It appears that I might have a crack in my fuel line to the generator. For those who have replaced fuel lines, where are you getting the hose? what size of hose is it? Is the generator hose the same size as the main enginge hose line? With the coach being 22 yrs old, I see a project in my future, but really would like to get the generator running in the next couple of weeks if possible.
Thanks in advance,
Larry
Replacing Generator fuel line on '99 U320 (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=14104.msg80841#msg80841)
If you have the side generator, it's a15 minute job for just the feed hose or at least was on ours. I first ordered 25 feet of the best diesel/biodiesel hose I could find on eBay (less expensive that way). I went with the hose size at the generator fitting. Where I made my mistake was to attach it to the old hose and then pull both through to the tank (once I removed the all the fasteners that hold the old line in place). I had to weave it's way around the engine hoses, etc. and was difficult pulling. I'm getting ahead of myself here. It was hard reaching the fitting on the top of the tank so I just put a crow's foot on an extension and off it came. Foretravel put a fitting for a different sized hose on the tank compared to the generator. Why? Anyway, if you have something like a long straight brake line, you just attach the new hose to it and push it through the hole between the generator and the tank. This takes less than a minute. Just push the brake line into the hose and then use tape so it won't catch on anything as the travels from one side to the other. Pushing the smaller line onto the larger fitting was slightly difficult. Use fuel injection clamps on both ends (the kind that does not eat into the hose and tightens all the way around). Do NOT slide the generator out do do it. Leave enough hose at the generator so you can slide the generator out later. Put all the fasteners back into place and you are almost ready to go. I have a air bleed fitting up high on the generator but not all do, so loosen a intake fitting at the main injection pump and then use the glow switch to activate the electric fuel pump and bleed the system. Might be a good time to change the filter.
With strong glasses on, I could see millions of tiny cracks in the old hose. It was damp and caused the generator to stop when it had a good load on it.
Pierce
Yes the generator and engine hoses are different sizes, including supply and return for engine, not generator. Foretravel used Eaton Aeroquip hoses on just about everything on the coach. These hoses have a reusable fitting on the ends of the hoses, that is if they do not break when taking them off. After 22 years the rubber is somewhat bonded to the threads on the nipple. I was able to remove some fittings of the #8 size by clamping the socket in a vise and also strongly clamping the hose with vise-grip pliers so the hose would not turn. Installing the fitting is easier than removing. The socket screws on counterclockwise until it bottoms then back off 1/4 turn. Liberally coat the nipple threads with a heavy oil and screw it in clockwise with the socket and hose clamped in a vise. The main problem of course is getting to the fitting on the top of the tank. If your leak is where mine was it is probably where the hose passes through the wall of the generator compartment. A quick fix would be to splice in a new piece of hose where it is leaking. Google Eaton Aeroquip and you should find a pdf of the Eaton catalog, and places that sell Eaton aeroquip. The hose on my coach was FC-350. There is a 2 digit number after FC 350 that is the size like 06, 08, etc. The FC 350 hose is on page 23 and assembly instructions on page 319. If you have to cut the old or new hose a thin blade abrasive cut off wheel works best as there is a stainless wire braid in the hose, other wise use a fine tooth hacksaw blade as shown in the instructions. I replaced my generator supply hose several years ago and used the socketless hose and fittings (didn't know about the reusable fittings at the time). I was much younger and thinner then and was able to slide into the compartment and get to the fitting on the tank and remove it using a crowfoot wrench. Had to feel as I could not see what I was doing. I would suggest cutting the line between the tank and the leak, and install a new piece of hose to the generator. Yahoo Message Number: 41836 & 41837
Travelin Man, thanks for the link. It is a unique way to get to the tank, one I might have to consider. I don't have carpet, it has already been replaced by previous owner with a tile.
Pierce and Jerry, thanks for the info from both of you. I wasn't sure if the hoses for the generator, engine & aqua hot were the same or not. I will have to decipher which is which. Seems strange that there were 2 different size fittings. Before I begin the generator, I will try running from a diesel supply from a portable tank to make sure that is my problem with the generator. I have just read to many other tales of coaches my age and younger having an issue, and I would like to fix it before I HAVE to fix it.
Thanks for the reply's,
Larry
We need to remember that Larry's coach is a 320 with the ~200 gallon tank. He only has about 4" on the top for clearance and he can't even see his center taps/boss for the pickups due to the center cable tray and various hoses one the curb side. Battery vent ducts on the drivers side block his view also. Even with going through the front cable tray penetration with a crows foot you have to be real lucky to have the fittings turned to the proper orientation to possibly reach them. With knowing his coach he may be best to just pull his tank rather than exhausting his English vocabulary and start blessing his efforts in a foreign language.
Mike
Mike, thanks for the PM's. Your expertise is exceeded only by your good looks, charm and witty humor (or so the stories go) :whistle:
Larry
This is the post where I did mine.
Fuel lines (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=26797.msg217407#msg217407)
Get a similar size diesel or gasoline hose of the length near the crack, cut and splice with brass barb fittings with hose clamp to patch and get going for now.
Craneman, great write up. Gives me insight for the project. I may do a temporary fix like Barry suggested. Looking into a trip next month which would use a lot of the fuel.
Larry