A fuel filter is a critical component of your engine. Located between the fuel tank, fuel injectors, spark plugs, and cylinders, it filters out fuel impurities. Such impurities include debris, dust, and dirt. Besides filtering the impurities, it filters out water.
Mileage can take a toll on the best fuel filter for 5.9 Cummins. In fact, it can lead to the clogging of the fuel filter. If this happens, the filter will allow water and impurities to bypass them. This will contaminate your truck’s injection system.
Waiting until the fuel filter is completely plugged will lead to fuel starvation and performance loss. A clogged fuel filter can potentially damage other key components such as injection pumps, lift pumps, and injectors. Since you don’t want bad things to happen to your truck, you need to change your fuel filter.
Changing the fuel filter is an easy task. The challenge comes when shopping for the best 5.9 Cummins fuel filter. The good news is, you have come to the right place.
In this post, we’ll review the top-rated fuel filters for 5.9 Cummins.
Top Rated Cummins Fuel Filter Comparison Table
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | WIX Filters – 33585XE Heavy Duty Fuel Filter | Vehicle Type: Passenger Car, ATV, UTV Outer Material: Metal Protects against leakage Has built-in brackets and gaskets | Check on Amazon |
 | ECOGARD XF56097 Premium Diesel Fuel Filter | Improve Engine Performance Vehicle type: Light Truck Highly efficient filtering and water separation Precise inlet/outlet connections | Check on Amazon |
 | Cummins Filtration FS19855 Fuel Filter | Micron rating: 10 Micron For 2000 – 2007 Dodge Pickup truck Comes with O rings Ensures uniform fuel flow | Check on Amazon |
 | Dodge Ram 2500 3500 5.9L Diesel Fuel Filters | Vehicle Type: Light Truck Premium quality materials Comes with O rings Highly efficient Fuel filter | Check on Amazon |
 | Baldwin PF9870 Fuel Filter | Vehicle Type: Light Truck Height 5-17/32 In., Length 5-17/32 In Fits OEM canisters Premium quality materials | Check on Amazon |
Top 5 Best Fuel Filters for 5.9 Cummins Reviews
1. WIX Filters – 33585XE Heavy Duty Cartridge Fuel Filter
The fuel we put in our trucks contains contaminants such as dirt, water, and scale. More often than not, these impurities can plug your truck’s carburetor and fuel injectors. These impurities originate from rusty and dirty fuel storage tanks.
They may also originate within the fuel system components. With time, it can result in engine deterioration and malfunction. You don’t want that. To ensure this does not happen, we recommend that you invest in WIX Filters – 33585XE Heavy Duty Cartridge Fuel Filter.
As a Cummins-approved filter, it’s best for 5.9l “b” series diesel engines available in Dodge RAM pickup trucks (2000 – 2010). Heavy-duty and made from enhanced cellulose, it has a high micron rating of 7. As such, it provides efficient fuel-cleaning performance.
The filter has the following dimensions: 4.07 inches (height), 3.39 inches (outer diameter top), and 3.23 inches (outer diameter bottom). With a Beta Ratio of 20/75=6/8, it ensures long and trouble-free engine life and fuel system.
The Wix 33585XE Heavy Duty Cartridge Fuel Filter contains an additional O ring and quality materials. The O ring allows for easy installation without the need for professional help.
2. ECOGARD XF56097 Premium Diesel Fuel Filter
Next is the ECOGARD XF56097 Premium Diesel Fuel Filter. ECOGARD is a global manufacturer of hydraulic, fuel, and oil filters for light trucks and heavy-duty applications. With more than 35 years of experience, leading brands in the aftermarket filtration industry rely on ECOGARD products.
One of the Best Cummins Fuel Filter to come off the company’s production line is the ECOGARD XF56097 Premium Diesel Fuel Filter. Made from enhanced cellulose, the media has a high micron rating of 7. It offers highly efficient filtering that meets modern diesel engine demands.
The item weighs 0.35 pounds. Compatible with 2000-2009 Dodge Ram 2500, 2000-2007 Dodge Ram 3500, it’s easy to install. In fact, it has precise inlet and outlet connectors for hassle-free installation.
The filter has an extraordinary design that allows for the optimum flow of fuel free of water and contaminants. By protecting your engine, the filter improves your truck’s fuel economy and prevents rough idling.
3. Cummins Filtration FS19855 Fuel Filter
The Cummins Filtration FS19855 Fuel Filter is a fuel filter and water separator. It stops poor starting problems and ensures the efficient flow of fuel to the fuel system. This filter also prevents engine stalls and blocks impurities and debris often present in diesel fuel.
Water and impurities have a direct impact on the performance and service life of diesel engines. The water separator removes water from the diesel fuel before it reaches the engine’s sensitive components. It has a pleated paper element that helps change water particles into large drops that fall by gravity to the filter’s bottom.
Best for a 2000-2007 Dodge Pickup truck 2500/3500, the support washers and connectors are brazed. This ensures durability.
It has a micron rating of 10. This means it can remove impurities and contaminants such as dirt, debris, rust, and others. Weighing 0.11 pounds, it comes with an O ring. The O ring helps to prevent leakage. It’s generally placed into a groove to secure the filter in place. When installing the filter, make sure to include the O ring.
4. Mopar OEM Cummins Diesel Fuel Filter
The Mopar OEM Cummins Diesel Fuel Filter is a highly efficient filter with a durable structure. Available as a set of three, the filter has pleated paper media that filters dirt, debris, rust, paint, and other impurities. This ensures a stable fuel flow rate to your truck’s engine.
While it lacks a stainless steel housing resistant to corrosion and rust, the filter is easy to install. As a canister style filter, it clips into place with ease. Before installation, drain the fuel. At the bottom of the filter housing, you have the water drain valve.
Attach a hose and route it to a catch pan. Once you open the valve, the fuel will drain. With the fuel drained, remove the cap and filter, then replace it with the Mopar OEM Cummins Diesel Fuel Filter.
Best for Cummins 5.9L diesel engine, it’s perfect for a 2003 – 2009 Dodge Ram 2500/3500. The filter comes with O rings. Before installation, make sure to lubricate the O rings. Besides the pleated paper, the filter’s structure contains high-quality materials. As such, it’ll serve you for a long time.
5. Baldwin Heavy Duty Fuel Filter
Lightweight and durable, the Baldwin Fuel Filter has pleated paper media. With a micron rating of 5, it prevents dust, dirt, rust, and other contaminants from entering the fuel system.
In fact, it traps the impurities before they can get to engine components. This includes spark plugs and fuel injectors. By doing so, the filter improves the performance of your engine and truck.
It also improves fuel economy saving you money. As a clip-in filter, it’s easy to install. To do so, flip the yellow drain tab and allow the diesel to drain into an oil pan. Using a 1 1/8″ socket, remove the filter top off plus the old O ring. Remove the old filter, clean the base, lubricate the new filter gasket, and pre-fill the new filter with clean diesel.
Install the new filter and tighten using a 1 1/8″ wrench and follow the proper amount of turns indicated on the label. Make sure that you do not overtighten the filter and flip the yellow plastic tab back.
Buying Guide for Best Fuel Filter for 5.9 Cummins
Ease of Installation
Fuel filters are available in different designs and types. They are also found in various locations on your vehicle. Some are within the fuel pump, while others are usually hidden in the gas tank. For a 5.9L Cummins, the fuel filter is on the driver’s side of the engine below the intake manifold.
The fuel filter must be compatible with your vehicle and easy to install. This saves you money and eliminates the need for professional installation.
- Cost
The cost of fuel filters varies. Most filters cost between $20 to $200 on average. If you take your vehicle to the local mechanic for fuel filter replacement, labor costs will average $40 to $300. When shopping for 5.9 Cummins fuel filter, make sure the product is durable.
Avoid going for fuel filters that’ll break the bank thinking that the more expensive it is, the better its performance. We recommend reasonably priced fuel filters.
- Fuel Filter
Most fuel filters are compatible with either diesel or gasoline. Diesel fuel filters like the one for a 5.9L Cummins have the capability of removing water. Thanks to the water separator, water will not enter the fuel system.
Gasoline fuel filters do not need a water separator. Remember, if buying a fuel filter for your diesel engine, make sure it’s able to withstand high pressure.
AMSOIL vs Fleetguard vs Mopar – Which Fuel Filter is Good?
FAQs About Fuel Filter for Cummins
How often should you change your fuel filter on a Cummins?
It’s recommended that you change your Cummin’s fuel filter every 10,000 to 25,000 miles. The information on how frequently you change the fuel filter is available in the owner’s manual.
How many fuel filters does a 5.9 Cummins have?
A 5.9 Cummins has one fuel filter located on the driver’s side of the engine. Under the hood compartment driver’s size, you should see a black canister.
Will a new fuel filter improve performance?
Yes, a new fuel filter will improve the performance of your engine. It can boost the performance of your engine by 2% to 4%.
How to Change Fuel Filter in Cummins Diesel Engine
Final Thoughts
Clean diesel fuel is key to better engine performance. To ensure your truck runs powerfully and efficiently, you need to invest in the best fuel filter for 5.9 Cummins. A fuel filter has pleated paper media that filters out impurities and contaminants such as debris, paint, dust, and dirt.
By preventing impurities from entering the fuel system, the filter protects sensitive components. They include fuel injectors and spark plugs. An engine running on clean diesel fuel is more durable, giving you longer service.
Since the engine is running optimally, your truck will need fewer part replacements and repairs. This saves you money. If you’re shopping for the best 5.9 Cummins Fuel Filter, we recommend one of the filters reviewed above.
