Fuel filter location, model specific

[MrPaco]

It seems that there are variations on the exact location of the fuel filter between different models and configurations, based on a good amount of research online (this forum included), the Haynes manual, and first-hand accounts from other owners.

I know that the '86 model, and also the '88 macro cab, have the filter mounted near the fuel tank, on the outside of the frame, and some later model years even have it mounted in the engine compartment.

My truck is an '87, A/T, regular cab, short bed, 4x4, and the filter is not in any of the locations mentioned above.

I' pretty sure I found the location of the filter on my truck: right next to, and slightly above, the fuel tank, on the inside of the frame, but I can't figure out how to reach it without also dropping the tank. This is what it looks like from below, and this is the only angle from where you can see it or get anywhere near it. You can't reach it through the side and over the frame, believe me, I tried.

http://www.mightyram50.net/vbulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=21931&stc=1

Can anyone with an '87, A/T, regular cab, short bed, 4x4 truck (not sure which of these factors dictates where the filter goes, so I'm throwing them all in) confirm if this is correct? And if so, is dropping the tank the only way to get to it?

Hoping that I'm wrong...

Thanks

[geezer101]

That can't be right. Any manufacturer wouldn't mount a serviceable replacement part like a fuel filter wedged somewhere that it can't be removed. It should be within proximity of the mechanical fuel pump in the engine bay. There are one way check valves for the tank breathers on the fuel tank but they are small.

[MrPaco]

I agree with your assessment, it makes no sense for it to be there, but I'm fairly certain that this is the filter. The location make it hard to take a picture of it, but when shining a flashlight to it I can see the two hoses coming off the side. Looks just like the filter from other trucks I've seen in pictures. I'll see if I can take some better photos today.
I'm hoping other with the same truck configuration can chime in so that we can compare apples to apples.
Thanks

[xboxrox]

STOP..! (Stop is good progress, especially if you don't know for sure how to break it..!) GET HELP..!

My truck a 1986 might be different (?) but I changed the fuel filter a couple months ago... With the truck on a lift, from the driver's side, I could look up & see it near the front left corner of the fuel tank; just above the frame I think... There is a two prong mount of rounded metal strips to hold the filter in place... Look for that fuel filter mount (maybe your fuel filter is missing..?) Never know what a P.O. might have done...

There are one or two other fuel filter looking thingy gizmos in the fuel system but they are vent n' emissions things on/near/above the fuel tank...

[SubGothius]

FWIW, my '87 (RWD M/T longbed) also has it where xboxrox described, seems unlikely they'd put it elsewhere depending on build spec for the same model year.

[MrPaco]

Thank you for the input.

So first of all, I think I figured out a way how to access the filter in order to change it. It will involve lifting the truck, removing the driver's side back wheel and the plastic wheel well liner, moving some hoses out of the way, and squeezing my hand through a small opening in between some rusty metal parts. Fun.

But, I do believe that different truck configurations have the filter in different locations, as weird as that sounds.
Like I mentioned before, the Haynes manual makes some vague reference to this without providing details, also the shop manual has slightly different fuel line diagrams for the standard cab and the extended cab and long body versions.

Then there's this. These two photos show the same A-pillar that connects the frame to the bed at the front end of the bed on the driver's side, the first one is on my friend's '88 extended cab, and the second one is on my '87 regular cab:



'88 extended cab- filter is on the left side of the A-pillar

http://www.mightyram50.net/vbulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=21939&stc=1



'87 regular cab- the filter is on the back side of the A-pillar (you can't see it on this photo, but it is behind where the yellow arrow is, trust me).

http://www.mightyram50.net/vbulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=21940&stc=1


And I'm positive it's the fuel filter. Looks exactly the same as the '88, same shape, same two hoses coming out of it, and same clip attaching it to the A-pillar. It's just REALLY difficult to reach as there are many things in the way that don't move (fuel tank, the frame, other metal supports).
No idea why they had to do this differently between almost identical trucks, but it looks like they did. The only thing I can think of is that there appears to be less room between the A-pillar and the cab on the second photo (reg cab) than on the first photo (ext cab), which could explain why they had to find a different spot for the filter. I believe the extended cab is indented at the bottom, which would explain why there's more room

I'm hoping that someone with the same configuration as mine (2nd gen, reg cab, short bed) can confirm this. The only other explanation would be that a PO relocated the filter to that location, which would be very strange.

I guess is not that important, since I figured how to remove the fuel filter, but it is still an interesting question (that we'll probably never know the answer to :) )

[royster]

Please allow me to ask a dumb question - is there a removeable panel in the truck bed near this? My D50 has several panels that are bolted in place. I ask this just in case you hadn't thought of it (I'm sure you have)...sometimes staring at the problem area disallows a broader perspective.

[MrPaco]

Please allow me to ask a dumb question - is there a removeable panel in the truck bed near this? My D50 has several panels that are bolted in place. I ask this just in case you hadn't thought of it (I'm sure you have)...sometimes staring at the problem area disallows a broader perspective.

Not a dumb question, interesting actually. I don't think there's a panel, but to be honest, I don't know for sure. I haven't gotten around to removing the bedliner yet, so it's possible that there might a panel on the bed that I haven't seen. I'll take a look and report back.
Thanks for the suggestion.

[geezer101]

Insert facepalm here. Well Mitsubishi, you did a top notch job of making sure it didn't get hammered from stones and debris, but that is in a really crap place to reach.

[xboxrox]

Access Panel Info

fixya says:
1988 Dodge Ram 50 fuel filter is located adjacent to fuel tank. More specifically, the fuel filter is directly above frame rail at front end of fuel tank. The fuel filter and retaining clip can be seen between the two bed mounts

answers.com says: Where is the fuel filter located on a 1987 Dodge Ram 50?
The fuel filter is located at the front left corner of the fuel tank. its easy to get to i just removed the access panel held on by 10mm bolts, in the drivers side rear wheel well and removed the 2 12mm bolts on the bed mount that holds the fuel filter bracket then i just snaked it past the filler neck and removed the 2 lines on it and put it back together its really easy took about 5 min

[MrPaco]

answers.com says: Where is the fuel filter located on a 1987 Dodge Ram 50?
The fuel filter is located at the front left corner of the fuel tank. its easy to get to i just removed the access panel held on by 10mm bolts, in the drivers side rear wheel well and removed the 2 12mm bolts on the bed mount that holds the fuel filter bracket then i just snaked it past the filler neck and removed the 2 lines on it and put it back together its really easy took about 5 min

^^This is generally where mine is located, but this description makes it sound way easier than what I think it will be. Here's a photo that shows the filter and where it attaches the A-pillar, and flanked by the tank on the right and the filler tube on top. This photo makes it look like it would be easy to reach, but keep in mind that that the phone was wedged between the side of the bed and the frame, so it's not like there's a clean shot at it. Unless I can figure out how to bend my forearm 90 degrees, it will take some contorioning to fish this thing out.

http://www.mightyram50.net/vbulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=21965&stc=1

But anyway, I'm still interested in confirming if this location is a quirk specific to my truck's configuration. So far, from what I've heard from you guys I know that the following trucks have the filter on the outside of the frame:

xboxrox: '86 Power Ram 50
SubGothius: ’87 Ram 50 Long bed
FSM88: '88 Power Ram 50 Extended Cab

* geezer101, is your filter in the engine compartment in your '86 truck? That would be interesting, since that's different from xboxrox's. Is it possible tha that the one in the engine compartment was added later, and the original is still next to the tank. I ask because my truck also has a second filter that was added near the carburetor, which makes sense for convenience, but I still want to change the one by the tank, since it's the original (it has some undercoating splash) and if that gets clogged up, the second filter won't be getting any fuel to clean.

My theory is that for the 2nd generation trucks (at least the early years) there are two locations: in front of the tank on the outside of the frame, and in front of the tank on the inside of the frame. The long beds and extend cabs have it on the outside, and the regular cab with short bed have it on the inside. The reason for this is the amount of space between the A-pillar and the cab, which in the long bed and the extend cabs, is roomier.

Would be great to hear from other 2nd gen owners with short bed + regular cab to confirm. Maybe WarStyker13 can chime in, I believe he has this configuration. Also, curious about the '90s trucks.

[geezer101]

I have a Gen 1 ('85) that has been tampered with - a lot... And what wasn't butchered was neglected so I am probably not the most reliable source to refer to by experience. I know this production period Mitsubishi passenger vehicles all had the fuel filters in the engine bay.

[tortron]

Mines on the bed mount next to the fuel tank. Looks like a factory Bracket

[MrPaco]

Thanks, tortron. I'm thinking that 1st Gen trucks had the filters in the same location as the 2nd Gen with long bed or extended cabs, so far confirmed on '81 and '86.
Geezer, I'm curious about your truck. I see what you mean about it being tinkered with a lot through the years, so probably not the best point of reference from an accuracy point of view. Have you ever looked down there by the tank to confirm that there is no filter there? Is it at all possible that you have 2?

[xboxrox]

Take your truck to Midas Muffler, they will be happy to change the fuel filter, ya think..? :devil:

[royster]

Mine is inside the frame, under the driver door. Keep in mind, mine is fuel injected and the filter configuration is very different.

For where yours' is located, it makes sense that there must be an access panel, either in the wheel well as earlier suggested, or a plate inside the bed itself. If you have your replacement filter in hand, you can confirm this location. Also, MrPaco, a GOOD idea to replace the rubber fuel lines while you're at it.

[xboxrox]

Hello MrPaco n' Guys

Bummer about your filter location... However, what if you remove it completely or mount it like a long bed truck... Could also install a (metal?) fuel filter under the hood closer to the carb..? At least then you won't have a filter in a b_tch location...

I am curious MrPaco, is there an access panel somewhere in that left rear wheel well on your truck..? Not sure if my 86 has an access panel; doubt it, not really needed & not mentioned in the service manual... The 86 Chrysler service manual shows another in tank fuel filter, perhaps the mesh on it could be replaced or deleted on the little wire framed looking thing... Again, I think if I ever had to mess with an in tank filter; I would just delete it & install a 2nd filter under the hood... On 2nd thought maybe not if NAPA has replacement filters; why reinvent the wheel... Seems the 86 fuel filter differs from the 87 with the In & Out barb fitting orientation (87 two horizontal tubes & 86 one horizontal & one vertical)

:shrug: fuel system rubber tubing is different than vacuum tubing, no..? On my fuel filter one barb fitting still had the original Mitsu spring clamp & the other barb fitting had a small stainless steel screwdriver/nut driver adjustable clamp... I used needle nose vise grip pliers to pinch off the fuel supply tube, worked good... It was still a cramped hands *%^$$@* job though...

Photos are from 1986 Chrysler Service Manual
http://www.mightyram50.net/vbulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=21970&stc=1http://www.mightyram50.net/vbulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=21971&stc=1http://www.mightyram50.net/vbulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=21972&stc=1

[MrPaco]

Ha ha, this has been fun. Thanks to all for playing!
I know this has been a silly pursuit, but it's been very institucional for me, and hopefully it can help others in the future who are looking for the same answers.

Royster, thanks for the tip. I will keep it in mind when I actually get around to changing the filter (in warmer weather), and will check all hoses.

xboxrox, there is not an access panel per se in the wheel well, but the liner comes off in pieces, so removing the lower front portion will give me good access to where I need to go. And thanks for posting the '86 service manual diagrams, I'm sure they will be helpful to others with a 1st gen trucks.

I'll report back once I actually go ahead and change the filter, and will let you know if it was as hard as I'm thinking it will be, or not...

I still want to know the filter location on any other 2nd gen, carburated, short bed, regular cab trucks, to prove my theory. So let me know if any of you can take a look...

AND, I also would like to find if geezer has an old original filter next to the tank that he didn't know was there...

Thank you all

[tortron]

Here's a carbed 2nd gen frame.

https://trademe.tmcdn.co.nz/photoserver/plusw/845628602.jpg

[xboxrox]

My 1986 4X4 (shows Fuel Filter location)http://www.mightyram50.net/vbulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=20804&d=1529282690

[MrPaco]

Ah, interesting. That seems like a better place than what they did next. Well protected by both pillars, and within easy reach.

So far I think that these are the fuel filter locations we know of, based on reports from the field:

1st Gen- Next to fuel tank, between the two A-pillars holding up the bed
2nd Gen, Carburated, Regular Cab, Short bed- Next to fuel tank, inside the frame, behind the front A-pillar holding up the bed
2nd Gen, Carburated, Extended Cab and/or Long bed- Next to fuel tank, outside the frame, between the front A-pillar and the cab
2nd Gen, Fuel Injected- Under driver's door, inside the frame

If anyone has a different location on their truck (original), please report back so that we can update the list for future generations ;)

[xboxrox]

Thanks for making the list MrPaco, it helps our community...I just noticed in the photo I posted that the fuel filter's [outlet] rubber fuel line to the engine is marked with: "Made in U.S.A." If these old trucks could talk then we could find out if the Japanese auto workers at Mitsubishi or the US Navy truck owners or maintenance mechanics in America put that hose in there..?

[MrPaco]

Compared to your other hoses, that one looks newer, so I'm gonna guess it has been replaced? (also the expandable hose clamps look out of place).

Your frame is spotless, you don't even have surface rust! Has your truck always been on the island? What kind of deicing salts do they use there?! oh, never mind...

[xboxrox]

Ha Ha -- they just use sand over here n' so far it's been doing a good job of keeping the snow off my toes :)

Your reasoning of the hose makes good sense n' probably right... The photo was taken before the truck got shipped to Hawaii... This truck was a one owner until I got it at a Govt Liquidation auction... Built in Nagoya, shipped to Portland then remained at Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake, California... It was used by NavFac for building maintenance in the California desert... A small history of the truck in photos here: http://www.mightyram50.net/vbulletin/album.php?u=3998

The truck is getting rusty on the frame n' parts under now; the island is salty but I have a decent shaded parking spot... We live close to the beach on windward Oahu n' the truck was parked at the beach during a salt fog from high winds at least once... The inner fender under the brake master cylinder needs fixing; complete paint removal n' now rust from a previously leaking BMC...

Small trucks are still popular here (think of surfboards on woody wagons & old VW Buses at the beach) some get fixed neat; but most are all Toyota so this stock Dodge has a cool factor being rare... There are a ton of Jeep Wranglers on the road, boring me to death...

There is one new vehicle that does interest me & if sold in USA it would be high on my list to replace the Dodge if it ever ends life... This non Jeep: https://www.autoindustriya.com/auto-industry-news/2019-suzuki-jimny-now-available-in-ph-starts-at-php-975k.html

Jimny test drive first impressions: https://www.autoindustriya.com/features/first-impressions-2019-suzuki-jimny-quick-drive.html

I better start doing something for my truck or the rust will kill it... I really want to try the oven cleaner trick that geezer talks about... CYA

[MrPaco]

Your have nice little truck there, and a nice story to go with it.

Ha! I don't know why, but even before clicking that link I knew exactly what it was going to be, and I approve!
You could always get an older one, until they decide to bring them back... Here's one in California with decent miles (if you believe that clock hasn't already turned once...) that looks pretty good, actually looks like a pickup
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=509051904&zip=96701&referrer=%2Fcars-for-sale%2Fsearchresults.xhtml%3Fzip%3D96701%26sortBy% 3Drelevance%26incremental%3Dall%26firstRecord%3D0% 26marketExtension%3Don%26modelCodeList%3DSAMUR%26m akeCodeList%3DSUZUKI%26searchRadius%3D0&numRecords=25&firstRecord=0&modelCodeList=SAMUR&makeCodeList=SUZUKI&searchRadius=0&clickType=spotlight

[xboxrox]

Cute the Samurai -- my oldest sister & brother-in-law might have one of these in their yard in California... I remember they could not get it to pass smog n' maybe high idle condition... Sun baked by now... They should try selling it...

[WarStryker13]

My 87 is a standard can, short bed with a manual trans and the fuel filter is in the same place as Mr. Paco's. Right above the front of the fuel tank.

http://www.mightyram50.net/vbulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=21992&stc=1

There's no filter there right now, because the old one was clogged and full of water. The fuel tank was already out of the truck when I bought it, and I've tried reaching up there from underneath the truck. If I go from the left, with my left arm I can just barely get to the bracket that holds the filter, but whether I could get the stock filter back into that clamp without dropping the tank... :shrug:

[xboxrox]

WarStryker, can you see if the left rear wheel well has an access plate or not to do the fuel filter change..? The Japanese are rather perfectionists and don't usually design so than routine maintenance is basically impossible to perform...

[MrPaco]

My 87 is a standard can, short bed with a manual trans and the fuel filter is in the same place as Mr. Paco's. Right above the front of the fuel tank.

Thank you, Stryker.
I think this confirms my theory that Mitsubishi had to find an alternative location for the filter on the 2nd gen trucks with standard cab + short bed, because it didn't fit in the location used for roomier configurations. Unfortunately for us, that new location turned out to be a real PITA.

Once it gets warmer, and I get around to go exploring through the back wheel well to reach the filter and changed it, I'll take some pictures of the procedure/route, and post it as an instructional guide. I'm sure there will be another clueless owner of a 2G/RC/SB truck in the future looking for this filter and how to reach it, hopefully the will find the post.

Geezer, I'm curious if you ever took a look under your truck to see if the original filter was still there next to the tank. I know you have a filter in the engine compartment, but it is possible someone just added a second one and didn't bother with the hard to reach original. That's what they did in my truck, there's the original, untouched, and an easy to reach second one, right by the carburetor.

Thank you all for your contributions to this "investigation" :thumbup:

[pennyman1]

1st gen trucks are easy to get to compared to 2nd gen. Geronimo has an aftermarket Fram setup that unscrews from the bottom and drops out.

[Atamis]

'83 diesel model here. Drivers side on the pillar.

[Atamis]

'83 diesel model here. Drivers side on the pillar.

Alright i actually lied. I pulled it so i could replace the "filter". Its actually a "Valve, Fuel Tank Vapor Hose 2-way" Part number MB009102.
Also my owners manual finally arrived. Seems the fuel filter on the diesels is the hand primer assembly.

[geezer101]

I was pretty sure it wasn't a fuel filter. It looks identical to the breather check valves on regular gas engined trucks.

[HHmightymax88]

Any luck with accessing the fuel filter? I recently bought an '88 MM, 2WD with the standard cab and 6ft bed. I can see the fuel filter in the same location that MrPaco has been describing. If I really work at it, I can fit my arm in there to reach it, but actually removing the fuel lines from the filter, and getting it out of the mounting clip would be a minor miracle. Some sort of access panel would be great...

[Giovanni89]

my 89 long bed 2wd automatic had one mounted on the drivers side inner fender. I have a small inline filter now between my carter fuel pump and the carb. I was looking at my fuel lines along the frame the other week as they are getting pretty crusty and are ready for replacement. I was surprised to see a second fuel filter up near the tank like your photo. Interestingly, I had replaced the one on the inner fender long before going to the electric fuel pump. I remember seeing a whole bunch of filters on rock auto that looked like that one, and one of the fender mounted which is what I purchased. So my truck has two filters :shrug:

[MrPaco]

Any luck with accessing the fuel filter? I recently bought an '88 MM, 2WD with the standard cab and 6ft bed. I can see the fuel filter in the same location that MrPaco has been describing. If I really work at it, I can fit my arm in there to reach it, but actually removing the fuel lines from the filter, and getting it out of the mounting clip would be a minor miracle. Some sort of access panel would be great...

Hello, and welcome.
As you can see from this thread, the particular configuration that you have (2nd gen, carbureted, reg cab, short bed) has the filter in a very hard to access place. Most likely because the space where it goes on macro cabs and long beds is too tight on the regular shorts.
I figured out a way to access the filter, it's still pretty tight, but doable. You have to lift the truck and remove a panel in the rear wheel well, and then you get a semi straight shot to the filter location. It's still tight, but at least you don't need to bend your arm in unnatural ways.

Lift the driver's side from the frame (not the rear axle, you want to the wheel and the well to go on opposite directions. I actually had the truck lifted from the front when I did this and it worked fine.

Then take off this panel by removing the 10mm bolts
http://www.mightyram50.net/vbulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=22609&stc=1

You will have a straight shot to the filter from there
http://www.mightyram50.net/vbulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=22610&stc=1http://www.mightyram50.net/vbulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=22611&stc=1

Like I said, still tight, but you can get to it. First get your hand on the filter, unclip it from the mounting clip, and gently pull it out to towards you, there's enough slack on the hoses to do this.
I didn't actually change the filter when I did this, didn't have a replacement on hand, just wanted to see if I could get to it. Unclipping the hoses and replacing the filter will be hard to do one-handed, and to get both hands in there you will probably need to remove the wheel to give you more room to work.

Let us know how it goes once you attempt this. And you might want to have some extra nuts and bolts on hand for that panel, I broke two of them trying to get them out. Luckily they didn't really create much trouble, the panel still came off and I was able to drill out the remaining stems and replace with new ones like these
http://www.mightyram50.net/vbulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=22612&stc=1


Good luck with it.

[Noob]

Coming to this post in 2022. My 88' Mighty Max appears to have a fuel filter located above the tank (inside the frame) like the photo above. What was the best method for reaching it? I have a few small access panels in the wall of the bed that I could look at removing (screws currently stripped) and a panel in the wheel well.

Thanks for putting all of this info together, and thanks for your advice.

[Noob]

Coming to this post in 2022. My 88' Mighty Max appears to have a fuel filter located above the tank (inside the frame) like the photo above. What was the best method for reaching it? I have a few small access panels in the wall of the bed that I could look at removing (screws currently stripped) and a panel in the wheel well.

Thanks for putting all of this info together, and thanks for your advice.

I figured it out. Was able to squeeze my hand in behind the frame to lift it out of the factory mount. Then, reaching in from the wheel well (had to remove the panel), I was able to snake it out like mentioned above and change it out. This method worked well and only took a few minutes once I figured out how to pull it out of there.