Went over to Gary's yesterday to complete the fuel line replacement and connections. We replaced the line between the two filters first. That allowed us to install the barbed swivel fittings away from the coach to make sure they could be installed properly and fully seat. We used a NuWave induction hotplate to heat the water. 30-45 seconds and the barbs slipped on easy. The only surprise was the after end of the hose actually ended at a flat plate manifold under the ECU. I assume that is to route the fuel through a flow venturi for the computer controls.
I figured the rest would go easy - but NO!!! It appears I only THOUGHT the feed line was on the passenger side of the tank - in reality it is in the center of the tank - four feet in, on the other side of the wire/hose run. The only way to do this would be to pull the propane tank. Neither small nor light - with half a tank of propane it was at least 200 pounds.
Gary likes to call himself a 'farm engineer' (if you need it, make it...) but in my book he is far more and deserves the MacGyver award just about every day... We built a platform out of tires in wood in about 15 minutes. His 18V 3/4 drive impact had the tank bolts out in about 5 minutes. We removed the drawer above and inched the tank out.
I now had easy access to the fitting above the tank - but the angle and length of the 1" wrench kept me from cracking the fitting. We needed a crowfoot. Within 15 minutes we had one made up using some scrap and an old socket. Some adjustment with a vise and it works perfectly. Some judicial pressure washing and we scooted the tank back in. It actually went back in easier!
After that, we pressurized the lines to vent them using Gary's tank pressurizer and she fired up and ran like a top. 5 hours work. I believe the engine had been running with some entrained air for a while, because it runs smoother now then it had been...
I'm looking forward to working on his coach lines next
You guys are amazing.
Excellent.
Thanks for the info Dave. I wish I had known you were over at Gary's. I am only a few miles away. It would have been nice to finally meet you. Maybe next time.
Mark
If you have a detroit, I think the fuel cools the ECM.
Nothing to it if you have the right tools ( and a farm Engineer ) !
Outstanding! Nothing like hitting er done in record time I suspect. No need to cut diamonds here. Did you guys pull the new lines by attaching to the old or was it necessary to remove chase covers and cut ties?
Old hose left in place. New hose pulled from big bay over tanks to engine bay. Pushed through by hand forward to tank bay. Used fiberglass wire fish rods
Good job.
Dave tell me more about "fiberglass wire fish rods" ??
Thx
Hans
Here's an example
Klein Tools Fish Stick, 25 ft, Fiberglass 56325 | Zoro.com (http://www.zoro.com/klein-tools-fish-stick-25-ft-fiberglass-56325/i/G6144537/)
These look very like the orange fishstick that I almost bought at H Depot while in Mexico. The ones there came in 3 different lengths up to 50 ft and the 50 cost was around 160 pesos or $19 us. Damm should have got one for future use. Rigid yet very flexible. They screwed together to make different lengths.
JohnH