Community Forums

MSG Chuck · 12-15-2019, 03:00 PM

My 03 Dutch Star suddenly stopped running. Pulled out of campsite to pick up blocks and it sputtered and quit. Can start again but not hitting on all cylinders. Acts like not getting fuel. Did the easiest thing and replaced fuel filter/separator and same thing happening. Is there another fuel filter? I don’t think so but had to ask. Someone told me transfer pump?? Maybe main fuel pump, which I’m not sure where that is. Does it have an in tank electric pump? Want to fix myself but I’m scratching my head🤔
MSG Chuck
2003 DS. ISX

twinboat · 12-15-2019, 03:06 PM

Look real hard for another filter.

tom chelbana · 12-15-2019, 06:46 PM

Should have a secondary fuel filter above the starter. Have found it's better to fill replacement fuel filter with clean diesel fuel before putting back on.
Newmar Man

Beyond · 12-15-2019, 11:03 PM

We have a different engine (ISB) but ours did similar, work intermittently and quit. Changed fuel filters with no change. Turned out to be a LIFT PUMP. I suggest to have your lift pump tested.

Good luck, was a frustrating problem, ours brought on by the RV service center reversing the fuel filters, which strained the pump.

DH does the filter changes himself now.

AZDave · 12-16-2019, 10:02 AM

What engine do you have? My 2003 with a Cummins ISC 350 only has one fuel filter. Also on that engine the lift pump only works for a minute or so to start the engine and then shuts off and the main fuel pump takes over. If the engine starts the lift pump probably works. However, since it shuts off after start it could be the main fuel pump if not working. The maim pump is engine driven and not so easy to repair.

coach32765 · 12-19-2019, 08:33 AM

I have a3126 cat. This September camping in cedar key for 5 weeks squirrels nested on top of the fuel tank. They chewed through the fuel line. Cats fuel is delivered to the pickup pump by vacuum then pressurized. Long story short was towed to Ocala Ring Power ( highly recommend ) . End result was 1400.00 repair.

1bigmess · 12-19-2019, 08:40 AM

If your engine dies at idle or low revs, it's probably not a filter problem. Clogged filters, restricted fuel flow, bad fuel line(s) or some water in fuel/water separator really shows up under load unless you've got a lot of water in the fuel.

Ljwt330 · 12-19-2019, 09:33 AM

Your signature indicates you have the ISX engine. In that year Cummins, they use a dual cam system for the valving and injector sequences, along with a complex of lift pump, gear pump, pressure regulators, timing and metering actuators, and shut off valve. I agree that your symptoms are beyond the clogged filter scenario. Just where the cause lies, however, is a bit more complicated than in the smaller Cummins systems of that vintage. Time to contact a Cummins expert or, perhaps, someone here who has familiarity with the ISX of that year.

Good luck.

Unplanned Tourist · 12-19-2019, 11:38 AM

If you have a 2003 ISX, it will have a lift pump on the side of the engine. It will run for a short time when you turn on the ignition switch even if you don't try to start it.

You will have 2 fuel filters.

Are you in a cold climate? if so, you may have gelled fuel and the primary filter is plugging up.

If you are in a warm climate, you may be getting air in the system from a worn line or loose fitting.

A simple test for power to the lift pump when you turn the key on and a check of the ground wire, will tell you if the pump is good or not.

Happy Glamping.

MSG Chuck · 12-31-2019, 02:51 PM

When I posted this I was in a rush to make a house closing appointment. BTW. Bought a house in Port Charlotte, FL and had the coach towed here. I was wrong with my engine code. It’s a 350 ISC. I have that posted in my signature block but for some reason, that is not showing up when I post. I have searched for a second filter and find none. The same condition exists now as when it originally broke down. It will start and almost immediately begins chugging and then quits. It won’t start again until a day or two later. Do y’all think it is the engine driven pump? Is there a Cummins specialist out there? I’m trying to fix it myself but it’s been several years since I’ve worked on engines like this. Used to be a heavy mechanic in the Army. Any help appreciated.
MSG Chuck
03 Dutch Star
350 ISC

Tigerfan1 · 12-31-2019, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSG Chuck

When I posted this I was in a rush to make a house closing appointment. BTW. Bought a house in Port Charlotte, FL and had the coach towed here. I was wrong with my engine code. It’s a 350 ISC. I have that posted in my signature block but for some reason, that is not showing up when I post. I have searched for a second filter and find none. The same condition exists now as when it originally broke down. It will start and almost immediately begins chugging and then quits. It won’t start again until a day or two later. Do y’all think it is the engine driven pump? Is there a Cummins specialist out there? I’m trying to fix it myself but it’s been several years since I’ve worked on engines like this. Used to be a heavy mechanic in the Army. Any help appreciated.
MSG Chuck
03 Dutch Star
350 ISC

My last coach was a 2004 DS 370hp isl which acted the same way. When we were ready to break camp the engine fired right up. While I was putting things away I heard it sputter then started to run rough and the check engine light came on. I shut the coach down and checked the engine area. When I tried to start it was very hard to start but eventually did and ran rough. Took it to Cummins and it turned out to be a bad sensor ( cam speed sensor I think) which was located on the side of the engine.

Smitty77 · 12-31-2019, 11:41 PM

If it is starting for you, then probably not the Lift Pump.

I assume your not seeing fuel leaks underneath, which if it was a leaking gasket from the Lift Pump letting air get into the fuel fun 'after' the Lift Pump stopped running - could cause some rough idle. (I know what I was thinking wit that comment - not sure I communicated it. But pre ULSD ISC/ISL engines, had gaskets that could start to leak fuel, or, let air into the fuel supply - from faulty gaskets.

> More probable it's a, as mentioned, intermittent failure of a sensor...

> Slight possibility of an inline fuel line tucked up along the chassis along the fuel line. If it's a Spartan, call Spartan. If it's a Freight-liner - well, call them... And or, take a crawl between the engine and the fuel tank with a good flashlight, and look for a such a inline filter tucked up along the way.

PLEASE, come back and tell us what you find out to be the problem, and best of luck,
Smitty