I have a 1996 Dodge Ram B2500 conversion van and I wanted to know about replacing the fuel filter. Does the gas tank need to come down in order to get to the filter or is it before the tank??

Thanks for your help!!

DLB

 

The pump, sending unit, and filter are all one piece in the tank.

 

Thanks for the reply-Can these parts all be replaced by dropping the tank?? I should explain my situation with why I am asking about the fuel filter. I can fill my van with gas at the 1/2 full mark and drive normally until the engine starts to sputter and pop and loose power completely. I will have to pull off the side of the road and let it sit for a period of maybe 5 minutes - Start back up and it drives normally again and will go through the same symptoms until I get some gas in the tank.

This problem has been happening for some time now and it always seems to run normally after I fill it with gas and let it sit. I was actually coming back from a 1000 mile trip and had to pull off the side of the interstate until I could restart and get myself to a gas station. At this point in time the gauge can read 1/4 full or 1/2 full when the problem starts. It really is not consistent as far as what the gas gauge is reading.

Thanks again for the replies and suggestions!!

DLB

 

It's not a clogged filter it's a failing fuel pump. The fuel acts as a heat sink and keeps the pump running cool. As the fuel level drops there is less fuel around the pump and it runs hotter and acts up.

BTW - Everything gets changed as an assembly, you can't change just the filter.

 

Thanks for your reply-So by dropping the tank you can get to the whole assembly??

 

Correct.

 

Ok-I have one more question and that should do it. The straps and hardware that hold the tank in place-can the bolts that tie into the straps and frame be bought individually?? I have checked around and have not been able to find these parts. I am going to assume that I will not be able to get the nuts loose and will have to cut them off. I would like to have all the parts in hand before I start with this fun little project.

Thanks for you help!!

DLB

 

I have changed a 99 Ram Van's fuel pump and kept the orginal bolts. Try using WD-40 on them and spray liberaly on all three and do this several times before you remove the nuts. Other wise if they are that rusted you may need to check a salvage yard or see if you can get some from the nearest dealer.

 

Thanks for your help-How long did it take you to do the job?? I was also wondering about the actual fuel pump itself. Some people have told me to only buy the original Dodge part and not go with any after market fuel pumps. I have checked the price and the Dodge part is about double. Bosch makes the assembly unit which I am familiar with and trust as far as quality goes.

 

It took me 2.5 hours. I also used a Bosch unit. This van is driven long and hard every other day or so. I put the pump in two months ago. He has not had any problems with it. When I do change the pump in my van I will also put a Bosch unit in it.