Fuel Filter Clog

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

Re: Fuel Filter Clog

Reply #25 – September 27, 2016, 01:41:36 pm

Thanks Brett.
Now I don't have to carry diesel fuel in a small jug to fill a new filter.

Re: Fuel Filter Clog

Reply #26 – September 27, 2016, 03:31:47 pm

Quote from: Travelin' Man – September 27, 2016, 01:41:36 pm

Thanks Brett.
Now I don't have to carry diesel fuel in a small jug to fill a new filter.

You will if you have to fill one for a generator or Aqua hot, ask me how I know, helping a friend.

Re: Fuel Filter Clog

Reply #27 – September 27, 2016, 05:41:25 pm

I took the old filter to my friend who is a diesel mechanic and he said it was algae, but I'm not totally convinced that it isn't asphaltene as Brett suggested, or a combination of both. I'd never heard of asphaltene before, but after reading about it
and seeing a picture of it I'm not so sure it isn't.

Anyway, the fuel tank is almost full (we fill up about 20 miles from home when returning) and has had Hammonds Biobor JF added
in the shock/kill amount, instead of the maintenance dose I normally use. I am getting two quarts of this tomorrow;
Amazon.com: Penray 105032 Total Diesel Fuel System Cleaner - 32-Ounce...
and start using it along with the Biobor at every fill-up.

With the Biobor, Penray and a case of new filters we should be covering all the bases, but probably not. Something else always
arises.

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.

Re: Fuel Filter Clog

Reply #28 – September 28, 2016, 08:06:00 am

10 micron filter. Stuff can get through that can clog nozzle. Any smoke, black or white

Re: Fuel Filter Clog

Reply #29 – September 28, 2016, 08:46:16 am

Quote from: Tim Fiedler – September 28, 2016, 08:06:00 am

10 micron filter. Stuff can get through that can clog nozzle. Any smoke, black or white

None.

Re: Fuel Filter Clog

Reply #30 – September 29, 2016, 12:16:54 am

When I first Biobor-ed my system, I noticed no abnormalities for several thousand miles (maybe 6 or 7). Coming back from southern Missouri with a few "hills" power was a bit off. About 25 miles from home, on flat ground, I noticed some hesitation when I pulled out to pass. As i was showing 1/4 tank, I wondered if I was running out of fuel. Fueled up, but the same problem next outing. Checked primary fuel filter drain and found a lot of gunk. When I replaced the filter shortly after, I found large flakes of tan colored gelatinous goo in the inlet holes of the primary filter. I can only assume this came from the tank. I keep using Biobor and have a spare filter and fuel to fill it in case of unscheduled roadside maintence. ,

Re: Fuel Filter Clog

Reply #31 – September 29, 2016, 03:14:05 pm

Biobor is used on jet and turbo-prop aircraft at regular intervals and especially when moving one that has been standing or in storage for any length of time. It dissolves the goop that forms from Algae and the water that is always present in jet fuel. Even with daily water drain checks it is still there but doesn't cause any trouble until it stands for a long time. After treatment it takes several filter changes to remove all of it depending of course how bad it was in the first place. We only carry about 200gal or less in our RV's, but a jet can carry several tons even when almost empty.

Also if not treated the goop will cause corrosion in alloy tanks or the inside of wings with wet tanks so needs to be watched.

Speedbird 1.

Re: Fuel Filter Clog

Reply #32 – September 29, 2016, 03:31:23 pm

Agree. Boats have steel tanks, even more Olof a problem of corrosion from algae

Re: Fuel Filter Clog

Reply #33 – September 29, 2016, 03:43:52 pm

Now you guys have me freaked-out. My files shows my tank was treated last in 2014, yikes! Would one hope that being a Southwest,coach, the chance of "intrusion" is less as there is not the moisture to contribute to algae growth. So, do both filters get changed, on and on until they look good?

Re: Fuel Filter Clog

Reply #34 – September 29, 2016, 03:58:07 pm

Mike,

If there is ever dew, that means the temperature has dropped to the point where condensation will occur. Same inside the fuel tank. That is why it is strongly recommended that you keep the tank FULL when not on the road. Better to have 95 gallons of diesel and 5 gallons of air (that could condense) than 50 gallons of diesel and 50 gallons of air.

If you don't see black in the clear bowl primary filter, you do not have a problem.

Re: Fuel Filter Clog

Reply #35 – September 29, 2016, 04:11:08 pm

Quote from: wolfe10 – September 29, 2016, 03:58:07 pm

If you don't see black in the clear bowl primary filter, you do not have a problem.

I love it when you talk dirty to me, Brett. Where is the "clear bowl primary filter"?

Re: Fuel Filter Clog

Reply #36 – September 29, 2016, 04:43:54 pm

Mike,

You really need to come to one of my Maintenance Seminars and/or get a complete mechanical inspection!

This is one the very basic things-- that cost very little if done, but can cost Coach Bucks if not done.

Open the door behind the passenger's rear wheel. You will see it there-- the only one with a clear bowl. Should be golden color ONLY-- no debris and no layer. A layer at the bottom with golden fluid above would indicate WATER.

Re: Fuel Filter Clog

Reply #37 – September 29, 2016, 05:15:23 pm

Quote from: wolfe10 – September 29, 2016, 04:43:54 pm

You will see it there-- the only one with a clear bowl. Should be golden color ONLY-- no debris and no layer. A layer at the bottom with golden fluid above would indicate WATER.

As Joni Mitchell wrote, "we are stardust, we are golden". Cleaned off the lower housing clear bowl, I'm golden!

Re: Fuel Filter Clog

Reply #38 – October 14, 2016, 10:42:02 am

We're in Coach Buck City now and still no sign of impurities in any primary filter bowl, but I may pull the engine filter off when we get home next week just to have a look.

The new Fleetguard filters I bought are a different design. There is no metal plate on the bottom so you can see the pleated filter element, which may make it easy to remove
and inspect without having to cut the canister.

Re: Fuel Filter Clog

Reply #39 – October 29, 2016, 12:33:33 am

Think I need to tackle fuel filters , I believe the water separator filter is behind rr wheel above start batteries, do I just change filter or filter and base ?
Where do I find second filter ?

Re: Fuel Filter Clog

Reply #40 – October 29, 2016, 12:35:17 am

Quote from: Jimmyjnr – October 29, 2016, 12:33:33 am

Think I need to tackle fuel filters , I believe the water separator filter is behind rr wheel above start batteries, do I just change filter or filter and base ?
Where do I find second filter ?

On the engine passenger side.

Re: Fuel Filter Clog

Reply #41 – October 29, 2016, 12:41:27 am

Do I need to change base on primary filter ( think I read that a while back ) and should both filters be primed with diesel?

Re: Fuel Filter Clog

Reply #42 – October 29, 2016, 07:17:48 am

You don't need to change the base. Don't pre-fill the filters if you have a priming system on the primary, yes if you don't.

Re: Fuel Filter Clog

Reply #43 – October 29, 2016, 09:11:14 am

Agree with Brett.

Just find the correct filter element that fits the OE base.

And, as he said, whether to pre-fill the filters (particularly the secondary filter) depends on how your system is primed. If you have the ability to prime, indeed install DRY.

Re: Fuel Filter Clog

Reply #44 – October 29, 2016, 11:06:59 am

I'm home now after almost 2000 miles of driving and the bowls are still clear. May not even change the Cummins primary.

Still thinking it was asphaltene (Thanks Brett).

Re: Fuel Filter Clog

Reply #45 – October 29, 2016, 11:46:37 am

Just a little suggestion I posted earlier when I had my fuel blockage problems. I changed BOTH fuel filters about 9 times during the summer.
I got tired of fuel running down my arm while unscrewing the filters. So I got my nice big screwdriver, placed a cheap light colored pail under the filter, and then punched a hole in the bottom of the filter and quickly removed my screwdriver & hand. Very little fuel on me and by using a light colored pail I got to see what the filter had captured in its bottom.
Believe me, one gets pretty good after four or five times of changing filters!!

Re: Fuel Filter Clog

Reply #46 – October 29, 2016, 12:01:24 pm

Quote from: nitehawk – October 29, 2016, 11:46:37 am

I changed BOTH fuel filters about 9 times during the summer.

I missed your post/thread, but am curious: what did you find that caused so many filter failures?

Re: Fuel Filter Clog

Reply #47 – October 29, 2016, 12:09:54 pm

About 3" of "stuff" in the 5/8" diameter suction line blocking the check valve mounted on the primary filter bracket.
Pressure at the injectors was supposed to be 75 PSI. It was only 1 PSI.!!
Algae? Poor fuel? Deteriorating fuel line? Rust in the fuel tank?
Don't know just what it was but they gave the fuel tank a MAJOR "kill" dose of algae treatment. Something called Biogard plus 6 by Valvetect. One quart treats 375 gallons. The 32 oz bottle I have here on my desk has a $21.00 price tag on it.
Seems to have worked, as no problems since they fixed, unplugged, and treated the delivery system.

Re: Fuel Filter Clog

Reply #48 – October 30, 2016, 08:18:57 am

Nitehawk,

Even easier to barely loosen the filter, slip a ziplock bag over the filter, spin off, pour off fuel for disposal, zip bag closed and dispose properly.

Re: Fuel Filter Clog

Reply #49 – October 30, 2016, 10:12:04 am

Great idea Brett!

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