My x foretravel expert dealer mechanic mentioned my coaches leaking stock fuel filter system was designed for high sulphur fuel and it should be replaced.
He also mentioned my pre 02 engine needs a fuel filter that has a pump built into it.
Something about the 02 and above motors have an cummins engine mounted pump that my 97 does not have. So the filter needs to have a built in pump.
Does this match others here experience and what replacement filters would work?
Thanks
Bob
Doesn't your engine have a mechanical lift pump feeding the injector pump? Sounds like maybe he's suggesting what I've thought would be a good idea but haven't done, installing an electical pump that would be used for priming and chasing air out after a filter change. I'd thought about installing an inline pump like on the genset that can be valved on and off for priming.
Bob, I don't doubt that low sulphur fuel is causing leaks in your system. On mine it has caused me to replace the lift pump twice. It is an 8.3 mechanical Cummins. I don't know that the investment in a self priming system would be cost effective. IF you have a tight system with no leaks then losing prime should not occur.
Gary B
I just looked at the fuel filter on our coach. It is Parker/Racor 53202 30 micron filter/water separator. It has a reusable plastic bowl and sump drain. It was installed by FOT. It works for us. Our coach is a 1997 with C8.3-325 engine.
JD, should that filter be a S3202 Racor not 53202??
John H
Modified the filter from S3203 to S3202 as it should have been originally (my typo)
I don't know what it should be. I just looked again and it is S3202. It was installed at FOT. Generally I assume they know what should be installed. It has exhibited no problems since installation. I plan to return to FOT to replace a lot of fluids and filters this spring
Comparing filters at the Parker/Racor web site <http://www.parker.com> (http://www.parker.com>);, the S3202 has 1"-12 threads and the S3203 has 1"-14 threads. The S3202 is a 30 micron filter/separator and the S3203 is a 2 micron filter/separator. They both are rated at 90 GPH. The S3202 is about 2" taller than the S3203.
We have a Pure-Flow fuel system that monitors pressure and flow. Dont knownif I need this,takes up a battery bay.
JD, I changed the # of filter I should have typed S3202 in that post
John H
I have been spending a lot of time researching fuel filters for our '96 C8.3.
The Black Foretravel book and the Beamalarm page for the '96 U295 Foretravel engine Belts, hoses, Filters and Fluids (http://beamalarm.com/foretravel-links/foretravel-belts-hoses-filters.html) both say Racor S3202.
That is what FOT installed last time.
However...
I recently wrestled with a fuel starvation issue at startup.
So far, after changing fuel filters air does not appear to be getting into the system.
I'll have to look, but the new filter (maybe a Fleetguard) does not have the plastic bowl.
I am somewhat suspecious of the o-ring between the canister and the bowl.
After sitting on the shelf it looks to be a touch too big (i have trouble getting it into the groove around the bowl).
When I (with instructiion and assistance from Jerry Whiteaker) took it off it seemed to be even bigger.
I am probably going to go with a closed end filter next time but that's next year (I hope). I'll carry a spare just in case.
.
My old x foretravel mechanic, Vincent Anderson, called me yesterday to give me some info on a replacement fuel filter for my 97.
He mentioned that before 02's the cummins(at least my m11) did not have a fuel pump on the engine to prime the filter.
So he steered me to a Parker 790r30 90 gallon per hour unit with an integrated pump in it.
Has to have the built in pump he stated.
$300 shipped from nationalfleetparts.com in New Jersey
Hope this helps. Have not installed this yet but I think I have seen numerous references to this unit.
Less leaks with the low sulfur fuel I understand
Bob
Elliott, that is what I thought (but typed it wrong) the S3202 can be swapped with a Fleetguard FS 19520 which is a solid type with drain. I have been using that one on my 8.3 for 2 yrs and no air problems.
John H
John,my FS19520 take's the plastic bowl.