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Topic: Broken down (Read 690 times) previous topic - next topic

Broken down

Here we sit.
Secondary fuel filter was 1/2 full of fuel.
Changed secondary filter. Waiting for racor filter. Supposed to be in today.
I dont think any of the fill/purge system works so we are going to just fill up filters and hope for the best. The plastic pre-filter is 1/2 full, dont think i will mess with that for now, si ce itmay have never been taken off and cleaned, so it will probably fall apart, or O rings will.

If filters dont fix it. Not sure what to do next. Cummins care is 170 mi away.

Going down a slight hill at 70, stumbled and quit. Costed down, almost made it to whitehall MT. Sitting on the off ramp.

Had it at calligans in spokane. They were supposed to do all filters. Fuel filters were not touched, maybe they did the secondary.

I would not recomend them!
1998 u320 3600 build 5200

Re: Broken down

Reply #1 –
Agree, first change filters.  If that doesn't get you running, next thing to suspect would be fuel quality.

How long has your coach been sitting before starting this trip?  Where and when did you last fill the tank?  How much fuel in the tank now?

After replacing filters, to provide max power to starter, have the BOOST switch ON when cranking the engine.

Good luck - keep us in the loop.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Broken down

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie –
Agree, first change filters.  If that doesn't get you running, next thing to suspect would be fuel quality.
How long has your coach been sitting before starting this trip?  Where and when did you last fill the tank?  How much fuel in the tank now?
After replacing filters, to provide max power to starter, have the BOOST switch ON when cranking the engine.
Good luck - keep us in the loop.
Even with both filters filled, it still make take a while to start. Run the generator with the boost switch on when you go to start it. Do you have a hand pump? Don't crank for over 20-25 seconds and then pause for a couple of minutes to allow the starter to cool.

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

Re: Broken down

Reply #3 –
So if you do not have a operational prime pump you will soon be replacing your starter from overheating. Personally I would give up after first attempt. Have your fuel lines been changed? Old lines may have been leaking air into system.
So the diesel tech that came and saved me in Arkansas started and ran my coach on Napa contact cleaner spraying into air filter housing with filter removed. Runs just like on diesel. No knocking or banging like when using Ether. Im not recommending but this is what I would do. No ether I would never venture away from home without a operational prime pump
Scott

Re: Broken down

Reply #4 –
What does the fuel look like in the plastic fuel filter. Mine never was full. You probably
have the Winn fuel filter system and it has an electric pump in it and the push button
should be at the rear of your coach so you can fully prime the fuel system so the engine
will start immediately.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Broken down

Reply #5 –
Fuel is 3/4 in plastic cup. We drained a lot out of tbe primary filter, but the secondary filter on the engine was only 1/2 full.

The racor filter looks like it has never been changed. Calligans in spokane was supposed to have changed all filters.

Cant find an S3230P. Foretravel says everybody should have one under there own number. Carquest says the 86621 is there number for that filter. Well they do not look the same, but they all say it is the one!

The S3230P has a hole where it mounts and an open bottom to attach to the WINN system. The carquest 86621 does not. It just has the water drain screw like the secondary filter. It does look like it will screw on, so i guess we will fill them up with diesel and give them a try
1998 u320 3600 build 5200

Re: Broken down

Reply #6 –
With the key on push the prime button on the Racor it should pump fuel into the filters. It could be the o rings on the plastic filter letting it suck air there. You can go to Ace hardware and get some new ones that you can try to make sure that it is not sucking air there. You might have to double them up to make it seal.
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins

Re: Broken down

Reply #7 –
Also make sure that you keep the bowl for the Racor and when you get a Racor filter reinstall.
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins

Re: Broken down

Reply #8 –
When you change the filters, use a felt tip marker to record the date and mileage. I buy our filters online or from a local trucking company. They have the NAPA filters but at 40% less. Check on the micron rating if the filters will screw on but have a different part number. Common rail injection may have lower micron numbers with the primary being the bigger number so check with your engine recommendation.

Probable causes include algae/water at the top of the list, fuel solenoid failure (if you have one), air getting in the line from the tank. Pretty easy to put a gauge on the output of the secondary filter and on the primary filter. A bad algae contamination can require a second filter change soon after the first. Order and carry a couple of spares of each. Strap wrench that uses a 1/2" or 3/8" ratchet makes removing the filters easy. They are the best and less than $10. A gallon ziplock may keep the mess to a minimum.

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

Re: Broken down

Reply #9 –
Thank you everyone. The filters were the problem.
Changed using Carquest version of the racor filter. No open hole at bottom. It looks just like the secondary filter but smaller.

In summary, I spent an additional day on the side of the road because the mechanic and foretravel insisted that I needed the racor type filter and should be able to find it locally. Trust me, you can't find one locally in MT!

The filter you can find is any direct replacement number from, napa, wix, FS, Carquest  will work, but the filter does not look like nor use the base that is on the racor filter. It does work. I found one of those within hours, but spent an additional day looking for the racor filter, wish I would have known.
Larry
1998 u320 3600 build 5200

Re: Broken down

Reply #10 –
Way to hang in there and work through your problem. My original filter set up is long gone prior to my ownership.
1998 36 foot U270 Build No. 5328 WTFE, 900 watts solar, Victron controller, B2B, bat monitor, 600 AMPH lithium with 2018 Chevy Colorado toad, SKP #110239, Motorcade #17781, 2021 Escape 17B for when Coach is broken down and campsites are too small, retired and full-timer since Dec. 2020. Part of RV family since 1963.
 

Re: Broken down

Reply #11 –
Hope you are carrying spare filter as soon as you can.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport