Community Forums

ninos · 03-10-2012, 06:48 PM

Ok what is the correct thing to do for the first start after the Rv sat for four Winter months in the cold weather of new jersey, I have a full tank of diesel should I drive it to burn that diesel then change the fuel filters or should I just change the fuel filters before I give it the first start? It's always good to know what is the best way to do things. By the way I have a 2006 discovery with a cat c7 330HP. Joe

CorLynn · 03-11-2012, 08:35 AM

I would really like to know the answer to this also. I never even thought about this. I bought my fuel filters, they are still in the boxes.

ninos · 03-12-2012, 07:21 PM

what are you guys doing out there? Share that info. joe

SVTotem · 03-12-2012, 07:48 PM

I suggest going to www.catrvclub.org for a solid response. It is possible many folks have asked themselves this question, hence the slow response.

The only thing I would do is pre-warm using the bock heater if the ambient temp was below seventy or so just so the oil would flow quickly. I am not an expert and can't think of much else you could do if the engine was put away properly.

Join the CATRVCLUB group they are a knowledgeable group.
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sailor_lou · 03-13-2012, 02:50 PM

I always start the engine before doing any maintenance, especially after a long winter's sleep. This way I know everything is good before I start changing out components. Too many people seem to have problems with air once they replace the fuel filters and then aren't sure if the hard start is due to the filter replacement or something else. Although the CAT engines with the manual primer pump does eliminate that problem. Also, diesel fuel really doesn't go bad like gasoline so four months in storage is nothing, provided you do not have algae growing in the tank. If you do, then it's going to take numerous filter changes to resolve the issue. This is just my opinion and practices, so take from it what you want and I hope it helps.

Lou
05 Travel Supreme Envoy
Cat C7, 350 HP

Mr_D · 03-13-2012, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailor_lou

Also, diesel fuel really doesn't go bad like gasoline so four months in storage is nothing, provided you do not have algae growing in the tank. If you do, then it's going to take numerous filter changes to resolve the issue.

Some places are equipped to "scrub" the fuel. A marina would be able to do it but, unless you have a TerraWind, it might be a little hard to get the MH there.

rvjimmy · 03-18-2012, 07:21 PM

Get in Pre-heat, start and go. Take it easy at first after warmed up good to go. Make sure you check the fluids before you start her up.

dls461 · 03-22-2012, 10:48 AM

I turn my block heater on overnight before I plan to start the engine. I change oil and filters in the fall before winter storage. I fill the fuel tank and add an additive to eliminate algae growth over the stroage months. I don't change the fuel filters until after I have put some mileage on the unit first. If there are any contaminants in the fuel, hopefully the old filters will catch before I swap out. It also lets me know that everything is working before I start changing out filters etc...