2nd Gen Dakota Tech 1997 - 2004 Dodge Dakota Tech - The ultimate forum for technical help on the 2nd Gen Dakota.

How Often Do You Change Fuel Filter

Old Nov 23, 2015 | 08:15 PM
  #1  
tntitans21399's Avatar
tntitans21399
Thread Starter
|
Professional
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
From: Nashville, TN
Default How Often Do You Change Fuel Filter

I was curious how often do you change your fuel filter in your truck? I know my work diesel truck I have to change it out a lot and those are easy to get to, like changing a oil filter. But the 2003 V6 the fuel filter I was told is in the tank. So I was curious if anyone has changed theirs and how often do you change yours?
 
Reply
Old Nov 23, 2015 | 08:21 PM
  #2  
00DakDan's Avatar
00DakDan
Section Moderator
15 Year Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,858
Likes: 47
From: MA
Default

You really can't.

The filter is part of the fuel pump assembly. Change the pump to replace the filter?

It's considered "lifetime."
 
Reply
Old Nov 24, 2015 | 08:31 PM
  #3  
dodgeramguy85's Avatar
dodgeramguy85
Grand Champion
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,508
Likes: 7
From: Houtzdale,PA
Default

Yep its part of the pump.. Pretty much you change it when the pump goes bad... It would be nice if they were as easy as diesels but they arent
 
Reply
Old Nov 27, 2015 | 07:13 PM
  #4  
Robertwav1's Avatar
Robertwav1
Professional
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 244
Likes: 3
Default

I changed my fuel pump around 215K cause the sending unit went bad. I was surprised to see the fuel screen was quite large and it was clean. I think the best thing for these and other vehicles is not to let your fuel tank run real low, your pump will last longer.
 
Reply
Old Nov 28, 2015 | 09:28 AM
  #5  
LIZZRD's Avatar
LIZZRD
Veteran
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 290
Likes: 8
From: N. Carolina
Default

Looks like i will be taking off the bed of my truck in spring time to install new shackles and tackle other rusty issues.
I planned on changing the pump/filter then ,
or do i leave it alone , (if ain't broke don't fix it. )
'97 118,000 k miles
 
Reply
Old Nov 28, 2015 | 09:32 AM
  #6  
dodgeramguy85's Avatar
dodgeramguy85
Grand Champion
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,508
Likes: 7
From: Houtzdale,PA
Default

Originally Posted by LIZZRD
Looks like i will be taking off the bed of my truck in spring time to install new shackles and tackle other rusty issues.
I planned on changing the pump/filter then ,
or do i leave it alone , (if ain't broke don't fix it. )
'97 118,000 k miles
Do you know if it's ever been done? Your about at the right time and mileage for it to go out. Mine went out at 83k on my 98
 
Reply
Old Nov 28, 2015 | 09:44 AM
  #7  
LIZZRD's Avatar
LIZZRD
Veteran
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 290
Likes: 8
From: N. Carolina
Default

It's original ...
 
Reply
Old Nov 28, 2015 | 10:18 AM
  #8  
Moparite's Avatar
Moparite
Grand Champion
Loved
Community Favorite
10 Year Member
Community Builder
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 7,435
Likes: 578
Default

It's hard to tell by mileage, Would be nice if they had hour meters. No telling where most of the driving was done stuck in traffic or highway miles. I tent to get it changed around 160-175k with average everyday driving. My 90 ram almost made it to 200k but quit just before it. I did my 96 at 160K and this is a pic of the motor armature. That is thin copper on the commutator and no telling how much longer it would have lasted.
 
Reply
Old Nov 28, 2015 | 10:45 AM
  #9  
LIZZRD's Avatar
LIZZRD
Veteran
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 290
Likes: 8
From: N. Carolina
Default

Thanks for that , seems like it is a no brainer .
any thing special to look out for new install ?
 
Reply
Old Nov 28, 2015 | 11:32 AM
  #10  
Dodgevity's Avatar
Dodgevity
Champion
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 3,775
Likes: 449
From: Atlanta
Default

Originally Posted by Robertwav1
I changed my fuel pump around 215K cause the sending unit went bad. I was surprised to see the fuel screen was quite large and it was clean. I think the best thing for these and other vehicles is not to let your fuel tank run real low, your pump will last longer.
You're right about not letting the fuel run low too much. Gasoline acts as coolant for the pump. Don't know about the earlier trucks, but this video shows the filter is located inside the pump housing. The plastic had to be broken apart to get to it.


Originally Posted by dodgeramguy85
Do you know if it's ever been done? Your about at the right time and mileage for it to go out. Mine went out at 83k on my 98
I think I'm still on the original at nearly 264K. No sign of it quitting either. I guess I'm lucky.
 
Reply

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:37 AM.