In order to have your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently, everything needs to be working like a well-oiled machine. One of the most important parts of a vehicle is the best fuel filter for 6.7 Cummins. Fuel filters are what make sure your vehicle is getting clean and usable fuel. When the filter fails or needs to be replaced, your vehicle is going to start acting up and possibly not even starting.
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Once you’ve figured out the filter is the problem, it’s time to find the best product to replace it with. This can be stressful and irritating because there are so many brands and options out there. The last thing you want is to spend a decent amount of money on something that just doesn’t hold up.
Quick Overview: Top 5 Best Fuel Filter for 6.7 Cummins
With that being the case, we’ve reviewed 5 of the best fuel filters for a 6.7 Cummins. We’ve also put together a buying guide and looked at some of the frequently asked questions that people tend to have. These things are here to help you out and make your search for a new fuel filter easier and less stressful.
Cummins Filtration FS53000 Fuel Filter
- Easy to install
- It has a great overall performance
Cummins Filtration FS43257 Fuel Filter
- The actual filter inside the housing can be easily replaced
- It's decent quality
Fuel Filter Water Separator Set
- Decent quality
- They work just as well as OEM parts
Fuel Filter Water Separator Set Mopar OEM
- They can easily be installed at home
- It's pretty high quality
Auto Defender Fuel Filter Water Separator Set
- Easy to install
- It's usually a perfect fit for the years specified
#1. Cummins Filtration FS53000 Fuel Filter – Best Fuel Filter For 2010 – 2017 Dodge Pickup truck
It’s made specifically with Cummins in mind, so the quality is quite high. Keep in mind, if you don’t have a 6.7 Cummins, this will not fit and might result in issues with engine performance.
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It does a really good job filtering the gas and actually has a 2 step micron filtration system. The outer filter is 5 microns, while the inner filters are 3 microns. These together make it so you get gas that’s free of most contaminants.
The biggest issues that people have found are that it sometimes doesn’t include the needed O-rings and there’s a chance you won’t get the actual Mopar filter, but a knock-off. This hasn’t happened with every person and it seems like it’s just happened a handful of times. Chances are, everything will be included and you’ll get the filter that’s advertised.
I was a little hesitant to buy this filter at first, but after reading the reviews I decided to go ahead and order it. I’m glad I did! This filter is awesome. It fits perfectly in my ’12 Ram 6.7L Cummins and has the oval shaped bottom so it doesn’t leak like some other filters do. The nanonet for 3 microns really makes a difference in keeping my truck running clean. And the best part is that Fleet guard is made by Cummins, so you know it’s a quality product.
- It has a great overall performance
- Easy to install
- It’s often the exact replacement for the old filter
- Some areas of the filter aren’t secured properly
- Some of these didn’t come with the replacement O-ring
#2. Cummins Filtration FS43257 Fuel Filter – Best for 2007 – 2009 Dodge Pickup truck
These are the same people that make Mopar filters and offer OEM products. They are a part of the actual Cummins brand and they aim to make every one of their products high quality and the best efficient.
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All in all, they are most concerned with their customers and helping Cummins vehicles run the way they’re supposed to. The package includes everything you need to replace your old filter.
In terms of recommendation, this fuel filter is a great option. In addition to being easy to install and being high quality, it comes with everything you need for a successful replacement. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for something that’s affordable, but also has the same quality as the most popular brands. It should fit perfectly and not give you too many problems.
- The actual filter inside the housing can be easily replaced
- It’s decent quality
- It’s pretty easy to install
- The packaging isn’t the best or most protective
- Some of the needed gaskets and O-rings might not be included
#3. Fuel Filter Water Separator Set – Best for 2013-2018 Dodge Ram
The filter medium inside the filter is made from high-quality materials to try and increase how well it filters out contaminants.
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After a lot of rigorous testing, it’s been found that this filter does a great job filtering and has a longer life span than other filters available.
When you look at the features and the issues, it’s pretty easy to figure out that the good outweighs the bad. Overall, this would be a great product for those that need new air filters, but don’t really have the means to get OEM parts. This is especially true if you aren’t under warranty because you won’t have to worry about anything be voided.
- Decent quality
- Easy to replace
- They work just as well as OEM parts
- Using these might void your warranty
- The packaging isn’t very protective
#4. Fuel Filter Water Separator Set Mopar OEM – Best For 2013 or Newer Dodge Ram
It also includes all of the extra parts, like O-rings and gaskets, that are needed in order to do the replacement. These will fit vehicles that are 2013 and newer.
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The models that are older than this use different filters, so trying to put one of these in will result in engine issues. When you order, you’ll receive the underbody filter and the underhood filter, which makes it easier to replace both at once.
Overall, this is a good product that should work for your needs. Most purchases do end up being authentic Mopar products and they are pretty easy to install. They are of high quality and should have a pretty long life span. As a result, this product is recommended and should meet your needs well.
- They can easily be installed at home
- It’s often a perfect match for Dodge Ram 2013 and newer
- It’s pretty high quality
- Sometimes the filter sent isn’t OEM and doesn’t have an identification
- The filters sometimes come beat up or with an open box
#5. Auto Defender Fuel Filter Water Separator Set – Best For 2013-2018 Dodge Ram with Turbo Diesel Engines
It fits the following models: 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500. The great thing about these filters is that they shouldn’t void your warranty! This is extremely important.
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Not only do they have the same design as OE filters, but they also have all the needed gaskets and O-rings included. They’ve been tested and have been found to work just as well as OEM and meet or exceed the standards and quality.
There are a few reported issues with these filters. The first is that some of the parts aren’t how they’re supposed to be. Not only are some of the inside filter parts not properly secured, but some of the threading isn’t how it’s supposed to be.
The other issue might be the one that is the most common. Depending on what is sent to you, the filter might not actually fit correctly, which can lead to leaking. This could also cause you to have to take everything apart again so you can take out the filter and inspect it. If it’s faulty, you’ll have to spend even more money trying to buy a new one.
- It’s usually a perfect fit for the years specified
- It fits just like name brand filters
- It’s easy to install
- Since it isn’t named brand, there could be issues with the threads fitting and lining up
- Sometimes, the gaskets and O-rings aren’t included in the box
Buyer’s Guide
When getting ready to actually buy the fuel filter, there are some things you want to keep in mind. These things will help ensure you choose the right filter and could potentially save you money in the long run. You also want to get the answers to any questions you might have. Both of these things are talked about more below.
Fit
The first thing you want to consider is what kind of vehicle you have. Different fuel filters fit different vehicles and they definitely aren’t universal. For example, a Cummins fuel filter isn’t going to fit a small Honda or vice versa. It’s important to know the exact year and model of your vehicle, so you can get the correct filter. If need be, you can always get the same version of the filter that was taken out.
Limitations
You’ll also want to think about the limitation dates. Just like the majority of products, a fuel filter will only be good for a certain amount of time. With that said, though, not every filter is going to have the same life span. It’s important to find filters that fit your vehicle and see which one has the longest span. It’s better to have a longer-lasting filter than one that needs replacing in just a year or two.
Brand
While some people might not care, others find it extremely important to only get certain brands. The main reason is that certain brands are known to do a better job than others. If you want the best of the best, then you’ll want to make sure you narrow down your search to only certain brands. If it’s not a big deal to you, then you can get pretty much anyone you want.
Reviews
Reading the reviews of the different filters you’re considering can really help make your decision much easier. Most people will write reviews that really get down to specific details, such as any issues they’ve had. By reading the reviews, you might be able to save money and time by not buying a product that has a ton of reported issues. If at all possible, try to find reviews for the same filters across multiple websites to ensure there isn’t any kind of bias.
Filter Media
Since they’re quite a few different types of media to choose from, you want to make sure you get the one that will meet your needs. All of these will have different benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to find the best one. The common media types are listed below.
- Cellulose- these are made with paper and resin-bound plant material. They are mainly used for particulate removal and not for fine filtration.
- Microglass- these are made from synthetic fibers that are smaller and more uniform than the fibers in cellulose. It’s great for biofuels and usually has quite a long life span.
- Hydrosorb/Hydro glass- These are used for 2 purposes: particulate removal and the absorption of water.
- BioTek High Alcohol- These are mainly used to remove particulates in E85 and B100 fuels.
- Monitor Filters- These are made to specifically detect phase separation in ethanol blends and the presence of water in gasoline.
Price
One final thing to consider is the price. Most fuel filters for a certain vehicle are going to have similar prices, but some are way higher than others. The best way to find the product is to consider what your budget is. Once you do that, you’ll be able to look at filters in that range. Keep in mind, more expensive does not always mean it’s a better product!
FAQs
With most products, there are some questions that people have. Many of these questions tend to be the same and it’s important to know the answers before you decide which product to buy. With that said, here are some frequently asked questions about fuel filters.
Q: Who makes Mopar diesel fuel filters?
A: Mopar diesel fuel filters are made by Fleetguard. Chances are, if a company you’ve never heard of and hasn’t been proven to sell authentic Mopar or Fleetguard products, then chances are that they aren’t authentic products. While most of these products will still work the way they’re supposed to, many people want the actual products and it can be frustrating getting something different than advertised.
Q: How often should you change your fuel filter in a diesel?
A: For most diesel vehicles, it’s recommended that you change your fuel filter every 10,000 to 25,000 miles. If you aren’t sure, check the owner’s manual. One thing to keep in mind is that this is just the recommendation.
If you wanted to, you could easily replace the filters before you hit that amount of miles and it really depends on how much you drive and how hard you are on your vehicle. In fact, many people choose to replace the fuel filter every time they get other services done, like an oil change.
Q: How do I know if my fuel filter needs changing?
A: The 5 most common signs that your fuel filter needs changing are: difficulty starting, not starting at all, shaky idling, struggling at low speeds and your car dies. Since all of these things could be a result of other issues, it’s always a good idea to get your vehicle checked out by a professional when things are different than normal. This could end up saving you time and money in the long run because you’ll know what it is and there’s less chance of extensive damage being done.
Q: How do I know if my fuel filter is clogged?
A: The main issues that happen from a clogged fuel filter are: engine misfire or hesitation, lack of engine power, and random dying or stalling. As stated above, if your vehicle starts acting differently than it normally does, take it to a professional. They’ll be able to diagnose what’s going on pretty quickly and you can decide from there if it’s something you can work on at home or need them to do for you.
Q: What happens if a fuel filter is not changed?
A: A few things that can happen from not changing your fuel filter are: check engine and dash lights coming on, engine performance issues, and breaking down of internal engine parts. Remember, if the internal parts of your engine start breaking down, there’s a chance it could lead to even more problems and more extensive damage. The best thing to do is change the fuel filter as soon as you know that’s the issue. This should really help keep your truck in the condition it needs to be to run smoothly.
Q: Does changing the fuel filter improve performance?
A: Yes. Your vehicle needs to get clean gas in order to work the way it needs to and a working fuel filter makes that happen. In addition to running smoother and more efficiently, replacing the fuel filter can also make you get better gas mileage. There’s also the chance that the rest of your car parts will run better than they have been, especially the ones that depend on clean fuel.
Q: What are the benefits of changing the fuel filters?
A: Some benefits are: better engine power, longer life for your engine, better engine performance, better gas mileage, fewer fuel emissions, and better protection for other parts of your engine and vehicle. Even if these benefits aren’t something you care about, changing the fuel filter will help ensure that your vehicle is running for a long period of time. This is important because a vehicle isn’t a cheap investment, so you want to make sure it’s working for as long as it can.
Q: How many fuel filters does a 6.7 Cummins have?
A: A 6.7 Cummins has 2 fuel filters. One under the hood and one under the bed of the truck. One thing to keep in mind is that some of these products will only include one of these filters, while others will include them both. The best way to find out is to read the box and see what’s included. Also, most will include the needed equipment, like O-rings and most gaskets.
Q: What are the two types of fuel filters?
A: The 2 types of fuel filters are spin-on and cartridge. The spin-on filters are the most common and are steel canisters with a paper filter inside. The cartridge filters are the older style and have plastic housings that require special tools to get them off. Keep in mind, both of these work best for certain types of vehicles and gas types. They also have their own advantages and disadvantages, so make sure you research before making your final decision.
Q: Can you clean a fuel filter?
A: While you can clean a fuel filter, if it’s one made of paper or nylon, you should just replace it. If it’s metal and not too dirty, you should be able to clean and reuse it. The biggest thing to remember is that you don’t want to use normal water or soap on a filter because it can interfere with the filtration system. If you want to clean it, make sure you use a pressurized carburetor cleaner. Once you do that, tap out any debris then let it dry out completely.
Q: Is there a difference between gas and diesel fuel filters?
A: Yes. Most gas filters are cartridge-shaped, while most diesel filters are shaped like a bowl to help remove water more easily. The packaging should tell you what kind of filter it is and it’s important that you get the right one. One thing to keep in mind is that these can’t really be interchanged. Most of the time, they won’t even fit if they aren’t the right kind of filter.
Q: Do I need a secondary fuel filter?
A: While you don’t necessarily need a secondary fuel filter, it will help your vehicle run smoothly and remove any leftover contaminants that made it past the first filter. If you aren’t sure whether or not it will benefit your vehicle, you should consult a professional and see what they recommend. You could also turn to message boards that have experts and people who have used these kinds of filters for long periods.
Q: What does a bad fuel filter sound like?
A: Bad fuel filters will usually give off sounds like jerking or stuttering. It could also be a sign if your engine starts making sounds that aren’t normal. As we stated before, you want to make sure you get your car looked at any time it starts acting differently than normal. Even if all signs point to a bad fuel filter, there’s always the chance that something else is going on.
Conclusion
After looking at the top 5 best fuel filters for 6.7 Cummins, the buying guide, and FAQ sections, you should be able to have an easier time making your decision. The most important thing is that you find the product that works best for you and makes your vehicle run the way it should. Keep in mind, fuel filters for 6.7 Cummins can be replaced at home, but you should definitely go to a professional if you aren’t sure what you’re doing. If it isn’t installed correctly, it’s not going to work the way it needs to and you’ll waste more time because you’ll have to take everything apart again to try and find what went wrong.
If you own a 2010-2017 Dodge pickup truck then the editor’s choice is the way to go. Don’t waste your time reading about anything else; believe me when I say that this fuel filter for 6.7 Cummins is the best one out there.
The FS43257 is the best fuel filter for 6.7 Cummins from what I can tell. Just got one a few weeks back. Had to get a few O-rings for this but overall, I’m happy with it. Very affordable and from what I’ve heard, it will last a good amount of time.
For a 2013+ Dodge Ram, the Mopar set is probably your best bet. I couldn’t find one that is better and I’ve tested a few in the last few years. Never got an open box or a beaten filter. Always happy with the product and the delivery.
Hey, just wanted to drop by and thank you for mentioning the Auto Defender. Got one for my Dodge Ram and it seems to be a good fit. My last fuel filter failed on me and didn’t want to get the same model and then found this Top 5 Best Fuel Filter for 6.7 Cummins. Easy to install and seems durable.
The Cummins filtration FS53000 fuel filter has no match, if you ask me. The price and especially the quality is there and nothing comes close. I have been using this model for several years now and it never failed me. It best fuel filter for 6.7 Cummins for me.