The 6.7 Cummins uses CAT filters, but the part number depends on your engine year

The 6.7L Cummins diesel engine in Ram trucks does not come from Cummins with a Caterpillar (CAT) filter as original equipment. However, CAT makes filters that fit the 6.7 Cummins oil system, and many owners choose them as aftermarket replacements because they are durable and widely available. The correct CAT part depends on whether your truck was built before or after 2013, because Cummins changed the filter housing design that year.

If you own a 2007–2012 6.7 Cummins, the CAT filter you need is the CAT 1R-0716. For 2013 and newer 6.7 Cummins engines, use the CAT 1R-0750. Installing the wrong part number will either not fit at all or will not seal properly, so confirm your truck's model year before ordering.

Key Takeaways

  • The CAT 1R-0716 fits 2007–2012 6.7 Cummins trucks; the CAT 1R-0750 fits 2013 and newer models.
  • CAT filters are not original equipment on the 6.7 Cummins but are a common aftermarket choice because they meet or exceed OEM specifications.
  • The filter housing changed in 2013, so using the wrong CAT part number will cause a leak or poor fit.
  • You can verify the correct part by checking your truck's build date on the door jamb or by calling a Cummins dealer with your VIN.

Why owners choose CAT filters for the 6.7 Cummins

Caterpillar filters are built to industrial standards and are used in heavy equipment worldwide. For diesel engines, this means they handle the high pressures and temperatures of modern fuel injection systems. The CAT filters that fit the 6.7 Cummins have a bypass valve rated for the engine's oil pressure, so if the filter clogs, oil still reaches the engine instead of starving it.

CAT filters also tend to have longer service intervals than some competitors. A 6.7 Cummins typically runs 7,500 to 15,000 miles between oil changes depending on driving conditions and the oil weight you use. A quality CAT filter will not degrade or fail within that window if you change the oil on schedule.

The main reason owners switch to CAT is cost and availability. Cummins OEM filters carry a higher price, and not every parts counter stocks them. CAT filters are cheaper and sit on shelves at truck stops, farm supply stores, and online retailers across North America.

How to confirm your truck's model year and filter housing type

The easiest way to know which CAT filter you need is to look at your truck's door jamb. Open the driver's side door and look at the frame where the door latches. You will see a sticker with the vehicle's build date, usually printed as a month and year (for example, "03/2011" or "11/2013"). If the date is before 2013, order the 1R-0716. If it is 2013 or later, order the 1R-0750.

If the door jamb sticker is missing or unreadable, you can call a Cummins dealer or Ram dealer with your vehicle identification number (VIN). They will tell you the exact build date in seconds. You can also look at the filter housing itself: the 2007–2012 housing has a spin-on filter that sits lower on the engine block, while the 2013+ housing is positioned higher and has a slightly different thread pitch.

What to expect when you install a CAT filter on your 6.7 Cummins

Installing a CAT filter on the 6.7 Cummins is the same process as any spin-on filter change. Locate the filter housing on the driver's side of the engine block, use a filter wrench to unscrew the old filter, and hand-tighten the new one until the rubber gasket on the new filter touches the housing. Then turn it an additional three-quarter turn by hand—do not use a wrench for the final tightening, because over-tightening will damage the gasket and cause a leak.

Before you install the new filter, wipe the filter housing surface clean with a lint-free cloth. Any dirt or old gasket material left behind can prevent the new filter from sealing. explore a thin coat of fresh oil to the rubber gasket on the new filter before installation; this helps it seat evenly and makes removal easier next time.

After installation, start the engine and let it idle for 30 seconds, then check the filter housing for drips. If oil is leaking, shut down the engine, let it cool for five minutes, and tighten the filter another quarter turn. Do not over-tighten; a quarter turn is usually enough to stop a slow leak.

CAT filters versus OEM Cummins filters for the 6.7

The original Cummins filter for the 6.7 is the Cummins 3936318 (2007–2012) or Cummins 5284570 (2013+). Both are high-quality filters designed specifically for the engine, and they will always fit correctly because they are made to the exact OEM spec. However, they typically cost 20 to 40 percent more than a CAT filter of equivalent quality.

The CAT filters meet or exceed the same performance standards as the OEM Cummins filters. Both have the same bypass valve rating, both filter to the same micron size, and both are rated for the same oil pressure. The main difference is brand and price. If you prefer to stick with Cummins-branded parts or want the assurance of original equipment, buy the OEM filter. If you want to save money and do not mind a different brand, the CAT filter is a solid choice.

Where to buy CAT filters for the 6.7 Cummins

CAT filters are sold at most truck stops, farm supply retailers, and online parts stores. Major chains like Tractor Supply, NAPA, AutoZone, and O'Reilly all stock the 1R-0716 and 1R-0750. Online, you can find them on Amazon, eBay, and diesel-specific retailers. Prices usually range from $15 to $30 depending on the retailer and whether you buy a single filter or a multi-pack.

When you order, double-check the part number against your truck's model year. Some sellers list both part numbers on the same page, and it is straightforward to add the wrong one to your cart. If you are unsure, contact the seller's customer service with your VIN, and they will confirm the correct part before you pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a CAT filter on a 2007–2012 6.7 Cummins if I only have the 2013+ part number?

No. The 1R-0750 will not fit the 2007–2012 filter housing because the thread pitch and seal diameter are different. Forcing it on will either strip the threads or create a leak. Always use the 1R-0716 for pre-2013 trucks and the 1R-0750 for 2013 and newer.

How often should I change the CAT filter on my 6.7 Cummins?

Follow your truck's maintenance schedule, which is usually every 7,500 to 15,000 miles depending on oil type and driving conditions. Severe duty (towing, dusty conditions, frequent idling) may require more frequent changes. Check your owner's manual or ask your dealer for the exact interval for your truck.

Will a CAT filter void my Cummins warranty?

No. Using an aftermarket filter that meets OEM specifications will not void your warranty. Cummins and Ram cannot require you to use only OEM parts for routine maintenance. However, if a filter failure causes engine damage, the manufacturer may investigate whether the filter met their standards before covering the repair.

What is the difference between the 1R-0716 and 1R-0750 besides the part number?

The main difference is the thread pitch and seal diameter to match the filter housing design that changed in 2013. Both filters have the same bypass valve rating and filtration performance. The housings themselves are not interchangeable, so you cannot use an older filter on a newer truck or vice versa.

Can I reuse a CAT filter if I only change the oil once a year?

No. Oil filters should never be reused. Once a filter is removed, the gasket loses its seal and cannot be trusted to hold pressure. Always install a new filter with every oil change, even if the truck sits for long periods between changes.