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Topic: Generator fuel water separator (Read 419 times) previous topic - next topic

Generator fuel water separator

Good morning,
went to change the fuel water separator on the gen today and it won't stop draining.
I ve done this before without issue, open the drain and the filter and clear bowl empties. remove and replace it no issue.
not today, it just keeps on pouring diesel.

any thoughts?

thanks
Frank & Daisy
NO LONGER  "looking for the perfect Foretravel
36' or less non slide preferred."  She has been found and is ours.
2003 U320 36' non slide  Unit 6103
Cummins ISM 450
Allison 4000MH

Re: Generator fuel water separator

Reply #1 –
Sure-- if the level of the fuel in the tank is higher than the filter head, fuel will run out until fuel level equalizes.  Read that MANY GALLONS.

Best short term is to have the new filter ready to do with gaskets lubed for a quick change.  If a clear-bowl, buy a spare so the new filter is ready to go.

Long term, install a diesel compatible ball valve on the filter inlet.
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: Generator fuel water separator

Reply #2 –
thanks Brett,
must have been below 1/2 tank the last time i did it.
Frank & Daisy
NO LONGER  "looking for the perfect Foretravel
36' or less non slide preferred."  She has been found and is ours.
2003 U320 36' non slide  Unit 6103
Cummins ISM 450
Allison 4000MH

Re: Generator fuel water separator

Reply #3 –
Raising the front/lowering the back will also reduce spillage.

But (OK large BUT) it is far better to have a little fuel coming out than the opposite.

If the filter head is above the level of fuel in the tank, fuel will drain back to the tank, leaving you with that many feet of AIR in the fuel line that will have to be purged.
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: Generator fuel water separator

Reply #4 –
My concern with the location of the glass/plastic bowl on that filter, and its low location on my 2002 U320 near front axle, if road debris ever broke that glass bowl while underway, would it slowly dump all the fuel in the tank?
2000 U270 34' WTFE Build 5756 "Ole Red"
2014 Honda CRV
Washington, Vermont
Lady Lake, Fl,  Independence, VA
Former owner of 2002 U320, 2003 U320, 2005 U270

Re: Generator fuel water separator

Reply #5 –
It would probably stop at 1/4 tank where a generator stops running from factory.
Dub McBride 1996 270

Re: Generator fuel water separator

Reply #7 –
If your that concerned install a ball valve with a long push/pull rod so you can close without going under coach. (Model T choke) Its ahead of the front tire so I Doubt it would get damaged. More concerned of the engine drain valve getting swept off by a tire carcass IMO
Scott

Re: Generator fuel water separator

Reply #8 –
Yes, a shut off valve does the job. I added a filter also. Make sure when changing filters, you remove and clean the filter in the bottom of the electric fuel pump if you have this type. A 5/8" wrench removes the bottom. The photo shows the filter that is inside. If you have a valve for the return line, open it with the fuel pump running to purge all air. ViceGrips do the job on the rubber fuel line if you don't have a shutoff valve.

Your generator may be in a different location but some of this info may help.

Shutoff valve is all stainless with a small sliding lock as seen in the photo. You do have to install the valve in this position for the slider to work.

Piece

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

Re: Generator fuel water separator

Reply #9 –
While there IS some exposure of the  "front of the wheel generator fuel filter" I have yet to hear of or see a post where one was damaged/caused a leak.

If it did happen while on the road, suspect you would smell diesel fuel even when driving at highway speed.

Pull the fuel line and stick anything in it so that it doesn't leak-- a punch, pen, pencil, etc.

We may be chasing a non-problem here.
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