The 6.7 Cummins uses a spin-on oil filter that sits on the driver's side of the engine block
The 6.7 Cummins diesel engine, found in Dodge Ram trucks from 2007 onward, uses a cartridge-style spin-on oil filter. The filter housing is located on the left (driver's) side of the engine, mounted vertically. You remove and replace the entire filter element by unscrewing the canister from the top of the housing — you do not need to remove a separate bowl or access panel underneath.
Dodge and Cummins recommend changing the oil filter every 15,000 miles under normal driving conditions, or every 10,000 miles if you tow regularly or drive in severe dust or high-temperature conditions. The filter itself costs between $12 and $25 depending on the brand and where you buy it. OEM (original equipment manufacturer) Cummins filters typically run $18 to $22, while aftermarket options from Fram, Motorcraft, or Napa are usually $12 to $18.
Key Takeaways
- The 6.7 Cummins filter is a spin-on cartridge located on the driver's side of the engine block, not underneath.
- OEM Cummins part number 5283890 is the factory filter, but Motorcraft FL2051, Fram PH10060, and Napa Gold 1085 are verified cross-references that fit the same housing.
- Change intervals are 15,000 miles for normal driving and 10,000 miles for towing, severe dust, or extreme heat.
- The filter housing itself rarely needs replacement, but if you see oil leaking from the top of the housing, the rubber seal on the new filter may not be seated properly.
OEM and cross-reference filter part numbers
The factory Cummins filter for the 6.7 is part number 5283890. This is the filter Dodge installs at the plant and the one you will find listed in your owner's manual and service records. Cummins also sells it directly through their parts network.
If you want to use an aftermarket filter instead, several manufacturers produce filters that fit the same housing and meet or exceed OEM specifications. Motorcraft FL2051 (Ford's equivalent filter, which shares the same thread size and bypass valve rating), Fram PH10060, and Napa Gold 1085 all fit the 6.7 Cummins housing. Before buying, confirm the part number on the box matches one of these — counterfeit or mislabeled filters do circulate, especially online.
How to change the filter step by step
Start with the engine cold or warm but not hot. Locate the filter housing on the left side of the engine block — it is a cylindrical metal can about 4 inches tall with a threaded cap on top. You will need an oil filter wrench (a strap wrench or socket-style wrench sized for the canister), a drain pan, and the new filter.
Place the drain pan underneath the housing. Loosen the filter canister by turning it counterclockwise with the wrench — do not use excessive force, as the housing threads can strip. Once loose, unscrew it by hand and set it aside to drain. Wipe the top of the housing with a clean rag to remove any dirt or old oil. Take the new filter, explore a thin coat of fresh oil to the rubber seal on the bottom of the new canister (this helps create a watertight seal), and screw it on by hand until the seal contacts the housing. Then turn it an additional three-quarter turn — not more. Hand-tight is correct; over-tightening can damage the seal and cause leaks.
Start the engine and let it idle for 30 seconds, then turn it off. Wait two minutes and check the oil level on the dipstick. Top up if needed. The entire job takes 10 to 15 minutes once you have the right tools.
Why the filter housing location matters for DIY work
Because the 6.7 Cummins filter sits on top of the engine block rather than underneath, you do not need to crawl under the truck or remove the skid plate. This makes the job faster and cleaner than on some other diesel engines. However, the vertical orientation means oil drains straight down when you unscrew the canister, so position your drain pan directly below and be ready to catch the initial spill.
The housing itself is durable and rarely fails. If you see oil seeping from the top of the housing after a filter change, the problem is almost always an improperly seated seal on the new filter, not a damaged housing. Remove the filter, inspect the rubber seal for cracks or dirt, clean the housing threads, and reinstall with a fresh filter.
Synthetic versus conventional oil and filter choice
The 6.7 Cummins can run either synthetic or conventional diesel oil, depending on your driving and maintenance plan. Cummins recommends Motorcraft Powerstroke 15W-40 or equivalent for the 6.7, though many owners use Rotella T6 synthetic or Mobil Delvac 1300 Super. The filter you choose should match the oil type and change interval you plan to follow.
If you run conventional oil on a 15,000-mile change interval, a standard OEM or mid-range aftermarket filter (Fram, Napa Gold) is sufficient. If you use synthetic oil and extend intervals to 20,000 or 25,000 miles, consider a premium filter like Cummins OEM or Mobil 1 Diesel, which have higher dirt-holding capacity and better bypass valve performance. The difference in cost is $5 to $10 per filter, but it can prevent premature engine wear if you are pushing change intervals.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
The most frequent error is over-tightening the filter canister. The rubber seal is designed to compress slightly when you turn the filter three-quarter turn past contact. Turning it more than that crushes the seal, which then leaks oil when ready or fails prematurely. Use a wrench only to break it loose; hand-tightening is the correct method for installation.
A second mistake is forgetting to oil the seal on the new filter before installation. The dry rubber can stick to the housing threads or fail to seal properly, causing leaks within hours of starting the engine. This is a quick step but straightforward to skip if you are working fast.
Third, some owners buy the wrong filter because they confuse the 6.7 Cummins with the older 5.9 Cummins (which uses a different housing) or with other Dodge diesel engines. Always verify the part number on the box before checkout, and confirm it matches your truck's year and engine size.
When to replace the housing itself
The filter housing on the 6.7 Cummins is a cast aluminum component that rarely needs replacement. It can crack if the engine overheats severely or if someone over-tightens a filter canister repeatedly, but this is uncommon. If the housing threads strip (which happens only after many years of abuse or cross-threading), you can have the threads re-tapped to the next size up, or replace the entire housing assembly.
Replacement housings are available from Cummins, Dodge dealers, and aftermarket suppliers for $80 to $150 depending on the source. Labor to remove and install is typically 1 to 2 hours at a shop. If you suspect housing damage, have a mechanic inspect it before you attempt another filter change yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a filter from a different truck on my 6.7 Cummins?
Only if the part number is confirmed to fit. The Motorcraft FL2051 (from Ford Powerstroke engines) and Fram PH10060 are cross-compatible because they share the same thread pitch and bypass valve rating. Do not assume filters from other Cummins engines or other brands fit without verifying the part number first.
What happens if I don't change the filter on schedule?
A clogged filter restricts oil flow to the engine. The bypass valve opens to allow unfiltered oil to circulate, which increases wear on bearings and injectors. Over time, this leads to lower fuel economy, harder starting, and potential engine damage. Sticking to the recommended interval prevents this.
Is the filter housing sealed, or can water get in?
The housing is sealed by the rubber gasket on the filter canister. If the seal is damaged or improperly installed, water and dirt can enter. This is why proper installation and inspection of the seal before screwing on the new filter is important, especially if you ford water or drive in wet conditions.
Can I change the filter without changing the oil?
Yes, the filter and oil are separate maintenance items. You can change the filter at 15,000 miles and the oil at 30,000 miles if you choose, though most owners change them together for simplicity. Check your owner's manual for the recommended intervals for your specific model year and driving conditions.
What should I do with the old filter?
Drain the old filter completely into your drain pan, then take it to a recycling center, auto parts store, or mechanic shop that accepts used filters. Many shops will recycle it for free if you buy a new filter from them. Do not throw it in the trash.