Our 07 Dodge - 5.9 Cummins - has a gauge like this on the air filterThe owner's manual says to depend on this gauge to tell you when to change the filter. In fact, on page 391 it says never to open the filter housing to inspect the air filter under normal conditions.That all sounds good, but at 5 years and 87 thousand miles, I would have replaced several air filters on a gas rig by now. I don't see how replacing the filter - even if it is still good - could really hurt anything, but I also don't feel the need to squander money on something I don't really need.So - what do you think? Should I just decide that time and miles call for a new filter, or can I safely continue to depend on the little gauge?

At 87k miles I'd say your do for filter #3 :W You can get these at Geno's garage for $29Air filters are pretty important with diesels.

My '04 has one too and I still pull filter out to check it. The monitor has never gone more than half way into yellow zone. I just check it when I feel like it especially when getting ready for a long trip(4000 miles), but with no regular miles or months/years. Forget already how many I have put in in the 9 1/2 years and 152k we have owned it. They are cheap to replace on my truck.

I would go by that little gauge. In our equipment the filter may last anywhere from hours to years before needing cleaning, depending on conditions. A dirty filter will provide cleaner air to the engine than a clean filter will. When the filter gets to be dirty enough to cause exessive air retriction the gauge will tell you.

It's time to check it. Mice can and do chew into air filters. You would never get a reading on the gage if the media were compromised.

I like the idea of checking for rodent infestation but the gauge works and will tell you when the filter is in need of replacement. It's a big filter though and could take that long to get dirty if you don't operate in dusty climates.FWIW, I replace my filter when the gauge moves any more than an 1/8" or so.Also the thicker Wix brand filter is a big improvement in breath-ability. It's the same size used on the later 6.7's.

Can I trust that little gauge????? | Good Sam Community

38 Replies

Turtle_n_Peeps
Explorer
Jun 17, 2013
Much like women, with filters, you just can't tell by looks whether they are good or not. :B

Yes the gauge is a good way to tell you whether the filter is good or not. They will tell you the exact restriction in the filter system.
troll3193
Explorer
Jun 17, 2013
I get filters for about $14 and replace them every 7500 miles when I change my oil. I used to run them longer and use the filter minder, but found that much over 10k miles and I started dropping an mpg or so...

Seemed worth the investment to optimize the mileage....

Bryan

PS I always keep an extra filter in the truck in the winter as I have iced a couple in heavy snow
Goose2448
Explorer
Jun 16, 2013
Go by the gauge. I have run air filters in equipment for over a 1000 hours in dusty conditions before needing cleaned. I do however check mine from time to time, ie fuel filter or oil changes. I would not clean these filters out, just replace them. My truck has the original blue Donaldson filter in it from the factory at 90K. Its got a little dirt on it, but not enough to replace it quite yet. Its getting a S&B here soon, so thats when it will get changed. I can't justify dropping $65 on a new filter when this one is just fine.
ScottG
Nomad
Jun 16, 2013
I like the idea of checking for rodent infestation but the gauge works and will tell you when the filter is in need of replacement. It's a big filter though and could take that long to get dirty if you don't operate in dusty climates.
FWIW, I replace my filter when the gauge moves any more than an 1/8" or so.
Also the thicker Wix brand filter is a big improvement in breath-ability. It's the same size used on the later 6.7's.
Lynnmor
Explorer
Jun 16, 2013
It's time to check it. Mice can and do chew into air filters. You would never get a reading on the gage if the media were compromised.
4x4ord
Explorer III
Jun 16, 2013
I would go by that little gauge. In our equipment the filter may last anywhere from hours to years before needing cleaning, depending on conditions. A dirty filter will provide cleaner air to the engine than a clean filter will. When the filter gets to be dirty enough to cause exessive air retriction the gauge will tell you.
john_bet
Explorer II
Jun 16, 2013
My '04 has one too and I still pull filter out to check it. The monitor has never gone more than half way into yellow zone. I just check it when I feel like it especially when getting ready for a long trip(4000 miles), but with no regular miles or months/years. Forget already how many I have put in in the 9 1/2 years and 152k we have owned it. They are cheap to replace on my truck.
45Ricochet
Explorer
Jun 16, 2013
At 87k miles I'd say your do for filter #3 :W

You can get these at Geno's garage for $29
Air filters are pretty important with diesels.

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Can I trust that little gauge?????

38 Replies

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