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Topic: Fuel Filter? Finding and replacing (Read 853 times) previous topic - next topic

Fuel Filter? Finding and replacing

My 2002 u295 with cummins ISL is acting like it wants to die every 5 seconds while parked (after the winter) and not moving.  It seems logical it's fuel filters.  I had had it since last June and have not changed them, and don't know when the previous owner did.  Does this sound right?

Also, where are they (i read there are two), and is there a post that explains how to go about it ( i searched and could not find one). 

Thanks folks!
Dave G.

Re: Fuel Filter? Finding and replacing

Reply #1 –
Primary is in the battery bay behind the right rear duals, secondary is on the side of the engine block, passenger side. I personally recommend the FASS fuel pump system, avoid the Capps fuel pump failure. Jim.
Jim and Dona
2002 U295 36'
Lily, blue healer. Our fury person
Manx mid travel Ecotec turbo
2022 Bronco badlands Sasquatch
Trail 90 and 110cc

Re: Fuel Filter? Finding and replacing

Reply #2 –
Could also be an engine protection shut down (for low coolant, oil pressure, etc.) but you should see a check engine light.
John Fitzgerald
1991 U300 (SAI) Side Aisle Island Bed 40'
Detroit 6V92 with Allison Retarder
Meridian (Boise), Idaho

Re: Fuel Filter? Finding and replacing

Reply #3 –
Quote from: fourdayoff –
Primary is in the battery bay behind the right rear duals, secondary is on the side of the engine block, passenger side. I personally recommend the FASS fuel pump system, avoid the Capps fuel pump failure. Jim.

I took photos of the two that were in the areas you noted, and one definitely looks like a fuel separator with the transparent bottom.  I am still looking for a primary fuel filter by the batteries behind the passenger rear tires.

Dave G.

Re: Fuel Filter? Finding and replacing

Reply #4 –
Quote from: JohnFitz –
Could also be an engine protection shut down (for low coolant, oil pressure, etc.) but you should see a check engine light.

It's definitely more of a intermittent but consistent stuttering like running out of fuel about every 5-10 seconds.  No alerts on the dash.
Dave G.

Re: Fuel Filter? Finding and replacing

Reply #5 –
Post a video of it idling.  If you can get numbers off the filters, you can look up what they are. The one with the bowl is the primary fuel. The secondary one can be a pain to get to.
1991 U300 Side Aisle 6V92 Silver #3897
2004 U320 40' #6246

Re: Fuel Filter? Finding and replacing

Reply #6 –
Looks like they haven't been changed in a long time.
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: Fuel Filter? Finding and replacing

Reply #7 –
I have the fuel filters that I need and I need to ask what feels like a dumb question.  How do I turn the fuel supply off so I can change the filters? The primary filter is below the fuel tank level, so when I bled the filter from the bottom, it drained out over a gallon of diesel, so I knew it was coming from the tank.  I'm sure this seems like a pretty dumb question but I have to ask because I don't know the answer.
Dave G.

Re: Fuel Filter? Finding and replacing

Reply #8 –
No, there is no valve between tank and filter.

Yes, I agree there should be and many have installed a diesel compatible ball valve on the inlet to the primary fuel filter.

Without a valve, as you have discovered, if fuel level in the tank is higher than the filter housing, fuel will run out until their levels match.

Worse, if the filter housing is higher than the level of fuel in the tank, fuel will drain back to the tank.  This leave you with 30+ feet of AIR in the fuel line, making bleeding the fuel system much more difficult.

Barring a valve, have the new filter ready to do for a quick change.  Be sure the old gasket(s) are removed before installing the new filter.  Have an old bucket under the filter to prevent spills.
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: Fuel Filter? Finding and replacing

Reply #9 –
I guess it would've been good for me to do this before I filled my tank.  The batteries sit directly under the filter, so I guess I need to remove them.  Something about dumping fuel onto batteries doesn't sound like a good idea to me.

Thanks for the information. I was hoping for better news.
Dave G.

Re: Fuel Filter? Finding and replacing

Reply #10 –

Get some hose pinching pliers. They will not stop the flow but will slow down to a dribble.

Amazon.com: Orion Motor Tech Long Reach Hose Pliers Set - 6 Piece with...

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
2014 ih45  (4th Foretravel owned)
 1997 36' U295 Sold in 2020, owned for 19 years
  U240 36' Sold to insurance company after melting in garage fire
    33' Foretravel on Dodge Chassis  Sold very long time ago

Re: Fuel Filter? Finding and replacing

Reply #11 –
I am not a fan of pinching fuel hoses, particularly old fuel hoses that tend to be more brittle and prone to cracking.

Do the filter change quickly and long-term, add a diesel compatible ball valve to the inlet of the primary fuel filter.
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: Fuel Filter? Finding and replacing

Reply #12 –
I raise the back of the coach and then change the filters.  Very little leakage.  It does take some pumping on the button above the filter to get the air out of the lines but certainly easier and quicker than removing batteries.  You can also turn on the ignition without cranking the engine and the lift pump will prime the system.

Rich
Rich and Peggy Bowman
2002 U270 3610 WTFS, build #5939--"Freedom"
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4xe
SMI AirForceOne brake system
PakCanoe 15