Fuel issue on the way to being resolved ...
We are presently in Santa Fe at the Hal Burns Truck Repair, continuing our search for the solution to the "bucking" and "coughing" that is plaguing our engine. We first experienced it when we began to hit some altitude in Colorado ... the coach ran fine from Nac to the beginnings of our climb into the mountains, but every time we started uphill it began to choke and buck. We suspected contaminated fuel, as the coach had probably sat all winter in Texas before going onto the consignment lot at MOT and the inspection had run out in Jan'11. We added biocide, and as soon as we found a mechanic we changed out all the fuel filters and the air filter. It was better, but still had problems under load. Our mechanic here at Hal Burns has examined the elec system, cleaned and checked several corroded connections, and checked the fuel output from the pump and also the vacuum lines. Everything cleared up when he bypassed the "fuel heater", which is a contraption attached to the Winn2020 clear filter and the first fuel filter right at the back of the engine. There was a minimal amount of some kind of sediment in the Winn2020, so he removed the fuel heater to disassemble it and see if there was a blockage. The automatic water sensor that is part of all of this was not plugged in, and apparently had not been for some time. The internal fuel pump that is part of the fuel heater does test as operational, but the electronic sending unit that should be giving is power is not operating, thereby creating an impediment for the fuel! We are replacing that unit with a different fuel/water separator that will eliminate the fuel heater and Winn2020 and simplify things. We do not intend to ever be in Canada or North Dakota in January ... and even if we were, I do not think there will be an issue. Meanwhile, I am watching them clear the remnants of mud and flood out of their parking lot with a Kubota tractor/loader that belongs to Val Kilmer! He brings his ranch trucks and equip here for service. Wish he was here doing the work!!
Has anyone else removed this fuel heater? Is there any downside to eliminating this that we have not thought of? Our mechanic is of the opinion that within a fairly short period of time (45 minutes) all the fuel has been recirculated and warmed without the heater, and we will never notice the difference.
Topic: Fuel issue on the way to being resolved ...