checking air filter on Dodge w/Cummins

[Donald]

The owners manual says NOT to open up the air filter housing to check the condition of the air filter, but instead look at the filter condition indicator (a little ball that moves on vacuum I assume).

The 99 Dodge Ram is new to me. I assume you might introduce more dirt by popping off the cover too often?

But I live in the country so what about them there mice? I check the air filters in most vehicles and OPE for mouse nests in the spring. My Billy the Cat stays inside all winter lounging around but now he is outside about 23 hours a day since the weather is warm. I assume he has decided there are now rodents outside available to hunt.

It would irk me to leave a mouse nest or leaves in the filter housing until the indicator said to change it. But I do not know whether there is one or not. When all else fails, follow what is in the owners manual.

 

[Colt45ws]

This is why I check my filter every oil change. I have the same concern you do. Even though I have an indicator, if a hole were to be eaten into the filter it would never trip; all while copious amounts of dirt would be ingested by the engine..

 

[Texan4Life]

meh. I would check it.

 

[George7941]

I haven't opened the air filter cover on my truck in four years. I added on a restriction gauge and I trust what it indicates.

Perhaps by year seven or eight I will replace the filter element even if the gauge still indicates a good element.

Oil analysis will indicate dirt injestion if it occurs. I get UOAs done every so often. With the Cummins, UOAs are recommended since the engine is expensive to rebuild.

 

[LargeCarManX2]

Place a wire screen over the inlet duct to keep the miceses out! Better check it at the same time to ease your mind.

 

[Rebel Rouser]

I have a '98 Dodge/Cummins and when I had the stock air box, I didn't feel it was an issue to simply pop the top to check the filter. When changing the oil filter, I'd remove it along with the intake hose to access the oil filter from the top anyway. This also allows you to inspect the turbo fins, and remove the silencer ring there if you so desire to hear the turbo whistle.

I have since eliminated the stock air box and have gone with what is called the BHAF(big honking air filter) that is a common modification. It's a large cylindrical paper air filter similar to what the large trucks use, and the stock intake hose simply clamps to it. I am using Fleetguard 19037, and are available from NAPA and other parts stores as well. Websites such as Diesel Truck Resource and Cumminsforums will have the part numbers, as well a templates to make a heat shield. It greatly increases air flow, however some argue it's entraining warm underhood air, but it doesn't allow mice a place to nest!

It has only helped performance in my situation, and last time I purchased a replacement it was around $42. It's service life is much longer than stock, due to it's large size.

 

[kschachn]

I would definitely open it. I once found a whole nest of petrified baby mice in the bottom of my air filter box, along with a chewed element. I look in there every oil change now.

Originally Posted By: Donald
The owners manual says NOT to open up the air filter housing to check the condition of the air filter, but instead look at the filter condition indicator (a little ball that moves on vacuum I assume).

The 99 Dodge Ram is new to me. I assume you might introduce more dirt by popping off the cover too often?

But I live in the country so what about them there mice? I check the air filters in most vehicles and OPE for mouse nests in the spring. My Billy the Cat stays inside all winter lounging around but now he is outside about 23 hours a day since the weather is warm. I assume he has decided there are now rodents outside available to hunt.

It would irk me to leave a mouse nest or leaves in the filter housing until the indicator said to change it. But I do not know whether there is one or not. When all else fails, follow what is in the owners manual.