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Topic: Fuel issue (Read 430 times) previous topic - next topic

Fuel issue

Hello,

I have 97 U295 with the 8.3 Cummins 12v. I am having a fuel supply issue. I can get fuel back to the engine, but after it starts and runs for a few seconds it shuts down and I have to re-prime the system via the manual pump on the side of the block. Is there supposed to be another lift pump on these? If so, where is it? Thanks.

John

Re: Fuel issue

Reply #1 –
One mechanical fuel lift pump.

Make sure the fuel shut off solenoid is FULLY opened with plunger fully up into body of solenoid.  Common for solenoid to hang up and allow only partial fuel flow, often reducing MPH

Re: Fuel issue

Reply #2 –
John,
No the lift pump on the side of the block is all I have, 98 U295 c8.3.  Might check/change the filters.  The pump has a screen on the input side also.  Easy enough to replace if you get to that. I changed mine before a 12k trip last summer, along with the fuel filters. That's when my problems started. Mine would not start until I cracked the primary filter, primed the pump and cranked the engine for waaaay longer than normal.  It would then spit and sputter and run fine. At the end of the day the tank was pressurized.  Next day the same thing. 
With onĺy the fuel lines left original I talked Keith R and company replaced the fuel lines and found one of the fuel lines had gotten pinched between the fuel tank and a bulkhead.  Has worked great, starts with zero cranking.
1998 U295 36' WFTE No Slides, C8.3-325 Cummins, Build #5262
Motorcade #17786
FMCA#1464376

Re: Fuel issue

Reply #3 –
I second reply 1. The fuel shut off solenoid can fail three ways: not opening, not staying open and not opening fully. Engine will start and die quickly, engine will not start, engine will have little to no power. I've had two of the three failures on my 98 C8.3 12 valve. You can zip tie the fuel solenoid open and go for a test drive. You will need to cut the wire tie to turn the engine off. If original, that fuel shut off is at the likely end of its service life. Larry B makes a good replacement.
1998 36 foot U270 Build No. 5328 WTFE, 900 watts solar, Victron controller, B2B, bat monitor, 600 AMPH lithium with 2018 Chevy Colorado toad, SKP #110239, Motorcade #17781, 2021 Escape 17B for when Coach is broken down and campsites are too small, retired and full-timer since Dec. 2020. Part of RV family since 1963.

Re: Fuel issue

Reply #4 –
Some have driven for many miles with failed fuel shutoff solenoid.  Wire tie it fully up to start & drive.  Remove wire tie to let solenoid fully close to stop engine.  Temp fix works just fine as long as you want until solenoid is replaced.  For normal use, start solenoid power on isolator panel opens fuel solenoid, ignition power keeps solenoid open.

Re: Fuel issue

Reply #5 –
On my last coach when the fuel solenoid failed I used a pull spring to open the
fuel shutoff and put a string to shut it off until I got home and ordered a new solenoid.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Fuel issue

Reply #6 –
Thank you all for the replies. I should have mentioned, when the issue first started, I replace the pump and the fuel cutoff solenoid (the old one was sticking) I will look at the new one again, but it was working correctly when I installed and tested it. I have put in a new pre-filter. I will change the filter on the engine and see if that helps. When I figure it out, I will reply with the results. Thanks again.
John