If you're getting ready to change your oil or perform some routine upkeep, knowing the 6. 7 cummins fuel filter cap socket size is the difference between a quick twenty-minute job and a frustrating afternoon of rounded-off plastic. Intended for the front engine-mounted fuel filter on the RAM 2500 or 3500, you're searching for a 28mm socket . Some guys will tell you a 1-1/8 inch socket functions, and it technically does because the measurements are nearly identical, but the particular 28mm may be the "official" snug fit you want.
Precisely why the right socket matters for these types of trucks
Let's be honest, the particular factory fuel filter cap around the 6. 7 Cummins is usually a bit associated with a weak spot. It's produced of plastic, and while it's sturdy enough for the few years, this loves to seize up after it's been through a few thousand heat cycles. If you go ahead there with the wrench that's "close enough" or, paradise forbid, a pair of adjustable pliers, you're probably heading to chew up the hex head on top of the cap.
Once that plastic nut starts to rounded off, you're within for a poor time. I've seen individuals have to make use of air hammers or even chisel the cap off in parts just because they didn't have the particular right socket upon hand. Spending the few bucks on the dedicated 28mm socket is a great deal cheaper than buying a replacement cap because you mangled the initial one.
28mm vs. 1-1/8: The great debate
You'll hear this discussion in every vehicle forum from here to Texas. A 1-1/8 inch socket is really 28. 575mm. This might sound like a tiny difference, but in the entire world of plastic nuts, that extra half-millimeter of "slop" may be the cause the corners of the nut obtain rounded.
If you already have a 1-1/8 in your toolbox and the particular cap isn't trapped too badly, you'll oftimes be fine. But if you're planning to the store to get a tool particularly for this job, just grab the particular 28mm . It's the tighter fit, and it'll provide you with a great deal more confidence whenever you're leaning on the ratchet trying in order to break that close off for the first time in fifteen, 000 miles.
The low-profile socket trick
Space is a bit of the luxury beneath the engine of a 6. 7 Cummins. The front fuel filter sits in a spot where a standard-depth socket plus a big 1/2-inch drive ratchet may feel a bit cramped. Many proprietors prefer using a low-profile 28mm socket . These types of are often promoted specifically for fuel filters or essential oil filters on diesel engines.
Utilizing a low-profile socket keeps your ratchet closer to the cap, which prevents you from tilting the tool and putting "side load" on the plastic nut. If you make use of a deep-well socket and also a long extension, it's really easy to accidentally tip the socket because you pull, which is the fastest way to crack the housing or slip from the nut.
Don't forget the back filter
In the event that your truck is a 2013 or newer, you really have two fuel filters to offer with. We've already been talking about the one under the cover, but there's a second one tucked away back by the particular rear axle on the frame rail.
The particular rear filter set up is a little bit different. Usually, the rear filter is really a spin-on style or a canister that might not require the same 28mm socket. However, most of the after-market or updated enclosures for the rear still use the hex-head drain or cap. It's always a good idea to peek under the truck before you start the particular job to see what you're dealing with. For the front 1, though, that 28mm is your best friend every single time.
A few techniques for a mess-free change
Knowing the particular 6. 7 cummins fuel filter cap socket size is only half the particular battle. The various other half is not really getting diesel fuel all over your entrance.
- Drain it very first: There's a yellow plastic drain valve on the side of the filter housing. Hook up a piece associated with clear hose to the nipple in addition to drain the fuel into a bucket before you actually touch the best cap.
- Go slow: When you begin unscrewing the cap along with your 28mm socket, do it slowly. Sometimes the vacuum cleaner within the housing can hold a little bit of fuel that hasn't exhausted yet.
- Lube the particular O-ring: When you put the new filter within, it'll come with a new silicone O-ring. Usually do not place that in dry. Dip your hand in some refreshing diesel or a bit of clean oil plus coat the O-ring. This ensures this slides into location without bunching upward or tearing.
- Hand tighten up first: Always start the cap by hands. You don't desire to cross-thread a plastic cap in to a metal casing. Once it's snug, use your socket to finish it away from.
Should a person upgrade to a billet cap?
Given that the factory plastic material cap is so prone to getting damaged—even if you utilize the right 28mm socket—a lot of 6. 7 Cummins owners ultimately switch to a good aluminium billet fuel filter cap .
These after-market caps usually possess the same hex size, but since they're metal, they will don't flex or round off. Plus, they usually look the lot cooler compared to the grimy dark plastic ones. If you discover that your present cap is already looking a little tough around the sides, it might be worth the $40 to $60 to just replace it with a long lasting metal version. When you do that will, you'll still occurs 28mm socket, but you won't have to worry about the "oh no" moment when the plastic gives way.
How come the cap get so trapped?
It's mostly about the O-ring plus heat. Diesel fuel is oily, yet as time passes, that rubber O-ring can nearly "bond" to the side of the canister. When you combine that along with the constant heating and cooling of the motor bay, the plastic cap expands plus contracts.
I've found that the longer you decide to go between filter adjustments, the harder that will cap is to get off. If you're sticking to a rigid 15, 000-mile period (or sooner in case you're pulling weighty loads or idling a lot), the particular cap usually arrives off without the fight. If you allow it go regarding 30, 000 kilometers, you better possess a long breaker bar and a plea ready.
Wrapping it up
To keep issues simple: go purchase a 28mm 6-point socket . Avoid the 12-point versions if you possibly can, mainly because 6-point sockets possess more surface area contact with the enthusiast, which is exactly what you want whenever dealing with plastic material.
Obtaining your fuel filters changed is one of the nearly all important things you can do for the Cummins. These high-pressure common rail systems are incredibly sensitive to dirt plus water. A blocked filter can place a lot associated with strain on the CP3 or CP4 push, and nobody wants to pay for a full fuel system replacement because these people skipped a $50 filter change.
Grab your tools, get that 28mm socket prepared, and remember in order to prime the system by cycling the particular key a few times prior to you try in order to fire the pickup truck backup. Your injectors will thank you!