Fuel filter help.

[dunes450r]

If the option is to run without the fuel heater, or risk gelling up, I'll go to a bit of hassle to keep it functioning.

Mark.

the fuel heater only works when the pickup is running, so how does the heater help you from gelling up when virtually all gel ups happen at night when its not running?

[Mark Nixon]

the fuel heater only works when the pickup is running, so how does the heater help you from gelling up when virtually all gel ups happen at night when its not running?

No, the fuel heater works WHEN THE KEY IS ON, not just "while running", Big difference.
This combined with the person doing as they're supposed to (Wait To Start) prior to starting the truck, allows enough heat into the filter area (the highest potential for gelling) for the start up.
I believe Dodge/Cummins also recommend initiating an extra grid cycle in "Extremely Cold Weather", if the vehicle does not fire right away.

Believe it or not, the engineers actually DID plan for things like this.

Want to help curb the POTENTIAL for gel up?
Run anti-gel and an electric fuel pump and allow the fuel pump to run for a bit pre-start-up.

Mark.

[Black93]

Got the new rubber gasket from Genos and the old one was flat compared to the new one. Put it on and no leaks. I will buy that gasket again next fuel filter change.

Check your Dodge dealer. My dealer actually had one in stock when I needed it and it was only $3.

[PToombs]

Why buy another one for the next filter change? The one that was on it was probably original, 20ish years, so the one you just installed should be good for at least another 10 or 15.

[D-dog357]

My fuel heater came loose the first time I changed my filter and leaked like a baby with cotton diapers. Took the filter/heater assembly apart and cleaned it. Had to futz with it a few times to get the gasket to say put (shaky hands) but didn't need a new one. Still comes loose with the filter some times but I don't want to over tighten the fitting. So I just make sure the heater is good and tight before putting on the new filter to keep it from leaking.
A high pres/flow pump might add to the problem too if your is like mine and just doesn't seem to to want to stay put sometimes.

[monoblock]

I found a couple of part numbers mentioned on another Forum that may help but verify before buying:
Fuel heater square o-ring Mopar 4429695 or Cummins 3913695