Another question to the collective. What is entailed in pulling new fuel lines? It appears 2002 was a change year for FT with the elimination of the fiberglass bay ceiling runway and the addition of the drop floor panel between the trusses with all the front to back stuff between it and the bay ceiling deck.
I have read (and heard), a straight front to back pull is possible by attaching to the existing line(s).
Any insight and indication of level of pain would be appreciated.
Feel free to PM///
Thanks!
Bob
You said:
I have read (and heard), a straight front to back pull is possible by attaching to the existing line(s).
This is correct. I used this method to replace my fuel lines. You must spring for the cost of a proper union to attach new to old line.
I had new ends installed at shop before starting this.
Endeavor to persevere.
jk
May have to clip tyraps if they don't break. You will need to pull fuel tank regardless
On the 02 I think it is possible to change the lines without removing the tank.
Anyone have experiance changing out a 1998 U320 fuel lines?
Is it a straight forward process or does it involve removing the fuel tank? (yuck...)
On my 1999 I had to remove the fuel tank,
Same here, not that hard to do. Pics on reply # 15
Fuel lines (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=26797.msg217407#msg217407)
Had to pull the fuel tank, and inside bay covers on mine 1999 295. No way would I have been able to pull them through.
After I did mine there was a post about 2 members that left the old lines in and used a sectioned rod to pull the new lines through in less than a day. Tank was pulled.
Yes. No. Yes.
I saw no other way to do the job other than cut through the floor or remove the fuel tank. Feel free to ask questions here or PM me.
One thing... The routing of the fuel lines is not magical, I routed the line near the engine differently, and I added a fuel cooler while I was a horrible, stinky greasy, dirty mess. The lines to the generator would not budge. I left the parts I could not cut out, and routed new through PVC pipe, to provide a protective conduit.
So, it looks like starting in 2002, the tank and configuration changed... to a more workable situation. All tank pickup lines are on a beveled panel on the pass side just behind the filler, same location as the tank sender. All returns and vent lines are on the top of the driver's side filler extension, accessible.
2002 also has everything back of the battery compartment (centered between the AquaHot and LP tank) through the center bay is between the bottom of the floor deck and a false bay ceiling deck. This is where things could get interesting. If "stuff" is in any way tied together or otherwise fastened between the decks.....well I dont have enough "special" adjectives to use on the person who thought this up......a MAJOR removal exercise as there is HWH equalizer assembly and all the associated lines other Stuff, now including my new DC panel fastened to the bottom of the false desk.
I am hoping the brain trust here can tell me the stuff is just laid in which would make sense....not hard fastened.
I will post some pictures of the situation on the sides of the tank. If nothing is fastened, a pull from the rear with the proper help and preparation looks doable....with some "yellow 77" thrown in for good measure....
Standing by for more enlightenment.... And thanks to Ron (RedTractor) for the glimmer of light he has already provided...
Bob
Pix....
Tell some of the story....
To Peter on the 98 u320 the tank has to come out. I bought a pump battery operated and one coach had a full tank so I had to buy 4 50 gallon drums to pump the fuel into. It is a dirty nasty job. Tommy and I got pretty good at r and r of his fuel tank. I had trouble with the new lines becoming kinked on top of the tank and not flowing fuel. Finally I replaced the line going to the generator for the second time. I didn't see anything wrong with the new line, but it sure would not let the generator run.
Update....
After scoping the lines and top of tank to the point of insanity, I reached out to the mothership and was provided the tank drawings. Interesting arrangement, all for the sake of dual side fill ability.
Main 175 gallon tank has outlet connections all at the edge next to,the filler and sender...very logical. BUT... the stinking vent outlet is buried at the rear edge of the tank away from any accessibility....
The 9 gallon DS filler tank has the filler, three returns, a large 2.5 inch drop/collared connection to the main tank and a vent connection not shown on the drawing.... AAARRRRGGGG!
That vent connection has the roll over valve mounted to a T on its side and the main tank plumbed to it....
Anyway, this all gets interesting. Jeff (Gino's Garage YouTube) our local big bus mobile guy believes we can pull off replacing all the lines without pulling the tank. He's equipped to make lines on site and even thinks he can get the buried vent line off....hope springs eternal.
I have a new, very small bore scope coming in hopes of getting a better view of the leak source and possibly getting a better look at more of the line routes. Thus far leak is only a small damp spot in the dirt/dust on top of the tank.
I have attached the drawings for you viewing pleasure. Thank you to Braxton, Chad and James at the mother ship for their cooperation.... And Red Tractor Ron for his insight and willing support...
More as it develops.
Thank you for sharing the drawings. I have the exact same fuel tank... except the mirror image. I'm guessing that your fuel tank is in your middle bay with the filler necks at the front? Mine is in my second bay forward (4 bays with wet bay in the rear) and filler necks toward the rear. Did you solve your problem and if so did you have to replace your fuel lines. I believe that Michelle has stated before that she believes that the fuel lines were different starting in 02 and she was not aware of anything newer needing to be replaced.
I'll try to find the post, but it was someone else who originally discovered and posted that the fuel line material/design/etc. was changed for 2002. We had a run-up of fuel line change posts over a couple of years (I'm thinking nearly a decade ago), and all those were 2001 and prior.
This would be the first 2002 and newer coach I've read of needing new fuel lines, but given originals would be over 22 years old, it's not outside the realm of possibilities. And if it is the case, then it would be good for 2002-2006 coach owners to take note. As we saw with the prior activity, this sort of thing often comes in age-of-coach clusters.
My fuel lines look as good as new (knock on wood). Thanks for digging up this information.
Every time I check mine, I don't see any problems. It was a August 2001 build. Keeping my fingers crossed.
Rich
OP here... So the plot thickens. I have spent at least 6 hours with two flexible scopes and cannot find a "confirmable" source.
On to the plot. I have (posted) the drawings from the factory and while 95% correct, one major omission on the DS side fill tank drawing....no vent port. My tanks have a vent port on the top of the 174 gallon tank and another one on the 9 gallon DS fill/return tank. It gets worse.... Conversations with FOT and a couple reputable other sources all tell me there should be a vent line from each to a T and then out the bulkhead wall. Not hear. Mine (must have been a Friday) has a 90 on top of the main tank that runs to a T on the DS side fill tank (again, undocumented) and the other side of the T has the roll over valve on it's side (BAD!) and then vents (or not) from there. I have confirmed the "Or Not".... Can blow into the tanks from the vent line but cannot suck out... ALso can pressurize the tanks from either filler neck...and "no vent"....BAD!
In playing "proctologist", what I have found is what appears to be old, long term fuel residue at the main tank vent...with signs there has been light, long term flowage over the radius of the tank to the lower top of the tank. Also was able to locate a "damp" spot that is not growing (rode bus around for 25 miles making turns, stop/go/....etc) and two days latter looked again at a reference and not growth.
Now all the said, I can tell you it is near impossible to get a good view looking up at where the lines or hung from. I have tried every trick there is to get the scope "eye" to look up but there is always something in the way. Actually getting repeatable views, even from the same entry points is near to winning the lottery.....or at least a scratch off. I have taken about 100 pictures of the scope so I can compare side by side by side....
As to the lines, I agree, the lines and fittings (sans the vent elbow on main tank) all look and feel good. Even Keith confirmed the lines "should be good" on a 2002.
I have included some more photos for your viewing pleasure. Anyone with an "ah ha" moment, feel free to PM. Looks like a trip to TX in our future.....