How Many Fuel Filters On 5.9 Cummins? – How to Change Fuel Filter

how many Fuel Filters On 5.9 Cummins

Fuel filters make sure the used fuel is free of contamination for a successful operation. If you own a Cummins engine, you might ask how many fuel filters on 5.9 Cummins are there or when should you consider changing it?

How Many Fuel Filters On 5.9 Cummins Are There?

Among many other manufactures, Cummins is a world-wide known name for their top-quality truck engine. Their products are not only suitable for medium and heavyweight trucks but also fitting for industrial engines on a commercial range.

A common question most people ask about them is, how many fuel filters on 5.9 Cummins will you get? The answer is only one. Different from other manufacturers, a 5.9 Cummins engine comes with a solo fuel filter.

As for the fuel filter on Cummins, they have been developed over the years with the application of advanced technology. Both the 5.9 L and the 6.7 L filters are positioned on the driver’s side of the truck engine, underneath the ingestion manifold. You can easily access the 5.9 L from the upper side of the truck engine.

What Is a Fuel Filter?

A fuel filter is a type of filtration system in a fuel streamline that clarifies the dust and particles from the energy fuel. This one is a common component of most combustion engines. Most people tend to forget about a vital maintenance part that is replacing the fuel filter.

For managing the condition of a diesel engine, clean fuel is the key factor you should check the most. But keep in mind that the dirt or water affects the performance of the engine system.

A diesel fuel filter sieves out both water & debris and increases the engine’s efficiency as well. A clogged filter will be evaded by water, which contaminates the injection process of the vehicle.

You can not wait for the filter element to be completely plugged in before the replacement process as it will cause fuel starvation. As a result, you will witness performance loss, damaged injectors, lift pumps, and injector pumps. Hence, you must change the filter to avoid such events.

Changing Fuel Filter

Considering how impactful a fuel filter is to the engine, replacing it is an easy task that anyone can do. You just need a new filter, a bucket, and some basic manual tools for backup. But always check the manual for the vehicle’s specific filter replacing intervals.

Even though the diesel fuel filters don’t come at a low price, try to buy the factory replacement parts for protection.

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How to Prime a Fuel Filter on a 5.9 Cummins?

How to Prime a Fuel Filter on a 5.9 Cummins

You have to make sure there is no air bubble while changing the fuel filter. Priming the fuel filter will ensure the fuel is circulating through the system properly.

  1. Get into the driver seat of the truck.
  2. Turn on the key and listen for the motorized pump in the fuel reservoir to engage. The injector pump will run for around 20 seconds.
  3. Turn the key more to connect the starter.
  4. Do step 3 three to four times for the fuel line to start pressurizing.

How to Bleed a Cummins Diesel                    

Bleeding the Cummins diesel will make sure the fuel system is air-free, thus ensuring proper functional activities.

  1. Ensure the vehicle engine is cool before bleeding the filter system.
  2. Open the bleed bolt above the fuel filter and push the hand primer until fuel goes out of the bleed bolt.
  3. Turn on the ignition and allow the lift pump to cycle for your Cummins 1998 or later model.

How Can You Change Fuel Filter on 5.9 Cummins?

You have to remember that a fuel filter is an integral piece of your valuable engine. Hence, you have to follow some simple steps carefully for longer and better future performance.

  • Find and Drain

Locate the 5.9 Cummins fuel filter close to the top side of the engine. Now, clear up the fuel filter and unlock the valve below to drain it. Regardless, keep in mind to put a drain pan under it.

  • Pull Out the Old One

Remove the cover and the dead filter with the attached O-ring. For a better and clear understanding, check the Cummins 5.9 L fuel filter part number as well.

  • Re-Installation

Organize a new O-ring by greasing it. Now, install the new fuel filter while maintaining the gaps facing downsides. After that, tighten the lid up and close the drain valve. You can prime it as well if it lacks an auto-priming feature.

How Often Should You Change Your Fuel Filter on a Cummins?

Fuel filters are not like gas filters regarding their lasting time. Hence, you can not use the fuel filter for years after years. Repairing an old fuel filter is not also feasible as it will take more money and time. It is always better to install a fresh one instead. Replace the fuel filter by following the instruction manual you are provided with.

A regular fuel filter may last for 10000-25000 miles, depending on your driving style, the vehicle type, the duration, and the frequency of your commute. But the life span may differ depending on the type. A 10 micron fuel filter for 5.9 Cummins will last longer than a 3 micron one.

How to Replace Fuel Filters in Cummins Engine (Video)


Final Thoughts

As you have gotten the answer to how many fuel filters on 5.9 Cummins are there, you must have understood why fuel filters are significant for your vehicle as well. A good quality fuel filter can serve you for a long time.

Hence, always try to pay attention to the condition of your fuel filter. And when it needs to be replaced, change it immediately without any further delay.