Fuel Filter Clog

Topic: Fuel Filter Clog (Read 2140 times) previous topic - next topic

Fuel Filter Clog

September 26, 2016, 11:49:20 am

Yesterday I changed the oil and all the filters in my Cummins

The primary fuel filter/water separator with the plastic bowl underneath that I removed had all but two or three of the inlet holes
blocked up with small black (highly irregular in shape) chunks of an almost rubber-like material that can be disintegrated between
your fingers with a bit of work.

At first I thought it was pieces of an old gasket, but now I'm not sure. Whatever it is it doesn't go beyond the inlet side of the filter,
but I'm wondering what it is and why didn't the engine act sluggish, etc.

I will try and get a picture up.

Re: Fuel Filter Clog

Reply #1 – September 26, 2016, 11:52:54 am

Sounds like you have bad fuel lines.

Re: Fuel Filter Clog

Reply #2 – September 26, 2016, 12:01:32 pm

There we're a lot more chunks before I dug them out. The fuel line is a good possibility.
There is a big rubber covered button mounted on the filter bracket/housing at the top. It appears to be maybe a bleed or purge valve that toy activate by depressing. That may have rubber components inside that are deteriorating. Cheaper fix, but probably the lines.

Re: Fuel Filter Clog

Reply #3 – September 26, 2016, 12:15:20 pm

Could be algae,you probably caught it in time,run some algae remover thru fuel tank , I would change the secondary also.

Re: Fuel Filter Clog

Reply #4 – September 26, 2016, 12:37:46 pm

If slimy= algae

If granular and hard-- likely disintegrating fuel line.

Other possibility is asphaultene. Cummins (Fleetguard) sells a product to dissolve it. Just do a search for "Fleetguard asphaultene".

Re: Fuel Filter Clog

Reply #5 – September 26, 2016, 12:41:45 pm

Cut the filter apart and look at the paper element.

Re: Fuel Filter Clog

Reply #6 – September 26, 2016, 01:59:07 pm

It's algae.

Re: Fuel Filter Clog

Reply #7 – September 26, 2016, 02:32:12 pm

Nasty part of algae is one you kill it, the "stuff" is still in the tank. I was OK for three years after the event, but once tank was removed to replace fuel lines, the algae on the bottom was disturbed and got under the intake for the aqua hot. Was causing enough grief, I elected to remove tank here in Gig Harbor RV park and have a local tank specialist cut two holes in the top of the tank and in the internal baffles so that he could clean tank, Problem solved. Did not effect Generator (was some in the filter after the fuel line replacement, or main engine.

Keep the faith TMan, hopefully you got it cheap enough that all this is not a big deal other than the hassle. Sometimes bargains are not so much so, especially if the work is such that you have to pay a specialist to do it.

Re: Fuel Filter Clog

Reply #8 – September 26, 2016, 02:36:25 pm

Add the kill dose of Biobor Jf Fuel Additives - Products

This prevents further growth, but you will need to remove the dead algae that is in the fuel system.

And, yes, you will need to change filters, as the dead algae is filtered out.

Re: Fuel Filter Clog

Reply #9 – September 26, 2016, 02:51:13 pm

Starbrite makes a fuel tank cleaner named Startron that is an additive based on enzymes. It will disperse hardened deposits and send them to the fuel filters. Once used, it will require a lot of filter changes before the tank is cleaned. It is an alternative to fuel polishing and tank cleaning. Google Startron. I used it in my long distance diesel trawler. It worked for me. I cannot of course say if it will work for you. But it may be worth a try before you decide to remove the fuel tank or go to other drastic measures.
Larry

Re: Fuel Filter Clog

Reply #10 – September 26, 2016, 03:02:27 pm

tank guy said add a kill dose of biocide with every fill up. I said, "amen"....

Re: Fuel Filter Clog

Reply #11 – September 26, 2016, 03:05:55 pm

I did use startron, didn't get it done for me, others results may vary

Re: Fuel Filter Clog

Reply #12 – September 26, 2016, 03:40:06 pm

There is no trace of algae in either the Genset or Aqua Hot primary fuel filters.

Re: Fuel Filter Clog

Reply #13 – September 26, 2016, 03:49:27 pm

Suspect nozzle issue first. Maybe fuel pump (driven by fan interval to AH BTW), slight chance controller board. Any smoke (white or black) when it runs? Hot water and heat should be same if running on diesel. Water will stay hot on electric, Nimura element won't hear coach or continuous hot water

Re: Fuel Filter Clog

Reply #14 – September 26, 2016, 11:02:05 pm

Think I'll buy a case (6) of filters and head for the blues festival in Arkansas, then keep our appointment in Coach Buck City on
10-11. If the engine quits I'll know what to look at, and if it doesn't I'll check the filter in NAC.

Need dual filters that can be isolated, then when one fills up with algae switch to the other.

Re: Fuel Filter Clog

Reply #15 – September 26, 2016, 11:59:22 pm

Tman,
Now that (duals) would be both a good idea and a simple one to set up, well done for thinking of it. Of course the end result would be the same-clogged up- but in both, although you would/should be able to drive a bit further and hopefully get to a safe place or even a Diesel shop for help.
Another idea would be to have a second tank with known clean fuel, say about 20 galls size to feed the 2nd filter. Just in case??
JohnH

Re: Fuel Filter Clog

Reply #16 – September 27, 2016, 12:15:38 am

"Shock treatment" or lethal dose of Biobor JF is recommended by most aircraft manufacturers every 6-8 months depending on inspection schedules. Great stuff, but keep a spare primary filter and a gallon of fuel to fill it with handy if not done regularly. Ask me how I know this.

Re: Fuel Filter Clog

Reply #17 – September 27, 2016, 01:43:43 am

Have worked on many rental generators with Racor dual filter setups,they use a amber bowl so you can see the filter condition.
Can easily be set up.

Re: Fuel Filter Clog

Reply #18 – September 27, 2016, 06:58:46 am

Did you coin a phrase or what------ " Coach Buck City " ------I like that a lot . really strikes a cord with me . It fits pretty darn good . Brad Metzger

Re: Fuel Filter Clog

Reply #19 – September 27, 2016, 08:26:51 am

Cummins Central Power Coach Care in Kansas City will treat your tank and polish the fuel for about $400. I had them do that and it totally took care of the problem.

Roy

Re: Fuel Filter Clog

Reply #20 – September 27, 2016, 08:31:58 am

Quote from: Tim Fiedler – September 26, 2016, 03:02:27 pm

tank guy said add a kill dose of biocide with every fill up. I said, "amen"....

Done!

Re: Fuel Filter Clog

Reply #21 – September 27, 2016, 10:41:53 am

Quote from: Tim Fiedler – September 26, 2016, 03:02:27 pm

tank guy said add a kill dose of biocide with every fill up. I said, "amen"....

We add Biobor JF with every fill-up unless we're on a trip where we'll be going through a tank of fuel in a week or less. It's inexpensive insurance against a most-undesirable event!

Re: Fuel Filter Clog

Reply #22 – September 27, 2016, 11:52:13 am

Quote from: D.J. Osborn – September 27, 2016, 10:41:53 am

We add Biobor JF with every fill-up unless we're on a trip where we'll be going through a tank of fuel in a week or less. It's inexpensive insurance against a most-undesirable event!

Same here. Used to use Lucas BioMedic but haven't seen it in market in a long time.

Re: Fuel Filter Clog

Reply #23 – September 27, 2016, 01:18:24 pm

There is a big rubber covered button mounted on the filter bracket/housing at the top. It appears to be maybe a bleed or purge valve that you activate by depressing,

Anyone know what the button does?

Re: Fuel Filter Clog

Reply #24 – September 27, 2016, 01:30:49 pm

Quote from: Travelin' Man – September 27, 2016, 01:18:24 pm

There is a big rubber covered button mounted on the filter bracket/housing at the top. It appears to be maybe a bleed or purge valve that you activate by depressing,

Anyone know what the button does?

If it looks like this, it is a primer pump: Racor 490R-RAC-01 FF/WS ASSEMBLY MARINE GASOLINE

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