papaindigo wrote:
Comments:
1. have you confirmed that what they want $180 for is just the fuel filter (PN 52129238AA) or is it the entire fuel filter head with a filter installed (PN 52129237AA 1s gen or 68043089AA 2n gen)? If it's the entire assembly as politely as you can tell them to stuff it that the filter element is replaceable by itself and to provide you with just the filter (PN above). Stateside would cost ca. $45.
2. if that doesn't work does your filter have a WIF sensor screwed into the bottom? If not you need to determine the thread size, the inner and outer gasket size, and filter microns which you can get online from like the WIX site. If you can get that info then any equivalent diesel fuel filter that closely matches those specs should do ok. Back in the day this is how we identified larger oil filters, paying attention to the overpressure relief valve too of course.
3. if your filter has a WIF sensor on the bottom, see pics of WIX 33647 (the white plastic thing is a plug that's removed to screw in the WIF sensor). Then you need the same specs as in 2 above plus the WIF sensor threading. Yes in "theory" you can run without a WIF sensor and I've never had water in fuel problems but doing so is a really bad idea that can get expensive.
Filter options about which I am positive WIX 33647, NAPA 3647, Mann WK854/2 appears to be the one idParts sells and that checks out in European markets via a google search. Filter options which seem ok based on a a google search on "WIX 33647 cross reference" I see Baldwin BF7970, Hastings FF1168, Fleetguard FS19781, Purolator F65782, Luberfiner LFF6354, IVECO 2992300, Hengst H160WK, and Knecht/Mahle KC182 but you would have to check them out based on what might be available down your way.
Of course there are options to ditch the OEM fuel filter head for other options similar to what was fitted to the prior year KJ diesels.
Just the Mopar filter itself is $180 and this is because they are the only ones who import this filter in Argentina. I talked to a mechanic today and he said he can replace it with a FRAM P5537 or a Tecneco which are like $10. He says both of them fit in but they are shorter in size so the filtration capacity will be less and thus, I´ll have to replace it more often like every 6000 miles. Do I trust his words?