Fuel Filter / Fuel Separator

[AKConnie]

I thought I'd try and do my own maintenance. I got the oil and oil filter changed. The fuel filter and fuel separator have me stumped. I have the new filters in hand. And thought that if I opened the water drain valve on the separator it would drain and I could remove the filters and replace.

I drained about 2 gallons of diesel but it never quit draining.

If anyone knows the proper way to change these two filters I would appreciate hearing how.

The motorhome is a 2000 Dutch Star wit a Cat engine.

[Tigerfan1]

Because your filter is lower than your fuel lines diesel may keep draining. Some people have put in line shut off valves. What I do is have the new filter ready pre filled with diesel ( poor fresh diesel into small holes not large one in center). Put a container under filters and remove and replace. Messy job. I usually change the primary filter then start the engine to make sure there is no air in system before I change the secondary filter (pre filled). I see in your photo there is a primer pump which may negate the need to pre fill filters but it requires a lot of pumping.

[Algoma]

Freightliner told me they put a large bucket with absorbant material under the filter to catch the fuel and try to change it as quickly as they can.

What I do is get the fuel as low as possible in the tank and then raise the rear of the coach to get the fuel forward and the filters as high as possible. Last time I did this I lost zero fuel. Now you will get air in the fuel line so you have to do the 30 second on/30 second off priming routine if you do it this way.

[Gasman 2]

You have a primer pump with your setup. When you get the filters replaced pump the pump until you can’t pump anymore. Put some lubrications on the pump’s operating rod before pumping.
Had a 2000 DS just like this.

[C.Martin]

Same as Tigerfan1. I have a couple of flat bottomed plastic containers I cut to hold the filters upright while being staged. I fill the new filters with clean diesel...I have a second sight bowl which I alternate each year. I have some wires and fuel lines that would get wet...so I wrap foil around them so the don’t get soaked with diesel. I place an oil drain pan inter the filter. Keep a handful of paper towels handy. When everything is ready...I unscrew a filter...drop it into the oil catch basin..and rapidly screw the replacement on. Tighten down both filters...wipe off any spills...remove the foil. Then Intake the old water separator back to the shop...remove the sight glass...wipe it down, wrap it up and store it for next year.

The first year as did it...I wasn’t as prepared. This procedure came from experience. Be prepared to wash yourself well with soap and water. Diesel will drain down your arm..,

Since I replace the filters with pre-filed filters...I’ve never had to do more than fire up the engine when done. It has always fired right up...and I let it run for a few minutes to make sure I get any air out that may have gotten into the lines.

[RKins]

Take your filter housing to a local Goodyear Rubber products and have them build and add these shutoffs to your housing - easy peasy to shutoff both sides and really no spill unless you're shaky, unscrew the filter, fill and reinstall the filter. One of the best things I've done (not my idea though)




My primary is really tough to access, right up against my rear bumper, so the cutoffs made it easier.

[Dutch Star Don]

Here's an old mechanic's trick when working on anything that might run down your arms. Take two rags and tie one around each wrist.

[Skip426]

Thanks for posting the picture of your filter set up ; I've always wondered if the placement on my coach was OEM.

Before you start , remove one fuel filler cap , to make sure there is no pressure built up in the tank , Then re-install the cap so as the fuel drains towards the filters the tank will start to develop a vacuum to slow the flow.

As mentioned because you have a manual prime pump , pre-filling the filters is optional , I pre-fill the primary and use the pump for the secondary .

[AKConnie]

Thank you for the suggestions. Going to tackle it again. I got the Powertech Generator done yesterday. It was easy peasy. Even had a quick drain for oil.

[C.Martin]

Originally Posted by Dutch Star Don

Here's an old mechanic's trick when working on anything that might run down your arms. Take two rags and tie one around each wrist.

Thanks...great tip.

Good thing I don’t smoke. I imagine I could turn into a Hawaiian Fire Dancer really fast.

[Skip426]

Originally Posted by C.Martin

Thanks...great tip.

Good thing I don’t smoke. I imagine I could turn into a Hawaiian Fire Dancer really fast.

Flash point of diesel is way higher than gas , but smoking while working around any fuel is " not recommended in Motors Manual ".