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Topic: Component identification ? -- in engine bay (Read 689 times) previous topic - next topic

Component identification ? -- in engine bay

Hello to all,

In the picture (taken before I cleaned it) -- lower center -- is what I assume is a filter with red lettering that says "Midland". What is it's purpose, and for what system?

When I did an initial pressure washing of the area, and then started the Cat -- I saw a ring of very fine frothy bubbles forming and popping around the base of this (where it attaches to its housing) -- that then just disappeared through evaporation as the engine came up to temp and things dried off.

Also -- in the upper left of the picture, tucked behind the hydraulic reservoir/filter housing, and against the inside wall of the Coach -- you can barely see what seems to be another type of filter. It is white in color with red lettering. I'm trying to identify it's purpose.

Thanks,

Michael
1995 U300SE - CAT 3176B
Michael
1995 U300SE CAT 3176B Build # 4612 ("Marvin")

Re: Component identification ? -- in engine bay

Reply #1 –
Michael,

Item #1 is your air dryer.  Likely well past due for filter replacement and/or replacement with factory reman unit. It takes  moisture and/or oil from the air produced by your engine-driven air compressor to protect your suspension and brake system.

Can't really see the "white one".  Wonder if it could be an ether canister???
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: Component identification ? -- in engine bay

Reply #2 –
The other thing you have asked about is the oil reserve for the hydraulics.  The site gauge show the level of oil in there and the top has three filters when you drain it and that it apart.
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: Component identification ? -- in engine bay

Reply #3 –
Quote from: John S –
The other thing you have asked about is the oil reserve for the hydraulics.  The site gauge show the level of oil in there and the top has three filters when you drain it and that it apart.
John, the white canister in question is located just behind hydraulic reservoir.
Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH

Re: Component identification ? -- in engine bay

Reply #4 –
The white one LOOKS like the ether canister.
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: Component identification ? -- in engine bay -- filters and such

Reply #5 –
Thanks, everyone. Yes -- the first is a Midland desiccant spin-on canister filter. After Bret mentioned that I started doing a google images search and found it.

I do believe that the second white one is that ether canister -- which I will have to figure out how to remove and disable the system. I can use that  "ether" switch location on the console for the driving lamp rocker switch when I install the Hella Jumbo 220's I have.

Back to the air dryer. It appears from this article it just unscrews like a oil filter:

 haldex_pure_air_plus_air_dryer_rebuild.htm

And I'm hoping all looks well when I remove it (after dumping all the air pressure). That purge-valve that is mentioned in the air-dryer article. I'm assuming that is the "pop" I hear of escaping air for just a second with the CAT running, about every 10-15 minutes or so? The purge-valve opening when the system achieves the 130 psi I see on the guage on the front instrument panel?

One other question about filters. Is there not a replaceable filter of some type for the actual engine coolant? I thought I had read somewhere about this, but had not seen anything obvious when poking around back there.


Thanks, again

Michael
Michael
1995 U300SE CAT 3176B Build # 4612 ("Marvin")

Re: Component identification ? -- in engine bay

Reply #6 –
Quote from: geomm –

One other question about filters. Is there not a replaceable filter of some type for the actual engine coolant? I thought I had read somewhere about this, but had not seen anything obvious when poking around back there.


Thanks, again

Michael

Yes, see my reply to your coolant question.

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: Component identification ? -- in engine bay

Reply #7 –
I have a coolant filter, about the sizes of a small oil filter, hanging on a coolant line going towards the front of the coach.  Mine happens to be next to the frame mounted fuel filter.  Makes sense since the coolant has to go to the hot water tank, and the dash.
Dave Cobb
Buckhorn Lake Resort The Club, #6202, Kerrville TX
check the map.  I do rent it out when I am traveling!
2001, U320, 36' #5887, in Kerrville, FT Club #17006, (7/23 to present)
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Summit, white
EX: 98 U295, 36' #5219, (mid door), (4/13-10/23)
EX: 93 U225, 36' (4/11 to 4/13)
 

Re: Component identification ? -- in engine bay

Reply #8 –
Michael, Replace both the Desiccant and the coalescing filters on the air dryer.  The coalescing filter is under the big filter.  If dryer is operating as you say it POPs off then you should be OK with just filters.  If you find the coalescing filter is gunked up real bad you might want to consider cleaning up the bottom end and replacing the lower valve. The little shuttle valve in the bottom is either plastic or rubber and if dried out from setting up can break up and cause the dryer to fail to reseal after pressure release.
Gary B