and housings could cause problems over time, but does anyone know specifically why the time constraint is important?

Tom.... great question and I may have found the answer!

My truck came with 4 manuals, but I was apparently missing the Diesel Addendum (I found it using google). According to it, I read the following "Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or twelve months,whichever comes first". I then read the following about fuel filters "Replace fuel filter and drain water from the fuel filter assembly. Fuel filter replacement intervals should be every second oil change andmust not exceed 20,000 miles (32 000 km) if using diesel fuel up to B5". There was no mention of a time interval, but is it worth the risk?

 

[Tony_in_AZ]

Ford says 10 to 15 k miles on the 6.7 diesel fuel filters.. I just changed my filters. Make sure you cycle the key 4 or 5 times to prime the fuel system before starting

 

[laffman]

My 2011 Chevy has a dash message that displays when to change it. The manual doesn't give a milage but says to change when the message displays or every 2 years, whichever comes first.

 

[Johnww]

I do fuel filters every 10k which is less than the recommended mileage, cheap insurance for an expensive fuel system.

X2, also air cleaner filter

 

[Steven@147]

On our trip out West to Arizona and New Mexico this spring / early summer, I got a message to check the air filter. I had last changed it when I changed the oil/filter, fuel filters every year or every 15,000 miles. That's the change interval for our truck running full synthetic oil. A lot of dust in the air filter from blowing winds and dust storms.

 

[pilotpip]

I don't drive a diesel, but if I did, and I was only driving it about 7k per year, I would change the fuel filters annually with my oil change. Here's why:

I did QC for the fuel farm at my FBO during weekends in college. Diesel fuel (like Jet-A and Kerosene) is very close in specific gravity to water. This means water suspends in it easily. If your truck sits it gives any moisture a chance to come out of solution and "pool" in your fuel tank. If it sits for long periods you have a higher chance of having a water contamination issue.

I'd also store it with a full tank.

 

[LMagelitz]

I let the truck tell me when to change the fuel filter, unless it’s going to hit during the next trip, then I do it early. The maintenance interval built in appears to be around 500hours, with a mix of towing and not towing. That is also when I replace fuel filters on farm tractors, incidentally, so I’d say their interval is good unless you get some sketchy fuel.

 

[BeerBrewer-MGRV]

I don't drive a diesel, but if I did, and I was only driving it about 7k per year, I would change the fuel filters annually with my oil change. Here's why:

I did QC for the fuel farm at my FBO during weekends in college. Diesel fuel (like Jet-A and Kerosene) is very close in specific gravity to water. This means water suspends in it easily. If your truck sits it gives any moisture a chance to come out of solution and "pool" in your fuel tank. If it sits for long periods you have a higher chance of having a water contamination issue.

I'd also store it with a full tank.

Good info..... I'm convinced, I'll to keep doing it as I have been.

 

[COGrandDes]

We own a 2018 Ram 2500 CTD and I've got a question about how often should I change the two fuel filters? This is my first diesel truck (purchased new Feb 2019) and we only have just over 27K miles on it. That equates to less to less than 7K per year. So I've been changing the two fuel filters when I change the oil and oil filter, which is about once a year or 7k miles. Oddly enough the truck is telling me the oil and filter is only like 50% used up, but I do it anyway. I'm wondering if I can go longer with the fuel filters, since they are PITA to change out, especially the one in rear of the truck. I'd like to shoot the engineer that decided that is was a good idea to place the filter dead center and directly above the drive shaft, so when you try to remove, you invariably spill some fuel, it hits the drive shaft and goes everywhere!

Thanks

I drive my diesel truck about 6-7K miles per year. It's just used for camping, hauling and etc. I change the engine oil and filter yearly right before camping season begins and the fuel filter when the computer let's me know it's time. This is the 3rd GMC diesel truck that I've owned since 2007 and have totaled over 110K miles with the three and have never had an ounce of trouble.