Fuel primer on Cat C7 ?

[Hawkeye]

is there a pump type fuel primer on a 2007 C 7 Cat engine or do you have to bleed air out some other way? Thanks
PS is there a easy way to change the fuel filter on this?

[bdpreece]

I think most of them did not come with one. Depending on how your rig was manufactured there may or may not be room to install one. Also many c7's came with only 1 fuel filter rather than the preferred 2. On my 2004 National Tropi-Cal I did have two fuel filters and there was room for me to install a primer pump which I did. It was a simple installation just remove two bolts and a cover plate and install the pump. Don't remember what I paid now but at the time I felt it was reasonable.

[ernieh]

Here's what I do on my single filter 3126. Info is from Mike Cody (Camp Freightliner) in Gafney. Fill the new filter with fuel and install. As soon as the engine starts, take it right up to 2000 rpm for about a minute.

This has always worked for me. Also, I run the engine for a couple of minutes BEFORE changing the filter. That way the oil will have lubed everything as opposed to a "cold start".

[wagonmaster2]

My 2004 Cat C-7 has two filters, one water/fuel primary filter at the rear by the radiator and a secondary fuel filter on the passenger side of the engine. But no pump. The first change and this last change were done by a Cat shop and they pre-filled the filter with diesel before installing it and the engine started right up with no problem. I've done the 3 changes inbetween the shop changes and also pre-filled the filter (I have a plastic plug I screw into the large center hole and only pour new clean diesel fuel into the outer smaller holes) with no problems starting.

Wagonmaster2

[Cat]

Do not fill your filter through the center hole! Fuel that goes into the fuel pumps at fueling stations is not filtered any smaller than 20-30 microns. Caterpillar fuel filters filter to 2-4 micron. If you fill your filter through the center hole the fuel is not filtered. And it can and will damage your injectors. I have replaced a lot of injectors because of this. If you going to fill your filter do it only through the outer ring of holes. The injectors have to build upwards of 12000 to 15000 psi of injection pressure.they do not like dirty unfiltered fuel.

[movin-on]

Most Freightliner chassis built between Jan 2000 to Dec 2003 have only one fuel filter and it must be a 2 micron if it is a Cat..

[Gary CA]

I followed another member's advice and relocated my side-of-the-engine fuel filter to the rear of the coach next to the fuel/water separator filter. Along with this project I added CAT prime pump. Very easy to change out both filters. I would recommend the project at approx $270 parts.

Relocated Fuel Filter & Added Priming Pump

[Old Snipe]

I added the fuel pump to my Cat C-7, the pump and gasket ran about $87.

I had read that you could prime the filter after replacement with about 60-70 strokes on the pump. It took me several hundred to get enough prime in the filters to get the engine started.

I do agree when it does catch, run it up in RPM. I think next time I'll replace the water seperator/filter first, prime and run engine, then replace the secondary filter, prime and run engine. Hopefully, it will not require as much pumping.

Best Regards!

[Dick1142]

When I change my filters, I simply turn on the ignition key for about 1 minute for each filter. Has never failed to purge the air and start immediately.

[Old Snipe]

Do you have a Cat or a Cummins diesel engine?

I know that does not work on my Cat C7, Cummins may have an electric fuel pump.

Best Regards!

[Dick1142]

Maybe I'm just lucky? I have a CAT 350. Dick ps...I do run the engine between changing the primary and secondary filter. I also flip the ignition switch on and off several times during the 1 minute (or so) priming.