Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Carrying extra fuel filters (Read 754 times) previous topic - next topic

Carrying extra fuel filters

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.
1987 Grand Villa ORED
2001 U320 4010

Not all that wander are lost... but I often am.

Re: Carrying extra fuel filters

Reply #1 –
Some owners have gotten bad diesel and it usually takes more that 2 sets if filters to get through the problem
Chris
1999 U 320 DGFE
Build Number 5523
Chris & Elka Lang
In the field, Lonoke AR

Re: Carrying extra fuel filters

Reply #2 –
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.
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: Carrying extra fuel filters

Reply #3 –
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.
1987 Grand Villa ORED
2001 U320 4010

Not all that wander are lost... but I often am.

Re: Carrying extra fuel filters

Reply #4 –
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.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Carrying extra fuel filters

Reply #5 –
Bio-Bor biocide is your best friend. Treat tank at every fill up
Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna P337
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)

Re: Carrying extra fuel filters

Reply #6 –
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
David & Emma Roche
Dino (Golden Doodle)
1999 U270 WTFE 36' Build # 5534
Xtreme "Lights, Stripes & Roof"
Motorcade# 18321
Dayton, Ohio
Towd: Jeep Grand Cherokee
Two Townie Electra Bikes

Life is made to enjoy, the Foretravel helps!

Re: Carrying extra fuel filters

Reply #7 –
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
2002 U320 40Ft  MC # 15759
Coach # 5995
Previous coaches
2002 U320 coach  #5941
1996 U270 coach #4808

Re: Carrying extra fuel filters

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Falconguy –
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."
40ft 1997 U320

Re: Carrying extra fuel filters

Reply #9 –
Biobor MD is my choice also. Used it on every Tuna boat and Tug boat I ever worked on.
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: Carrying extra fuel filters

Reply #10 –
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

Biobor JF Diesel
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: Carrying extra fuel filters

Reply #11 –
Bio Bor JF +1!!!
Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna P337
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)

Re: Carrying extra fuel filters

Reply #12 –
+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.

2000 GV320 4010 build #5712  2019-?
1999 Bounder 2000-2008
Bardstown, KY
🥃The Bourbon Capital of the World🥃

Re: Carrying extra fuel filters

Reply #13 –
Would definitely get something to treat the fuel with and use the highest reccommeded dose,and get ready to change filters again.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Carrying extra fuel filters

Reply #14 –
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
1999 U 320 DGFE
Build Number 5523
Chris & Elka Lang
In the field, Lonoke AR

Re: Carrying extra fuel filters

Reply #15 –
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.
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: Carrying extra fuel filters

Reply #16 –
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
SOB (Some Other Brand) division
1995 Wanderlodge WB40
8V92 :D
 

Re: Carrying extra fuel filters

Reply #17 –
Quote from: OldManSax –
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
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
As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.