The 6. seven Cummins fuel filter cap socket size you need
If you're getting ready to change your oil or perform some routine upkeep, knowing the 6. seven cummins fuel filter cap socket size is usually the difference between a quick twenty-minute job and a frustrating afternoon associated with rounded-off plastic. Intended for the front engine-mounted fuel filter on a RAM 2500 or even 3500, you're searching for a 28mm socket . A few guys will tell you a 1-1/8 inch socket works, and it officially does because the particular measurements are almost 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 factory fuel filter cap on the six. 7 Cummins will be a bit associated with a weak spot. It's made of plastic, plus while it's durable enough for the few years, it loves to catch up after it's been through a few thousand heat process. If you go in there with a wrench that's "close enough" or, heaven forbid, a pair of adjustable pliers, you're probably heading to chew up the hex mind on top associated with the cap.
Once that plastic material nut starts to round off, you're within for a bad time. I've noticed individuals have to make use of air hammers or even chisel the cap off in parts just because these people didn't have the particular right socket upon hand. Spending a 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 truck forum from right here to Texas. The 1-1/8 inch socket is actually 28. 575mm. It sounds like a tiny difference, but in the world of plastic nut products, that extra half-millimeter of "slop" can be the cause the corners associated with the nut get rounded.
If you already have a 1-1/8 inside your toolbox and the particular cap isn't stuck too badly, you'll probably be fine. Yet if you're proceeding to the shop to get a tool particularly for this job, just grab the 28mm . It's a tighter fit, plus it'll offer you a great deal more confidence when you're leaning within the ratchet trying in order to break that seal for the first time in 15, 000 miles.
The low-profile socket trick
Space is of a luxury under the hood of a six. 7 Cummins. The front fuel filter sits in a place in which a standard-depth socket and also a big 1/2-inch drive ratchet might feel a bit cramped. Many owners prefer utilizing a low-profile 28mm socket . These are often advertised specifically for fuel filters or essential oil filters on diesel engines.
Using a low-profile socket keeps your ratchet closer to the cap, which prevents a person from tilting the particular tool and placing "side load" on the plastic enthusiast. If you make use of a deep-well socket and a long extension, it's really easy to accidentally hint the socket because you pull, that is the fastest method to crack the casing 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 been talking about the one beneath the engine, but there's the second one tucked away back by the particular rear axle upon the frame railroad.
The rear filter setup is a little bit different. Usually, the particular rear filter is a spin-on style or a canister that might not require the particular same 28mm socket. However, most of the after-market or updated housings for the back still use the hex-head drain or cap. It's often a good idea to peek below the truck before you start the particular job to find out exactly what you're working with. Regarding the front one, though, that 28mm is your best friend all the time.
A few tips for a mess-free change
Knowing the particular 6. 7 cummins fuel filter cap socket size is only half the battle. The additional half is just not obtaining diesel fuel almost all over your drive.
- 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 plus drain the fuel into a container before you also touch the top cap.
- Go slow: When you start unscrewing the cap with your 28mm socket, do it gradually. Sometimes the vacuum in the housing can hold a bit of fuel that hasn't used up yet.
- Lube the particular O-ring: When you place the new filter in, it'll come with a new plastic O-ring. Tend not to place that in dry. Dip your hand in some fresh diesel or a little bit of clean oil plus coat the O-ring. This ensures this slides into place without bunching up or tearing.
- Hand tighten up first: Always start the particular cap by hands. You don't desire to cross-thread a plastic cap in to a metal housing. Once it's snug, use your socket to finish it off.
Should a person upgrade to some billet cap?
Since the factory plastic material cap is therefore vulnerable to getting damaged—even if you are using the right 28mm socket—a lot of 6. 7 Cummins owners eventually switch to a good lightweight aluminum billet fuel filter cap .
These after-market caps usually have got the same hex size, but considering that they're metal, they will don't flex or even round off. As well as, they usually look the lot cooler than the grimy dark plastic ones. If you find that your current cap is currently looking just a little tough around the sides, it might end up being worth the $40 to $60 to just replace it with a long term metal version. In case you do that will, you'll still occurs 28mm socket, but you won't have to worry about the particular "oh no" instant when the plastic gives way.
How come the cap get so trapped?
It's mostly about the O-ring and heat. Diesel fuel is oily, yet as time passes, that rubber O-ring can nearly "bond" to the particular side of the particular canister. When you combine that along with the constant cooling and heating of the engine bay, the plastic cap expands and contracts.
I've found that will the longer you decide to go between filter adjustments, the harder that cap is to log off. If you're sticking with a strict 15, 000-mile period (or sooner in the event that you're pulling weighty loads or idling a lot), the cap usually comes off without the fight. In case you let it go intended for 30, 000 miles, you better have got a long breaker bar along with a plea ready.
Wrap it up
To keep issues simple: go purchase a 28mm 6-point socket . Avoid the 12-point versions when you can, since 6-point sockets have more surface region contact with the nut, that is exactly exactly what you want when dealing with plastic.
Obtaining your fuel filter systems changed is one of the most important things a person can do for your Cummins. These high-pressure common rail systems are incredibly delicate to dirt plus water. A clogged filter can place a lot of strain on your CP3 or CP4 push, and nobody wants to pay intended for a full fuel system replacement because they skipped a $50 filter change.
Grab your tools, get that 28mm socket ready, and remember to prime the program by cycling the key several times just before you try in order to fire the pickup truck back up. Your injectors will be glad!