Rajan Wilcox
The Ram 2500 is a heavy-duty pickup truck with a 6.7L diesel engine. It has two fuel filters, one mounted on the left side of the engine and the other frame-mounted. Changing the fuel filter on a Ram 2500 diesel truck can be challenging and messy. Before loosening the drain screw, it is important to loosen the fuel filter housing lid or cap to allow air to enter as the fuel drains out. Some Ram 2500 owners have reported issues with their trucks not starting after changing the fuel filters, which may be due to leaving the drain open during cranking, resulting in air getting pulled into the fuel system. To prime the fuel system and resolve this issue, turn the key on without turning the engine over, let the lift pump fill the filters with fuel, and repeat the process of turning the key on and off for several seconds.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Some users report that changing the fuel filter is a difficult process. |
| Tools required | Ratchet with swivel attachment, 10-inch extension, 28mm socket |
| Drain location | Front filter has a drain tube; rear filter has a small drain plug |
| Drain procedure | Loosen fuel filter housing lid or cap, then loosen drain screw. Attach tubing or container to collect fuel. |
| Common issues | Air in the fuel system, clogged filters, receiving bad OEM filters, water in the fuel |
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What You'll Learn
Drain the fuel filter housing
To drain the fuel filter housing on a Ram 2500 Diesel, you will need to locate the fuel filter. There are two filters: one mounted on the left side of the engine, and a frame-mounted filter.
The front filter has a drain tube that you can place a container under to collect the fuel. The rear filter is located above the drive line and has a small drain plug.
Before draining, loosen the fuel filter housing lid or cap to allow air to enter as the fuel drains. There is a Phillips screw at the bottom of the housing for draining. Loosen the yellow screw and pull it down and wiggle it to start the draining process. You can attach a freezer bag to collect the fuel and avoid a mess.
It is important to note that if the drain is left open during cranking, air will enter the fuel system, requiring priming to clear it. To prime the system, turn the key to the 'on' position without turning the engine over, allowing the lift pump to fill the filters with fuel. Repeat this process several times, as outlined in the priming procedure.
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Tools needed for the process
The tools required for draining the fuel filter on a Ram 2500 diesel vehicle depend on the model year of the vehicle and the specific configuration of its fuel system. Here is a list of tools that may be needed for the process:
- A long extension, at least 12 inches, for reaching the filter.
- A ratchet with a swivel attachment.
- A 28mm socket.
- A new gasket.
- A freezer bag or a large jar to collect the drained fuel.
- A clear hose to direct the drained fuel into the jar.
- A Phillips-head screwdriver for loosening the drain screw.
- A brass pipe plug to replace the yellow plug.
- A trash bag or gallon-sized bag to catch any spilled fuel.
It is important to note that working on a fuel system can be dangerous and should only be attempted with the proper knowledge, training, and equipment. It is always recommended to consult a professional mechanic or a qualified technician if you are unsure about any aspect of the procedure.
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Location of the fuel filter
The fuel filter location on a Ram 2500 diesel truck varies depending on the model year. For a 2000 model, there are two filters: one mounted on the left side of the engine and a frame-mounted filter. The front filter is located behind the engine, and the rear filter is positioned right above the drive line.
For the 2017 and 2018 models, the rear fuel filter, which is also the water/fuel separator, is mentioned. This suggests that the filter location may be different from the 2000 model, but the exact position is not specified.
The 2022 model is referenced in relation to the front and rear canisters, but again, there is no explicit description of the filter location.
It is important to accurately identify the fuel filter location on your specific Ram 2500 model before attempting any maintenance or repairs.
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Steps to prime the fuel filters
To prime the fuel filters, follow these steps:
Firstly, ensure that the drain is closed before cranking the vehicle. If the drain is left open, air will enter the fuel system, causing issues with starting the engine.
Now, turn the key to the 'on' position, but do not turn the engine over. This will activate the lift pump, which will begin to fill the filters with fuel. Allow this process to continue for 15 seconds, then turn the key off for 5 seconds. Repeat this cycle at least 6 times, as it may take multiple priming attempts to clear the air from the fuel system.
After priming, start the engine as you normally would and let it idle for a few minutes. Then, drive the vehicle at a slow speed for a short distance. The vehicle may be challenging to start and run initially, but this will improve as the air is pushed out of the fuel system.
Additionally, here are some extra tips for the process:
- Ensure that the surfaces where the filters mate are clean, and place a new O-ring in the proper groove.
- Loosen the fuel filter housing lid or cap before loosening the drain screw. This allows air to enter as the fuel drains.
- When draining the fuel filter housing, you can attach a freezer bag to the drain screw to collect the fuel and prevent messes.
- For the front filter, you may need a long extension, approximately 12 inches or more, to access it due to its location.
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How to minimise spillage
To minimise spillage when draining the fuel filter on a Ram 2500 Diesel, there are several methods you can employ:
Firstly, ensure you have the right tools for the job. A long extension of at least 12 inches is required for the front filter, as it is difficult to access. A ratchet with a swivel attachment and a 10-inch extension are also useful.
Secondly, be mindful of the drain process. Before removing the cap, ensure the canister is adequately drained. You can open the drain valve and let it drain, then shut the valve and crack the filter to turn it by hand, before opening the valve again. This ensures that the majority of the fuel drains into an appropriate container, reducing spillage.
Additionally, you can use tubing or a hose to direct the fuel into a container, reducing the mess. A small bucket can be used for the rear filter, placed right above the drive shaft.
For the front filter, a freezer bag or a large plastic bag can be used to catch the fuel. This method involves attaching the bag, tightening it, and then turning the key on and off.
It is also important to loosen the fuel filter housing lid or cap before loosening the drain screw, to allow air to enter as the fuel drains.
Finally, be cautious of the plastic Fleetguard top, which can weld itself to the bottom. Using a swivel and a super long extension can help break it loose.
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Frequently asked questions
There are two filters on the Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel. One is mounted on the left side of the engine, and the other is frame-mounted. To drain the fuel filter, first, loosen the fuel filter housing lid or cap, then loosen the drain screw.
You will need a 28mm socket, a ratchet with a swivel attachment, and a 10-inch extension.
To minimise spillage, you can attach a freezer bag, a large ziplock bag, or a tube to the drain valve.
