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Topic: chugging feeling?? (Read 931 times) previous topic - next topic

chugging feeling??

While we are in Florida the winds feel strong - we got down to between a 1/4 & 1/2 tank of fuel & filled up.  Just before filling up I noticed a feeling of chugging,  I didnt think much of it & it wasn't all the time.  So after refueling & getting back on the road I am still noticing it now & again.  All my gages are where they should be & nothing has changed.  I haven't been sure if it's the wind causing an abruptly push & pull or if it is chugging - what could it be?  It just makes me nervous wondering what it could be. .
Carl Sandel
1991 36' U280
Northern Michigan

Re: chugging feeling??

Reply #1 –
air in your fuel lines maybe.  Are they original or have they been changed yet?
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: chugging feeling??

Reply #2 –
               I would check/change the fuel filters. That chugging was exactly what I experienced when we ran the tank down to about a 1/4 and then filled up. Went from chugging to almost complete loss of power.            ISL losing power
            Pulled the filters and found some slimy globs of gel that had made it through the fuel lines.

          Dean
Dean & Deirdre

2012 Arctic Fox 22GQ
Was 2003 U270

Re: chugging feeling??

Reply #3 –
Shortly after my post - I had to pull over to stretch, I checked things out & all looked good.  I believe they are orbital lines & will change the filters.  We still have about 3 hrs to go - is not as noticeable now for some reason.  I just didn't know if it could be something else.  Thanks!
Carl Sandel
1991 36' U280
Northern Michigan

Re: chugging feeling??

Reply #4 –
Yup, could have sucked some junk from the bottom of the tank.  With those symptoms, cheap first step is to change fuel filters. 

If so inclined, cut open the primary filter to see it that is an issue.
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: chugging feeling??

Reply #5 –
Is it as simple as screwing the new filters on & priming w/the hand pump?
Carl Sandel
1991 36' U280
Northern Michigan

Re: chugging feeling??

Reply #7 –
Quote from: John S –
air in your fuel lines maybe.  Are they original or have they been changed yet?
I have the same vintage ('91) as Carl.  These older coaches don't seem (cross my fingers) to have fuel line problems as found on the late 90's coaches.  I know my lines have a outer fabric braid and the pictures of the ones that seem to crack and leak have a smooth butyl rubber exterior.  I just haven't heard of any coach in our vintage needing the fuel lines replaced.
John Fitzgerald
1991 U300 (SAI) Side Aisle Island Bed 40'
Detroit 6V92 with Allison Retarder
Meridian (Boise), Idaho

Re: chugging feeling??

Reply #8 –
I would for sure change the fuel filters and make sure that you have extras along also as you may have water and algae in the tank. With the 3208 replace the filters and use the hand primer pump and it will the filters. I had that happen on our 84 0red with the 3208, only I ran it until it stopped. I had to crack open 2 injector lines while I had my wife turn it over. It started and then tightened up the lines. Only had to open 2 lines
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: chugging feeling??

Reply #9 –
No matter if you manually fill the filters before installation or after with the hand pump, leave the filters a turn or so loose and then use the hand pump to get rid of all the air. When the primary filter stops spitting air, tighten it and go on the the secondary filter and do the same. A big zip lock bag around the filter should keep the mess to a minimum. It should start fine if you do that. Does not take much air to require cracking the injector lines so best to get every bubble out before attempting to start.  I have even cracked the injection pump inlet fitting and pumped until I was sure no air was left if I had any doubts. The injection pump also has a spring loaded ball designed to keep pressure constant and any excess goes back to the fuel tank along with the injector return so after I'm sure no air is left in the lines and everything is tight, I keep pumping for 30 seconds or so to make sure any bubbles that might be in the injector pump head back to the fuel tank.

Make sure to change the generator filter also if it is diesel.

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

Re: chugging feeling??

Reply #10 –
Used to use lift pump plunger to purge air, but now we just fill our primary new Racor fuel filter with diesel we carry in a 1-gallon gas container, screw it on tight and start engine with momentary full throttle. Engine may hesitate once, but keeps going and then we let it run for a minute or two. Then repeat with our secondary engine mounted filter.

Re: chugging feeling??

Reply #11 –
There is a slight difference in the manual priming pumps between the 3208 and the 8.3 cummins. The cat primer pump will pull the fuel from the tank to the filters much better and easier
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: chugging feeling??

Reply #12 –
Carl, If your 3208 still has the glass type rectangular fuel filter it could be that the seal has deteriorated.  As a quick fix, remove the filter and apply a heavy type grease to the two rubber seals without getting any grease inside the filter.  This might get you by for a while. You can replace that filter with a screw on type as I had to do on my 95.  I was constantly priming that 3208 at the most inconvenient times.
Good luck
Gary B

Re: chugging feeling??

Reply #13 –
Thank you all, you've been most helpful. Our coach has 1 large round fuel filter and 1 large round water separator with the screw on sight glass on its bottom right next to the fuel filter.
 
I would assume to replace both would be smart & what I intend to do.

Question...if I open the "purge" device on the bottom of the water separator will it allow an air pocket in the fuel line that would create a problem?

As it turns out I thought I brought my filter tote with me and did not. Im on San Carlos blvd in Ft Myers and have been to a marine parts store, an Advanced Auto store & the local ACE hdwe looking for fuel & water separator filters but had no luck. There is a NAPA Store close by but dont know if they will have what I need. I'd like to install new filters while parked on our site.....would anyone know of a place near me to purchase the filters without running all over town?

My mother lives here and is my transportation. ..she knows her way around so a road and name would be helpful.....if someone has an idea.

Is there anything special I need to look for in a fuel filter for the generator. ...or is any in line filter with the right  size intake ok?

Thanks in advance everyone :)
Carl Sandel
1991 36' U280
Northern Michigan

Re: chugging feeling??

Reply #14 –
Carl,

Post the brand and part number of the filters you have on there now and perhaps we can help.

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: chugging feeling??

Reply #15 –
NAPA should be able to cross the part numbers to their part number or a fleet products also should be able to cross them over
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: chugging feeling??

Reply #16 –
Quote from: Carl Sandel –
..................would anyone know of a place near me to purchase the filters without running all over town?....................


Carl,
NAPA should be able to help you, same or next day, if filters are not in store.

You have a CAT 3208?

A large CAT sales and service center (Kelly Tractor) is not far from you at the intersection of I-75 and Luckett Road (exit 139 off I-75).
Might be worth a call, if you can't find replacement filters closer by San Carlos.

 Cat Sales and Service Store          9651 Kelly Tractor Dr, Fort Myers, FL ‎      (239) 693-9233    ‎    ·  kellytractor.com


Also, if you need the name of a reputable service that makes "House Calls", the "RV Doctor" guy is good, is reasonably priced and is even closer to San Carlos.

RV Doctor
2312 Bruner Lane
Fort Myers, FL 33912
(877) 277-7837


I'm in Orlando for Christmas or I'd come by and help you out.
We'll be back the 31st.
Will you still be in Ft. Myers?

Neal
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Neal (& Brenda) Pillsbury
'02 U320 SPEC, 4200, DGFE, Build #5984
'04 Gold Wing
'07 Featherlite 24'
'14 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit
MC #14494
Exeter, NH & LaBelle FL
Quality makes the Heart Soar long after Price is Forgotten
 

Re: chugging feeling??

Reply #17 –
What a great bunch of people you all are :)

The filters I currently have are Fleetguards
Generator oil .... LF3649
Water Separator. ......FS19520
Fuel.....FF185

Neal, I think we'll be around but with all the coming and going I dont know where we will be from one minute to the next. Sure do appreciate your offer.
Carl Sandel
1991 36' U280
Northern Michigan