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Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Discussions => Topic started by: Numbers on April 23, 2018, 12:47:36 pm

Title: Fuel question
Post by: Numbers on April 23, 2018, 12:47:36 pm
1998 U-320 36' M11 Celect Plus

I was checking our coach over today and our Racor R90P fuel water separator bowl looks like the picture below.  What is this cloudy stuff in the bottom of the bowl?

Should I treat the tank with a shock level of Biocide and run it through?

I drained the bowl through the drain, but the cloudy stuff on the bottom remains. I don't see a dark brown colored layer.  Fuel does not smell "off" or stinky.

We put the coach into storage with a full tank, and each month I've been running the AquaHot on diesel for several days.  We have not started the coach engine since the end of December (4.5 months)

Thanks,
Chris

Title: Re: Fuel question
Post by: John44 on April 23, 2018, 01:09:10 pm
If it does not drain it must be jelled up fuel and/or water .Wait til it's time to change filters then clean it out good.
Title: Re: Fuel question
Post by: Mike Leary (RIP) on April 23, 2018, 01:14:28 pm
If it does not drain it must be jelled up fuel and/or water .Wait til it's time to change filters then clean it out good.
When was the last time the filter was changed?
Title: Re: Fuel question
Post by: Numbers on April 23, 2018, 01:54:06 pm
Thank you for the replies.

The filter was changed November 2017, and the engine has had maybe 50-75 miles put on it since that time.

I sent the photo to the heavy fleet OTR shop that works on the engine and they said it doesn't look like "algae".  They didn't see anything that would cause issues, and didn't feel there was a need to bring in the coach.

The cloudy section appears to be around the outside edge of the bowl.  I am wondering if the plastic bowl has clouded up.  If you look through the top part that is clear, you can see the bottom of the bowl clearly - no cloudiness on the bottom.

I drained about three pints of fuel and flowed easily, isn't discolored, and there wasn't any chunks or solid masses that I could see.

Chris

Title: Re: Fuel question
Post by: bbeane on April 23, 2018, 02:01:58 pm
I would run it like it is, but make sure you have a spare filter.
Title: Re: Fuel question
Post by: Numbers on April 23, 2018, 05:52:08 pm
Yes, I will make sure we have an extra fuel filter before we hit the road.

Looks like it may be jelled fuel.

Just had new tires installed on-site, and drove the coach up and down the neighborhood street to get it in position, etc.  I looked at the bowl again after the engine ran for a while, and the bowl has cleared up quite a bit.  The engine is running smooth and even, and it's responding as I am used to it responding.

Chris
Title: Re: Fuel question
Post by: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart on April 23, 2018, 06:02:09 pm
Algae is usually black. Doubt if you have a problem. Plastic bowl will probably wipe clean and clear the next change. Make sure to have an extra plastic bowl along with an extra filter in case of damage. Cheap insurance.

P
Title: Re: Fuel question
Post by: Numbers on April 24, 2018, 11:26:28 pm
Quick follow-up.

After running the engine for a bit the fuel in the plastic bowl is clear and clean.

Thank you for all the responses.

Chris