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Topic: Fuel question (Read 788 times) previous topic - next topic

Fuel question

1998 U-320 36' M11 Celect Plus

I was checking our coach over today and our Racor R90P fuel water separator bowl looks like the picture below.  What is this cloudy stuff in the bottom of the bowl?

Should I treat the tank with a shock level of Biocide and run it through?

I drained the bowl through the drain, but the cloudy stuff on the bottom remains. I don't see a dark brown colored layer.  Fuel does not smell "off" or stinky.

We put the coach into storage with a full tank, and each month I've been running the AquaHot on diesel for several days.  We have not started the coach engine since the end of December (4.5 months)

Thanks,
Chris

Re: Fuel question

Reply #1 –
If it does not drain it must be jelled up fuel and/or water .Wait til it's time to change filters then clean it out good.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Fuel question

Reply #2 –
Quote from: John44 –
If it does not drain it must be jelled up fuel and/or water .Wait til it's time to change filters then clean it out good.
When was the last time the filter was changed?
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
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                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Fuel question

Reply #3 –
Thank you for the replies.

The filter was changed November 2017, and the engine has had maybe 50-75 miles put on it since that time.

I sent the photo to the heavy fleet OTR shop that works on the engine and they said it doesn't look like "algae".  They didn't see anything that would cause issues, and didn't feel there was a need to bring in the coach.

The cloudy section appears to be around the outside edge of the bowl.  I am wondering if the plastic bowl has clouded up.  If you look through the top part that is clear, you can see the bottom of the bowl clearly - no cloudiness on the bottom.

I drained about three pints of fuel and flowed easily, isn't discolored, and there wasn't any chunks or solid masses that I could see.

Chris

Re: Fuel question

Reply #4 –
I would run it like it is, but make sure you have a spare filter.
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country

Re: Fuel question

Reply #5 –
Yes, I will make sure we have an extra fuel filter before we hit the road.

Looks like it may be jelled fuel.

Just had new tires installed on-site, and drove the coach up and down the neighborhood street to get it in position, etc.  I looked at the bowl again after the engine ran for a while, and the bowl has cleared up quite a bit.  The engine is running smooth and even, and it's responding as I am used to it responding.

Chris

Re: Fuel question

Reply #6 –
Algae is usually black. Doubt if you have a problem. Plastic bowl will probably wipe clean and clear the next change. Make sure to have an extra plastic bowl along with an extra filter in case of damage. Cheap insurance.

P
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)
 

Re: Fuel question

Reply #7 –
Quick follow-up.

After running the engine for a bit the fuel in the plastic bowl is clear and clean.

Thank you for all the responses.

Chris