1998 Foretravel U295 - Air in fuel system question

Topic: 1998 Foretravel U295 - Air in fuel system question (Read 7913 times) previous topic - next topic

1998 Foretravel U295 - Air in fuel system question

June 09, 2025, 11:43:24 pm

Hi I am a retired Truck driver.

I just purchased a 1998 FT U295, my first ever RV which I know nothing about, so will have bunch of questions to learn how things work and how I can enjoy It.

Here is my first question: Where is the most common source of air getting in fuel system?

I have to prime every time I start the engine. Does an electric priming motor on the water separator fix the problem? If yes how should be connected to wiring system?

But I prefer to fix the problem rather than spend $$ on the electric priming pump.

Thanks
Edmond
1998 Foretravel U 295
California

(Moderator Jeff edited title for clarity)

Re: 1998 Foretravel U295 - Air in fuel system question

Reply #1 – June 10, 2025, 07:09:02 am

On a '98 year model coach you need to check primary fuel filter/water separator and fuel lines. If the old style Racor fuel filter check the Orings that seal off the internals. If fuel lines haven't been replaced check for splitting around the fittings as the ULS fuel we have now kills these older hoses.

Mike

Re: 1998 Foretravel U295 - Air in fuel system question

Reply #2 – June 11, 2025, 09:21:04 am

So I agree in seeking an affordable way to resolve your air admittance issue. Mike has given exactly what the issue probably is but your coach has a CAPs fuel injection pump and it will suffer issues by being forced to draw the fuel from the tank leading to the symptoms you are currently having. I had replaced my fuel lines and still found I needed to vent the air out if the coach set for awhile. I have since installed a FASS fuel pump. It changed how the coach restarts by having continuous fuel pressure to the engine fuel injection pump. Went out last week to move the coach and fired right up after months of non use. This also will show any leak points after the FASS as an actual fuel leak instead of an air admittance point. This positive pressure will also extend your CAPs fuel pump life and reliability. Yep it's not a cheap resolution but may actually save you money over the long haul.

Re: 1998 Foretravel U295 - Air in fuel system question

Reply #3 – June 11, 2025, 04:19:51 pm

He may or may not have the CAPS fuel system. My 98 U270 has a 12 valve C8.3 with no computer. Run your engine serial number through Cummins Quickserve unless you can eyeball the different engines accurately. Foretravel had a stock of engines and the U270 and 295s got the ISC when they ran out of C8.3s to my understanding.

Re: 1998 Foretravel U295 - Air in fuel system question

Reply #4 – June 12, 2025, 11:30:00 am

I am new in this, what is CAPs and what is FASS
Are they brand name or abbreviations

Thanks mike, since i just purchased the FT i will replace the fuel and water separator filters also will check the hose ends for splits

If time come to replace the fuel delivery hose
Are there any zip ties holding it in frame?
Can it be pulled out?
Edmond

Re: 1998 Foretravel U295 - Air in fuel system question

Reply #5 – June 12, 2025, 12:44:44 pm

Quote from: rvquestion – June 12, 2025, 11:30:00 am

I am new in this, what is CAPs and what is FASS
Are they brand name or abbreviations

CAPS is a fuel injection system that Cummins used around the time your coach was built. Without going into the details, I highly recommend you find out whether your coach has the CAPS system. If it does, you should definitely install the FASS system. FASS is an aftermarket fuel pump/filter system that supplies a positive fuel flow to the main injection pump rather than relying on the pump maintaining suction from the fuel tank. If you do have the CAPS system, then rather than replacing the current fuel filter you would be better off installing the FASS system (you can find more information online by googling FASS). The CAPS system is prone to failures due to fuel restriction or fuel starvation, and if it fails it can be very costly. My CAPS pump failed about 18 months ago and it cost me around $15,000 to have it replaced. The FASS system is not cheap at $700 - 800, but it sure beats 15K. If you do end up deciding to install the FASS system, feel free to message me if you have any questions.

Re: 1998 Foretravel U295 - Air in fuel system question

Reply #6 – June 12, 2025, 01:23:35 pm

Is FASS an electric fuel pump or an electric priming fuel water separated?

Re: 1998 Foretravel U295 - Air in fuel system question

Reply #7 – June 13, 2025, 05:27:06 pm

Quote from: rvquestion – June 12, 2025, 01:23:35 pm

Is FASS an electric fuel pump or an electric priming fuel water separated?

FASS Diesel Fuel Filter Selector - FASS Diesel Fuel Systems | In God We Trust

Re: 1998 Foretravel U295 - Air in fuel system question

Reply #8 – June 13, 2025, 05:37:46 pm

Quote from: rvquestion – June 09, 2025, 11:43:24 pm

Hi I am a retired Truck driver.

I just purchased a 1998 FT U295, my first ever RV which I know nothing about, so will have bunch of questions to learn how things work and how I can enjoy It.

Here is my first question: Where is the most common source of air getting in fuel system?

I have to prime every time I start the engine. Does an electric priming motor on the water separator fix the problem? If yes how should be connected to wiring system?

But I prefer to fix the problem rather than spend $$ on the electric priming pump.

Thanks
Edmond
1998 Foretravel U 295
California

(Moderator Jeff edited title for clarity)

Sorry I didnt notice that you were a first time poster.
Welcome to the forum and congratulations on your purchase.
You and I being new to a Foretravel will be exposed to many problems that generations of prior owners have already encountered and resolved. The amount of information that is available is amazing. I recommend bookmarking subjects that are interesting so you can find them again. At the top of this page and every page is a valuable tool. It is the search box. I literally use it daily when encountering a problem. May take several ways of key words but it is very informational. I used the search box to actually figure out what coach model I wanted or equally which models I didnt want.
Again Congratulations. Scott

Re: 1998 Foretravel U295 - Air in fuel system question

Reply #9 – June 13, 2025, 06:05:30 pm

To add to Scott's welcome and great advice - please ask all the questions you have. Believe me, for every question that gets asked, at least 10 members have the same one. And if it's a new question, it adds to the knowledge base for future search users.

Michelle

Re: 1998 Foretravel U295 - Air in fuel system question

Reply #10 – June 14, 2025, 10:52:52 am

Edmond, your original question was about air getting into your fuel system that you suspect having to prime it each time you start it. Good possibility. Some earlier coaches had problems with poor fuel lines, I think Michelle knows the years that were bad. The FASS system could mask this and help with your symptoms. Replacing your fuel lines is a big project, just ask Scott and others. If it were me I would find a way to disconnect the fuel lines and apply a vacuum to the line to diagnose. I installed the FASS system on my 2002 295 because of the CAPS lift pump, I would rather spend the $1,500.00 now rather than $10,000.00-$15,000.00 later on the road. Great to see you here and hope you get it resolved. Jim.

Re: 1998 Foretravel U295 - Air in fuel system question

Reply #11 – June 14, 2025, 11:32:08 am

Sorry to Hi-Jack this thread. Did all you fuel line replacement folks (which I want to do ASAP) do the work your self? If so how did you access the fuel tank and how long did the job take to complete?

Re: 1998 Foretravel U295 - Air in fuel system question

Reply #12 – June 14, 2025, 12:03:24 pm

The McCoy's had fuel lines replaced at Foretravel. They said it was going to take over a day. They had it done before end of day one.

Re: 1998 Foretravel U295 - Air in fuel system question

Reply #13 – June 14, 2025, 02:00:38 pm

John,

On a 320 it takes about 2 days for 3 of us forum members to get the hoses replaced. With you having a 270 it won't take as long due to no Aqua hot hoses to deal with. So for me I can do a 270 in a day or so but I have done several coaches. Really not a big technical job just filthy.

Mike

Re: 1998 Foretravel U295 - Air in fuel system question

Reply #14 – June 14, 2025, 03:29:45 pm

Quote from: jlallen – June 14, 2025, 11:32:08 am

Sorry to Hi-Jack this thread. Did all you fuel line replacement folks (which I want to do ASAP) do the work your self? If so how did you access the fuel tank and how long did the job take to complete?

Yes it's a big job, but it is doable. Having a second set of hands will help. You need to have enough room to pull the tank out of the side of the coach. Need to have safety stands. Need to have something to set the tank on at coach level. I used my forklift. I can imagine it could be done in a day if it wasn't your first one. Need to have the tank empty to pull it out. I filled up a spare 55 gallon can and my truck several times to empty. Also with the tank removed I would recommend taking the time to clean the fuel bay out and seal up all the corners. Check any thru vent tubes to make sure they are secure and the screens are in place. Allow extra time to do the job, there will be addional needs. I also used a come-a-long to assist pulling the tank out. Also it must be lifted to clear the drain plug to prevent damaging the floor. I added an extension to facilitate draining if I ever wanted to but doubt I'll ever need it. Having some crows feet for the lines may be handy. This also would be the time to address adding a FASS system or equivalent. U320 will have a fuel cooler, this will add additional lines that need to be replaced also. I have no clue what your coach has.

Re: 1998 Foretravel U295 - Air in fuel system question

Reply #15 – June 14, 2025, 11:40:15 pm

thank you Scott , i am learning to use the forum and search for my questions
for example you mentioned you bookmarking , can you tell me how? I am learning how to use Fore forum too

Quote from: dsd – June 13, 2025, 05:37:46 pm

Sorry I didnt notice that you were a first time poster.
Welcome to the forum and congratulations on your purchase.
You and I being new to a Foretravel will be exposed to many problems that generations of prior owners have already encountered and resolved. The amount of information that is available is amazing. I recommend bookmarking subjects that are interesting so you can find them again. At the top of this page and every page is a valuable tool. It is the search box. I literally use it daily when encountering a problem. May take several ways of key words but it is very informational. I used the search box to actually figure out what coach model I wanted or equally which models I didnt want.
Again Congratulations. Scott

Re: 1998 Foretravel U295 - Air in fuel system question

Reply #16 – June 15, 2025, 01:28:38 am

ok, beside having air in the system which is an issue by itself, I have another issue which combines with it
when i was purchasing this FT, i went by to see it and check it out, i liked the shape and condition it was in, but they had misplaced the heys for it
and i was not able to see it running or test drive it, seller next day sent me a video showing the engine running
i asked, did you find the keys? the answer was no, but we called a locksmith and he replaced the whole ignition switch with a new one. later the rest of the keys were located and i was able to test drive and purchase the rv
i drove it for 200 miles to my home, as of next day I started it every day after work and it would start right up
it was the third or forth time that it was sitting more than a day, and it died less than a minute after I had started it
ok, what any of you would think beside running out of fuel
i added 20 gallon of fuel in the tank and assuming it will need to be primed ( because it had run out of fuel ) I primed it and it started up . very happy problem solved right? next day it started right up but it died again after less than a minute
for sure this time the reason couldn't be" out of fuel" after learning about shut off fuel solenoid job I thought the solenoid its what was causing not to start, not the air getting in the fuel system
replaced the solenoid with one for 123.00 ( Larryb's brand ) not a 26.00 made in china one
after this, i drove it 24 miles round trip to install new tires on it, and one more time for about 30 miles giving a ride to my grand kids . everything was normal until it set for three days and then it took priming to start ( make the story short it would start if its not sitting more than one night )
today , assuming will take priming I did prime the system and noticed its cranking but not starting, back to the engine compartment i noticed the solenoid it in shut off position while the ignition key was on, I pushed the solenoid arm up , it stayed there ( by hand not by switch being turned to on ) cranked it up and it started but agin it died after less than a minute
when i troubleshooted the matter, I noticed the solenoid has closed killing the engine
assuming the new solenoid may have gone bad, I replaced it with the original one which I had removed, same thing happened
i am thinking one of the following is happening A- the solenoid is weak and after engine starts, the vibration makes it close
B- the power coming from the switch somehow gets disconnected C-the power gets disconnected at the solenoid harness by engine vibration sometimes?
so, i know i have to find the source of air getting in the fuel system , but i like to have this solenoid issue fixed first
could the new ignition switch installed by the seller cause the power loss? if this has happened to any of you I appreciate your advise to fix the issue properly
my conclusion is that solenoid gives up after starting the engine ( remember it was not happening before when i drove it twice )
by the way when i decided to install the old solenoid i felt heat in the solenoid i was removing? also my question is why when the ignition key is turned to on position the solenoid does not open the valve but when i push it up it holds it holds it up ( this tells me power comes to solenoid when key is in on position but not strong enough to pull up the valve, also it disappears shortly after engine runs .
thank you guys all
edmond

Re: 1998 Foretravel U295 - Air in fuel system question

Reply #17 – June 15, 2025, 07:51:02 am

Pretty easy to diagnose:

Pull out your voltmeter and some wire with alligator clips.

Black wire of voltmeter to good ground.

Red wire to Trigger wire that closes/activates at the ignition solenoid.

If voltage when the ignition solenoid fails is 12+ VDC, the solenoid is bad (unlikely of the BlueSea one).

If voltage goes from 12+ to low/0 when this happens, the ignition switch or power to the switch is the issue.

If switch suspected, do the same test on the positive into the ignition switch.

Re: 1998 Foretravel U295 - Air in fuel system question

Reply #18 – June 15, 2025, 10:29:14 am

Quote from: fourdayoff – June 14, 2025, 10:52:52 am

Edmond, your original question was about air getting into your fuel system that you suspect having to prime it each time you start it. Good possibility. Some earlier coaches had problems with poor fuel lines, I think Michelle knows the years that were bad.

It's all anecdotal knowledge from reading the forum, but it's coaches prior to 2002. I've only once read of someone with a 2002 or later that needed to replace fuel lines. Somewhere along the line I recall reading that the fuel line material changed around 2002.

You could practically follow the waves of model year where folks were having to replace the lines. There would be a batch of 1996 coaches, then 6-12 months later it would be posts about 1997s, and so on.

That said, this is all in a timeframe roughly 8-14 years ago. Dave Stevens' post comes to mind

Old Fuel Lines

ETA - which made it dawn on me that if fuel lines were needing replacement at 10 years, and the same material lines were used, then once again the lines would be around the 10 year mark and it might be time for "round two".

Re: 1998 Foretravel U295 - Air in fuel system question

Reply #19 – June 16, 2025, 10:06:28 am

Quote from: rvquestion – June 14, 2025, 11:40:15 pm

thank you Scott , i am learning to use the forum and search for my questions
for example you mentioned you bookmarking , can you tell me how? I am learning how to use Fore forum too

At the top of this page is a bookmark tab. To access it later go to the top of any page and open the MY ACCOUNT tab and open bookmarks to access.

Re: 1998 Foretravel U295 - Air in fuel system question

Reply #20 – June 16, 2025, 10:15:52 am

thank you , i will do the test , but what is the power from the ignition switch is weak for holding the solenoid up?
what cab cause that? is there a relay in this circuit?
edmond

Quote from: wolfe10 – June 15, 2025, 07:51:02 am

Pretty easy to diagnose:

Pull out your voltmeter and some wire with alligator clips.

Black wire of voltmeter to good ground.

Red wire to Trigger wire that closes/activates at the ignition solenoid.

If voltage when the ignition solenoid fails is 12+ VDC, the solenoid is bad (unlikely of the BlueSea one).

If voltage goes from 12+ to low/0 when this happens, the ignition switch or power to the switch is the issue.

If switch suspected, do the same test on the positive into the ignition switch.

Re: 1998 Foretravel U295 - Air in fuel system question

Reply #21 – June 16, 2025, 10:18:30 am

thank you learned it
Edmond

Quote from: dsd – June 16, 2025, 10:06:28 am

At the top of this page is a bookmark tab. To access it later go to the top of any page and open the MY ACCOUNT tab and open bookmarks to access.

Re: 1998 Foretravel U295 - Air in fuel system question

Reply #22 – June 16, 2025, 10:50:54 am

i am planing to replace the hose not knowing when or if was replaced by previous owner
i saw in some pictures of 12 years ago by J.D.Stevens, the tank was pulled half way out to reach and replace the hose and the fittings ( i wonder why the fitting and connection of the fuel supply hose was not designed to be close the side for easy access)
in order to do so i have the following questions
A- does the hose have to be disconnected from the engine side to allow tank being pulled out?
B- is the existing hose being secured by zip ties or clamps in the tunnel ? if yes how to remove those?
C- when pulling the tank half way out, does the hose going to generator need to be disconnected to allow tank to come out?
D- my FT is a 36 feet , how many feet of hose do i need to order
E- if i want to replace the generator hose as well, is it the same hose? and how long of hose does it need
F- the J.D.Stevens who posted pictures 12 years ago ,was suggesting to replace the fittings as well , it will be helpful to have part number for such fittings and all other adopters etc. also to know if the new hose will need the new fitting to be crimped on it ?
any guideness and instruction can help me do it myself and do it right

thank you all the responders
Edmond

Quote from: Pamela & Mike – June 14, 2025, 02:00:38 pm

John,

On a 320 it takes about 2 days for 3 of us forum members to get the hoses replaced. With you having a 270 it won't take as long due to no Aqua hot hoses to deal with. So for me I can do a 270 in a day or so but I have done several coaches. Really not a big technical job just filthy.

Mike

Re: 1998 Foretravel U295 - Air in fuel system question

Reply #23 – June 16, 2025, 06:37:14 pm

lets update the issue
-open ignition switch to on position
-solenoid has not retract to open the fuel valve
- pushing up the leverage by hand, it retracts and stays there
- go back to cab, crank the engine, it starts but dies shortly
- leave the ignition key in ON position and go back to the engine
- solenoid is pupped out

after Wolfe 10 posting that the problem could be the power getting disconnected from solenoid , my assumption is , it can be the electronic portion of the ignition switch , bad point contact inside, loose harness connection, not providing good contact properly in ON position ( old and worn out )

planing to replace it with a new 50.00 part to eliminate one of possible causes
remember there could be no broken wire in the circuit, o have been driving it last week end, i also have been starting it two or three times a week since i purchased it

any confirmation before i attempt ?
Edmond

Re: 1998 Foretravel U295 - Air in fuel system question

Reply #24 – June 16, 2025, 07:50:02 pm

Do you own a volt meter.
Do you know how to read voltage
Read the voltage at the solenoid.
Jump the solenoid with a jumper. Does it open?
CZJZDZ 5pcs Alligator Clips Electrical Test Leads Dual Ended Crocodile Wire...

REF: When they replaced your ignition switch, they actually probably only changed the key part of the switch. 1970 Chevy .

Typically low voltage issue will be within the first ten feet from the batteries in both the power and ground cables. Everything down stream from these drops will add to the loss.

Coach wont start trouble shooting (Battery)

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

Affiliate Notice