I've heard a couple people suggest carrying two sets of spare fuel filters in their coach. Why not just one spare set? I get the whole "two is one and one is none" mentality but I'm having a hard time understanding why I can't just order another spare set at my next destination if I ever need to.
Some owners have gotten bad diesel and it usually takes more that 2 sets if filters to get through the problem
Chris
Yup, you can clog a filter in just a few miles if you encounter bad fuel.
Carry two. Write the date purchased on them and use the "first in, first out" to use them.
Also a good idea to carry the tools to change them and know how to do it. Filters may be really difficult to come by in the middle of nowhere on a Sunday when you need them.
And, with the proper tools, you CAN find someone everywhere who can help you install them.
Thanks guys, that makes sense. Two sets it is.
I just put new filters on last weekend. I wanted to make sure I had the right ones before ordering more. I have a wrench, plumbers grease, and spare o-rings for the pre-filter that I'll keep with them.
Good plan, Elliot. The pre-filter screen will trap most of the algae that gets that far before the other two filters. You can remove it and clean it in a bucket of soapy water until as much of the gunk as possible is gone. Rinse well with clean water and then pour in some denatured alcohol with your finger over the end and shake it up and drain. The alcohol helps get rid of the water and evaporates faster.
Reassemble, purge air (maybe twice) and start. Check for leaks. Run on high idle for three minutes. Check for leaks. Probably going to be enough to get where you are going or somewhere safe to change the spin on filters. Worked for me twice.
Bio-Bor biocide is your best friend. Treat tank at every fill up
Just ordered Biobor MD, just got the bottle that treats 240 gallons, then when it's used up I will buy a gallon and refill the smaller bottle which has the measure gauge on it.
If it does all it says on the label it must be good stuff. We will find out.
Thanks Tim for your suggestion
David
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think Biobor JF is a better choice if you are wanting algae protection. I have used it for years and no problems
I agree based on the product descriptions, JF would prevent bio growth which is one of the most likely sources of plugged filters while MD might be better for winter use.
"Biobor MD (Marine Diesel) is a cutting-edge over-the-road fuel conditioner engineered to enhance fuel performance, increase fuel lubricity and lowering the cold pouring point(CFPP) by up to 25 degreesFahrenheit. Biobor MD increases the cetane levels for easier cold starting, and cleans the entire system of sludge. Treating your fuel regularly with Biobor MD provides more available horsepower, torque, and fuel economy while reducing up to 94% of soot output and carbon buildup."
Biobor MD is my choice also. Used it on every Tuna boat and Tug boat I ever worked on.
Biobor MD is for a completely different purpose than Biobar JF.
MD will NOT treat/kill algae. That is what Biobar JF is for.
Biobor MD (http://www.biobor.com/products/biobor-md/)
Biobor JF Diesel (http://www.biobor.com/products/biobor-jf-diesel/)
Bio Bor JF +1!!!
+1 on two sets. I'm a beleiver O:)
Learned the hard way yesterday with Phillips new coach. There was some Algae?? splotches in the screen and negotiated the replacement before we left Washington. Flew too close to the sun and she shut down with a clogged screen again in Iowa last night after an 800 mile drive, 5 miles from Phillips relatives. Guage was all kind of wrong. The Mouser clan answered the call and were crawling all over the coach in a matter of minutes. (Sorry for blocking your streets last night Le Mars, Iowa) Replaced all 3 filters and had to call Red Tractor to figure out how to use the Racor air purge. After 1 unnecessary (could have used the purge) refill of the filters. Breaking down so close to help after traveling 1600 uneventful miles, someone somewhere was looking out for us. We compounded he problem by driving too fast into the wind thus netting 6mpg instead of closer to 8 which I USUALLY get in my coach so 194*2=400 miles less range...Thus reminding us of the much repeated phrase on the Forum ALWAYS DRIVE ON THE TOP HALF OF THE TANK. Such nice and helpful clan. They were waiting to cook us fresh fish and we all didn't get to eat until 10pm.
Would definitely get something to treat the fuel with and use the highest reccommeded dose,and get ready to change filters again.
peaking of extra filters-- Just read a article written by a former member of one of out elite forces
And I quote. " one was none two was one and three was just enough".
I just thought that also applied to some of the things that forum members carry
Tommy, glad you made it even if it was late, hope you still got some fish
Chris
There is a saying that applies to another subject but also applies here:"It is better to have one and not need it than to need one and not have it."
And, because a plugged filter is usually a bad sign, two or even three may be necessary just to get you to a place where help is.
Personally, I know from experience. My primary plugged just before we got into a CG. I changed it in our campsite. It plugged again on the way home. I changed it AGAIN! Made it home and I could feel the loss in power. Went to Napa and got three more filters.
A few years back, I got water in fuel on my final fill up on my way home. Bus sat for 2 months. Next trip was from Maryland to Alabama. It took 10 sets of filters to get there. Lots of algae and water cleanup chemicals. I carry 3 sets and what's needed to change them all the time now. Make sure you have something to drain and store the used fuel in. LEOs take a dim view of draining your filters on their asphalt in the rest areas. :(
TOM
Got me rethinking installing a onboard polishing system.
Amazon.com: Racor Polisher Diesel 10M 12V/24V: Sports & Outdoors (https://www.amazon.com/Racor-Polisher-Diesel-10m-P510mam/dp/B00J909BF2/ref=sr_1_3?crid=DBURN1G7V9ZJ&dchild=1&keywords=fuel+polishing+system&qid=1616593372&sprefix=fuel+polishing+%2Caps%2C217&sr=8-3)
575$ seems like a lot till your stuck on the side of the road somewhere. Thought I may need it when we drug our coach out of the field last summer, but fuel was runnable being eight years old. Very good point about drain fuel storage. Good friend of mine is a heavy equipment mechanic and he mentioned auto gas works good to wash filter free of algae to reuse when you run out of replacements. I did add a user friendly drain to the bottom of my fuel tank for draining water durning fuel line replacement job.
Scott