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Topic: When new fuel lines? (Read 1692 times) previous topic - next topic

When new fuel lines?

We had Gus in for Annual Maintenance and I asked the dealer to check the fuel lines as I had read of John S. getting new lines on a coach of the same age and about the same mileage.  Plus, I had had a gen fuel line leak some months ago and replaced a line there.

Mike Rodgers, hearing my request of Service, questioned the need to check an '01, that typically fuel lines problems would not be common, he thought, on this age coach.  Plus he said that you would see some evidence before needing to replace, some rubber in the filter bowl, and could wait until then?

Upon inspection, James Johnson and Blake found the lines for the Aqua Hot had signs of surface wear and they were cracking as I heard others had found.  I have put my photo of that below.  Those lines were thus replaced at my request.  James called later though to say that the main lines looked good and did not need replacing.

Well, tonight Ron Sheridan and Mike Patronick and I cut open a piece of the line in the photo and found the inside of the line looked very smooth, no deterioration that I could see.  There is a fiber layer between the inner and the outer layers of "rubber".  Best I could tell, without more analysis, there was no structural problems inside.  That would seem to bear out what Mike Rodgers said and maybe suggest I could have waited on the AH lines though I would have, and did, proceed anyway.  It was not a large expense to replace those.

I think Mike P. said that he had heard that there was a period of lines that did last less years than you would think.  We wonder, are we, in the 2001s, in that group?  Any of you hear such?

I am pleased with getting the AH done and not having to do the main lines.  But I am puzzled, how to know you need to replace them...wait until evidence in the fuel filter bowl, wait until some years or miles of service, or that the surface crazing/cracking is evident or severe?

You will see in my photo that when you bend the crazed line, there are clear cracks in that outer layer.  I think that is not good, but you may know otherwise so I imagine those on this thread would be glad to hear opinions.

Thanks to Mike P. and Ron S. for the dialogue and thinking on this, it is not just my input herein.

Mike

P.S.  If you do not know, but might care, I understand the AH lines run to the generator fuel system to get their diesel.
Mike
2001 U320 4010 Build 5878 (Gus)
Wrangle Unlimited Toad
Nacogdoches

Re: When new fuel lines?

Reply #1 –
Today, after talking with James Triana about another issue, I asked him about fuel lines. My coach is a 2003 model, so I have nothing to worry about now. He says the problem first appears at the generator fuel filter, and the generator has starting issues.
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer

Re: When new fuel lines?

Reply #2 –
Thanks tom.  Any chance James T said what year need to begin to worry, absent generator starting problems showing up?
Mike
2001 U320 4010 Build 5878 (Gus)
Wrangle Unlimited Toad
Nacogdoches

Re: When new fuel lines?

Reply #3 –
"Forrest" had the genset lines changed after 15 years.  And the fuel lines from the fuel filter to the intake pump were replaced after 16 years.  The lines from/to fuel tank are okay.  I will likely schedule those to be changed out this year (17 years).
Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH

Re: When new fuel lines?

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Dave M –
I replaced all the fuel lines for the genset about a year ago, I had detected deteriation of both the line from the filter behind genset and the lines inside the genset cabinet.
Same on the return line.
Dave M

What type and brand of fuel line did you use?  Did you do the work your self?
Terry and Cheryl Brown
1997 U295 36'
Build #5066
2006 Jeep TJ Rubicon
1993 BMW R100 GSPD

Re: When new fuel lines?

Reply #5 –
I would start in the next year on your coach.  The lines they put in are 15 year life I was told by Foretravel.  I am at 14 years as I was built in 2000.  They told my friend Paul the same thing that he needs to change his and also his transmission cooler.  That is a new one on me.  My old lines were cracked in places.  When do the go all the way thru, who knows but not I have another 15 years. 
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: When new fuel lines?

Reply #6 –
I looked at the line that Mike kept.  I saw the inside was smooth but. It is too late when it cracks.  So you need to think about replacing before you have a crack.  If the main fuel line gets a crack all the way thru, it is too late then.  So replacing them all when the generator or AH line crack would be best but I decided that I wanted to do them all prior to the main line getting a crack. 
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: When new fuel lines?

Reply #7 –
I understand and appreciate that I may have been able to go longer without the change out of the line on the aqua hot now.  But I am good with the decision to go ahead now.  I just did not want the risk of it failing in some major way.  Here is why.

It may help you readers to know that when the gen line leaked last year, after an attempt to cut out a hose bend to fix it, it was not a catastrophic failure with spraying diesel everywhere and shutting down.

But what it did do was develop a small leak under pressure that soaked all the insulation, made a real mess.  Had to change all that.  So I got to thinking, if that does that, what might other locations do?  (I may worry too much!). So, this year, inspect the rest of the hoses.  Found AH hoses, some, cracked as my photo.  Glad MOT found that, others ok, but will check those others again next Annual.

Mike
Mike
2001 U320 4010 Build 5878 (Gus)
Wrangle Unlimited Toad
Nacogdoches

Re: When new fuel lines?

Reply #8 –
So if you have had the generator line fail that is the precursor so I would change all the lines
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: When new fuel lines?

Reply #9 –
Also as the lines fail and are cracked they can collapse and look fine but prevent fuel from getting to the engine.
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: When new fuel lines?

Reply #10 –
Has anyone with a Pre-95 Grand Villa had to replace their fuel lines? I have not heard of fuel lines being a problem on this vintage Foretravel.
The selected media item is not currently available.Kent Speers
Locust Grove, OK
1993 U300 SSE 40' (Restored at FOT 2009) Build 4323
720 watts Solar
6V92TA DDEC Silver Engine
2014 Subaru Outback

Re: When new fuel lines?

Reply #11 –
Ken,

My 88 is still in good shape, sold in oct last year.

Our 94 u280 is smooth on the outside looks like they were well cafed for.
The selected media item is not currently available.
My advice and experiences are Free, you decide if they are worth anything .

John - driving Old Faithful
1994 U280 GV
C8.3, Banks, Pacbrake, 900 watts, Resonator, XLHD tow dolly
Retired Army Warrant Officer

Life is what you make of it - if it is lemons, make lemonade!
Former Coaches:
1988 GV 40' ORED 300HP CAT - 9 years
1990 Winnebago LeSharo - 3 years
2000 Newmar London Aire - 3 years (#18 of 23 produced)

Re: When new fuel lines?

Reply #12 –
I think on the original GV they used different lines.
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: When new fuel lines?

Reply #13 –
Quote from: Kent Speers –
Has anyone with a Pre-95 Grand Villa had to replace their fuel lines? I have not heard of fuel lines being a problem on this vintage Foretravel.

I'm also curious. Is there a way to document at what point Foretravel changed fuel line material?
My 95 U320 chassis was made up in 94 and configured to the then new 1st year run of the Unicoach.
What id's the fuel line material?
How have those with production on and before the 95 year fared with there stock lines?
1995 U320C SE 40'
Jeep 4x4 Commander - Limited - Hemi
"The Pack"  Yogi and Diesel our Airedales -  Charlie our Boxer/Akita mix. Gone but NEVER forgotten Jake our yellow Lab.
NRA Law Enforcement Firearms instructor - Handgun/shotgun
Regional Firearms instructor for national Armored Transp. Co.

Re: When new fuel lines?

Reply #14 –
I do not know but checking the lines for cracking or checking is always a good idea. 
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: When new fuel lines?

Reply #15 –
On my '91, the main fuel lines for the engine have an outer braid - with the fittings they look just like a hydraulic hose - see photo.  But the fuel lines to the generator have a smooth rubber exterior and I just noticed a crack on one while inspecting.  The crack is characteristically on the bulge of the hose fitting.  So the rule to look at the generator lines first is good even on the older Grand Villas, but I don't think I mess with the braided main engine fuel lines unless they show an issue or cause a problem with starting.
John Fitzgerald
1991 U300 (SAI) Side Aisle Island Bed 40'
Detroit 6V92 with Allison Retarder
Meridian (Boise), Idaho

Re: When new fuel lines?

Reply #16 –
Quote from: JohnFitz –
On my '91, the main fuel lines for the engine have an outer braid - with the fittings they look just like a hydraulic hose - see photo.  But the fuel lines to the generator have a smooth rubber exterior and I just noticed a crack on one while inspecting.  The crack is characteristically on the bulge of the hose fitting.  So the rule to look at the generator lines first is good even on the older Grand Villas, but I don't think I mess with the braided main engine fuel lines unless they show an issue or cause a problem with starting.

It seems that FT was using a different hose during the years around your build.  I can't see the exact hose number in the picture but it looks like it says 350-something, probably this stuff.

http://www.jgbhose.com/static/905530.asp

The problematic hoses are labelled 2556-10 or 2556-6, 10 or 6 depending on size, which is a socket less hose and is a wound rubber on the outside that allows fuel to eventually permeate through to the surface. 

FT left a good sized loop of main engine supply hose on top of my fuel tank when accessed through the curb side, enough to be able to pull it to the edge and clearly see it.  The hose at that point was slightly damp and was visibly cracked/checked. 
Robert
Build # 5304
1998 34' U270 Cummins 6CTA8.3

Re: When new fuel lines?

Reply #17 –
Quote from: rsihnhold –
It seems that FT was using a different hose during the years around your build.  I can't see the exact hose number in the picture but it looks like it says 350-something...
Yes, that is the right hose.  Outside says "AEROQUIP FC350-6 AQP 23" and on other side "AIR BRAKE SAE J1402 5/16 AII" - this is main engine hose on a '91 coach and has exterior fabric braid.
John Fitzgerald
1991 U300 (SAI) Side Aisle Island Bed 40'
Detroit 6V92 with Allison Retarder
Meridian (Boise), Idaho
 

Re: When new fuel lines?

Reply #18 –
Quote from: Lon and Cheryl –
I'm also curious. Is there a way to document at what point Foretravel changed fuel line material?
My 95 U320 chassis was made up in 94 and configured to the then new 1st year run of the Unicoach.
What id's the fuel line material?
How have those with production on and before the 95 year fared with there stock lines?

As far as I know the lines on our 1995 U320 are the original ones, and I've (so far, at least) seen no indication of a problem with them.
David and Carolyn Osborn
1995 U320C SE 40' Build 4726 Feb 1995
FMCA 147762
Motorcade 17186