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Topic: 3208T Fluid Maintenance/Oil (Read 1374 times) previous topic - next topic

3208T Fluid Maintenance/Oil

Do any of you vintage Foretravel owners have the CAT 3208T (Serial #02Z42567) and change your own fluids?  I want to change pretty much every fluid on the thing so I have a baseline start of when they were all last changed.  I need to order oil, oil filters, fuel filters, coolant, etc.  Unfortunately, I'm unable to get out to the storage anytime soon and want to get the order placed.  I think I'm covered from the owners manuals I have on oil and coolant capacities, but I can't find filter PNs anywhere!  I do remember seeing a Napa Gold 1286 filter under the frame.  Any idea what that would have been?  I also remember seeing a FRAM P1104 the former owner stored in one of the bays so I'm assuming that's one of the fuel filters.  If someone has the oil filter PNs handy and any other pertinent info on this or a link I sure would appreciate it!
Benjie, Ashley, Zoey, Fallon, and Lake
Round Rock, TX
In search of our next monster...

Re: 3208T Fluid Maintenance/Oil

Reply #1 –
Quote from: bzeller –
Do any of you vintage Foretravel owners have the CAT 3208T (Serial #02Z42567) and change your own fluids?  I want to change pretty much every fluid on the thing so I have a baseline start of when they were all last changed.  I need to order oil, oil filters, fuel filters, coolant, etc.  Unfortunately, I'm unable to get out to the storage anytime soon and want to get the order placed.  I think I'm covered from the owners manuals I have on oil and coolant capacities, but I can't find filter PNs anywhere!  I do remember seeing a Napa Gold 1286 filter under the frame.  Any idea what that would have been?  I also remember seeing a FRAM P1104 the former owner stored in one of the bays so I'm assuming that's one of the fuel filters.  If someone has the oil filter PNs handy and any other pertinent info on this or a link I sure would appreciate it!
Here is a list from the owners manual
1989_filters-for-foretravel
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: 3208T Fluid Maintenance/Oil

Reply #2 –
Hi Benjie,
The "NAPA gold" may refer to the transmission filters. Not sure how many or what size your transmission will take. Allison suggests the gold filters now for their finer filtration capabilities. They are hard to find and more expensive too.
 
I do remember seeing a Napa Gold 1286 filter under the frame. Any idea what that would have been? I also remember seeing a FRAM P1104 the former owner stored in one of the bays so I'm assuming that's one of the fuel filters. If someone has the oil filter PNs handy and any other pertinent info on this or a link I sure would appreciate it!
Quote
Benjie, Ashley, Zoey, Fallon, and Lake Round Rock, TX
1989 38' Grand Villa Osh Kosh (ORED) with a Cat 3208T
Jim Frerichs
2002 U320 42'

Re: 3208T Fluid Maintenance/Oil

Reply #3 –
Huge thanks to both of you!
Benjie, Ashley, Zoey, Fallon, and Lake
Round Rock, TX
In search of our next monster...

Re: 3208T Fluid Maintenance/Oil

Reply #4 –
The original square glass fuel water separator element from CAT as well as from aftermarket filter companies have had plenty of issues with the filter base not sealing well against the element.  The spring clip combined with the some of the O-rings does not make a good seal.  Air has been found to be sucked past these seals.  Hard start and white smoke result.  Consider replacing that fuel water separator with one that is a spin on type with a water drain valve.

As for the air filters, the housings likely original from Donaldson.  AC did not make housings.  Now AC does not even make anything including LD auto filters.  Everything they sell is purchased from another filter manufacturer. 
Gary Spires
Coolants, Cooling Systems, Filtration, Diesel Engines

Re: 3208T Fluid Maintenance/Oil

Reply #5 –
Quote from: spike45 –
The original square glass fuel water separator element from CAT as well as from aftermarket filter companies have had plenty of issues with the filter base not sealing well against the element.  The spring clip combined with the some of the O-rings does not make a good seal.  Air has been found to be sucked past these seals.  Hard start and white smoke result.  Consider replacing that fuel water separator with one that is a spin on type with a water drain valve.

As for the air filters, the housings likely original from Donaldson.  AC did not make housings.  Now AC does not even make anything including LD auto filters.  Everything they sell is purchased from another filter manufacturer.

I THINK the fuel water separator may have already been replaced?  The former owner showed me a small fuel reservoir where he unscrewed the top, pulled out a small filter, and replaced it with a new one.  He said this filter absorbed water out of the diesel fuel and should be changed regularly.  I'm a dolt when it comes to diesel engines right now, but I'm trying to absorb all I can.  Is that what you're referring to?  I'm not sure how often to change that filter so if anyone can advise that would be huge!

I think I need to make a trip out to FOT or someplace where someone can give me a tutorial on my engine and maintenance.  The last thing I want is to have mechanical problems due to my ignorance.
Benjie, Ashley, Zoey, Fallon, and Lake
Round Rock, TX
In search of our next monster...

Re: 3208T Fluid Maintenance/Oil

Reply #6 –
Most of us have been in the same boat. Just keep reading this Forum. There is no better education on Foretravels.
The selected media item is not currently available.Kent Speers
Locust Grove, OK
1993 U300 SSE 40' (Restored at FOT 2009) Build 4323
720 watts Solar
6V92TA DDEC Silver Engine
2014 Subaru Outback

Re: 3208T Fluid Maintenance/Oil

Reply #7 –
Thanks Kent.  My worry is I'm missing things.  For instance, I can't seem to locate a glass water separator, at least not that looks like the pics in my manual.  I'll look again tomorrow and take a lot of pics to reference for the group.
Benjie, Ashley, Zoey, Fallon, and Lake
Round Rock, TX
In search of our next monster...

Re: 3208T Fluid Maintenance/Oil

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Benjie Zeller –
Thanks Kent.  My worry is I'm missing things.  For instance, I can't seem to locate a glass water separator, at least not that looks like the pics in my manual.  I'll look again tomorrow and take a lot of pics to reference for the group.

The Caterpillar part number is 8N9803.  Originals were made by Standadyne.  There are much much better fuel water separators available than that product.  At one time, that CAT part used a cloth sock to separate the water from the fuel.  Removed the free water but then even a screen would do that.  Not much at removing emulsified water which is worse than free.  These filters had some real issues with sucking air and hard starting.  Consider going to a spin on fuel water separator.  There are many choices such as Racor, Fleetguard, Baldwin, and Davco.  The best is the Davco system as it is easy to maintain.  Easy to see how close to being plugged the filter is and easy to remove air from the system.

DAVCO Technology, LLC 

The Davco 243 at 60 GPH is more than enough for a 3208. 
Gary Spires
Coolants, Cooling Systems, Filtration, Diesel Engines

Re: 3208T Fluid Maintenance/Oil

Reply #9 –
Benji -

A previous poster suggested RV Mobile Lube to you as an alternative to travel to Naconowhere for lube/oil/filters/etc.  John Thomas is one of the Owners and Mechanic.  He regularly travels to Fredricksburg, Kerrville and Johnson City to service RV Owners at their campsite.  Give him a call and find out a) if he knows the 3208, and b) how close could he get to where you are.  I have used John for LOF service for several years and he is top notch!

I assume you know about Holt CAT on I-35.

I am close to you in Georgetown and would be happy to talk with you about Foretravels and RVmobilelube.  my (H) 8 6 4 0 9 9 6.  (OBTW - there is no better source for info than this marvelous website)

Dan Spoor
20023 U-270
Dan Spoor;  FTV 11082
Sold: 2003 34-ft U-270
(Sob!)

Re: 3208T Fluid Maintenance/Oil

Reply #10 –
Well, I was able to identify a glass bowl after heading out to my MH today.  The bottom of it was covered with enough road grime that until I cleaned it up I thought what was all metal turned out to be half glass.  Here is a picture of what I have going on.  Looks nothing like my engine manual.

Q1 - I'm not exactly sure how I maintain this portion of the coach?  I unscrewed the white plastic fitting on the bottom of the glass bowl separator, but nothing came out.  I was unable to get underneath it to see much of anything.

Q2 - Anyone know how to drain this particular device or maybe it drains itself after separating the water from the fuel?

Q3 - There's also a filter in the top of the unit.  I've attached a picture of it as well.  Not sure how often I should be changing this filter? 
Benjie, Ashley, Zoey, Fallon, and Lake
Round Rock, TX
In search of our next monster...

Re: 3208T Fluid Maintenance/Oil

Reply #11 –
Oops, forgot one last picture.  It's a Racor Model 500FG.  Gonna do a search to see if I can find an instruction manual on this thing!  Any helpful comments welcome!
Benjie, Ashley, Zoey, Fallon, and Lake
Round Rock, TX
In search of our next monster...

Re: 3208T Fluid Maintenance/Oil

Reply #12 –
Parker - Engineering Your Success

Brett
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: 3208T Fluid Maintenance/Oil

Reply #13 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
Parker - Engineering Your Success

Brett

Thanks Brett.  I was reading you Coolant 101 write up recently since I'm going to tackle my coolant.  I was going to replace the hoses per your suggestion on my 3208T.  Do you know if they are standard sizes where I can go to the CAT dealer and order them or do they need to be measured and cut by me?  I utilize a friends work bay and pit, but can't tie up his bay for more than a day at a time and I don't want to show up with the wrong parts and then have to leave the coach overnight.
Benjie, Ashley, Zoey, Fallon, and Lake
Round Rock, TX
In search of our next monster...

Re: 3208T Fluid Maintenance/Oil

Reply #14 –
I am wondering the same thing about the hoses :)
Tony And MamaLove ~ Foretravel wannabees in a 1986 Beaver diesel pusher ;/ until we reach the promise foretraveland

Re: 3208T Fluid Maintenance/Oil

Reply #15 –
Sorry, don't know hose sizes-- those on the engine itself will be Caterpillar.  Those from engine to dash heater, radiator, etc will be Foretravel.

Brett
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: 3208T Fluid Maintenance/Oil

Reply #16 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
Sorry, don't know hose sizes-- those on the engine itself will be Caterpillar.  Those from engine to dash heater, radiator, etc will be Foretravel.

Brett

Brett, what I meant to ask is in your experience are these hoses standard where if I call up Caterpillar and Foretravel, give them my vehicles information, they will have standard replacement sizes/lengths that my vehicle needs or is this something where I need to go out to my coach and measure each hose length/diameter?
Benjie, Ashley, Zoey, Fallon, and Lake
Round Rock, TX
In search of our next monster...

Re: 3208T Fluid Maintenance/Oil

Reply #17 –
I would think it safer to use a calipers or basic scissors and cardboard to determine ID's.

BTW, I am partial to Gates Green Stripe hose: Gates Green Stripe Hose Is Fully Compatible With Today's High-Tech Coolants -

Brett
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020
 

Re: 3208T Fluid Maintenance/Oil

Reply #18 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
I would think it safer to use a calipers or basic scissors and cardboard to determine ID's.

BTW, I am partial to Gates Green Stripe hose: Gates Green Stripe Hose Is Fully Compatible With Today's High-Tech Coolants -

Brett

Brett,  I absolutely agree that the Gates hose which is EPDM  is very resistant to CAT ELC and similar formulation coolants.  It is an excellent choice for conventional chemistry (non OAT) coolants as well.  Where OEMs installed silicon rubber hose to give a long life for the hose, these OEMs did not know of the issues with ELC and the similar Texaco (now Chevron) extended life coolants with nitrite.  The Gates hose will not require the use of the more expensive constant-torque spring hose clamps that silicon hose required.
Gary Spires
Coolants, Cooling Systems, Filtration, Diesel Engines