Primary Fuel Filter change

[jbrinsfi]

My 07 Fleetwood Excursion with a 350 C7 has a primary fuel filter mounted up on the block near the injector pump and a remote fuel filter with a water seperator mounted in the right rear passenger side bay. When one wants to change out the primary fuel filter can it be done from underneath the rig or do I need to open up the engine bay top side and get to it from there. I really would rather not have to deal with a lot of diesel fumes etc gettting into the back end of the coach as I have a very picky wife

I dont see a primer pump on the injector pump. Is there one on these systems?

Thanks in advance

[Muddypaws]

Is there a man who DOESN'T have a picky wife when it comes to diesel fumes in her bedroom?

The 350 is the same design as my 300 there probably isn't a way to do it any other way than from above.

I just did mine a few weeks ago:

Do what you got to do to get at the top of the block. But before you do anything else use a roll of painters tape and plastic sheeting to protect any areas where you might spill fuel. Hint: You WILL spill some, but it will most likely be on the block. What you don't want to do is get any on the carpet or anything else inside the bedroom.

FREEZER BAGS! I used freezer bags to get the new pre-filled filter into the bedroom. I double bagged it. I also used freezer bags to get the old filter out of the coach. Tools & used rubber gloves went in bags as well. Nothing that has diesel on it gets carried through the coach without being bagged.

Good luck with it!

[Old Snipe]

I installed the fuel priming pump on my C-7. It cost about $80 and makes the filter changes a breeze.

You are not supposed to pre fill the filters, CAT even has little pictures on the new filters showing you are not to pre fill the filter.

Pre filling the filter puts unfiltered fuel into your injection pump and injectors. Not good.

Some will tell you that if you fill the filter, do it through the little holes and not the big center hole on the filter. That takes quite some time so pack a lunch.

Best Regards!

[sailor_lou]

I do mine from below, but where I store my MOHO the yard drops off quickly behind the rear tires and I have room to stand up next to the engine. Also, if you don't have the primer pump I would do as Old Snipe suggested and add one. It's well worth the $80. It may be a good time to relocate the filter to a more accessible spot if you decide to add the primer. Good luck.

Lou
05 Travel Supreme Envoy
CAT C7

[Muddypaws]

The CAT and Racor filters I got had instructions on how to pre-fill them.

I built a filter-funnel using a 30 micron filter and very carefully made sure that the fuel only went into the input side of either of the filters.

Frankly, it was a total PITA. I'd like more information about the primer pump if you got it. $80 seems like a good investment.

[1ciderdog]

Old Snipe - Paul - What is the model/manufacturer and where did you get your pump?
Thanks
Bob

[sailor_lou]

Originally Posted by Muddypaws

The CAT and Racor filters I got had instructions on how to pre-fill them.

I built a filter-funnel using a 30 micron filter and very carefully made sure that the fuel only went into the input side of either of the filters.

Frankly, it was a total PITA. I'd like more information about the primer pump if you got it. $80 seems like a good investment.

The primer was supplied on my engine from the factory, but when I was at the local CAT distributor getting filters they had one on display. It is the same mount you currently have for the filter with a hand priming pump on top. All you do is install both filters dry, unscrew the pump handle, cycle the handle until it becomes difficult to pump (all air is removed) and then screw the handle back in. Sorry I don't know the part number, but I'm sure any CAT dealer can provide it. Good luck.

Lou
05 Travel Supreme Envoy
CAT C7

[Old Snipe]

Originally Posted by 1ciderdog

Old Snipe - Paul - What is the model/manufacturer and where did you get your pump?
Thanks
Bob

I went to my local Freightliner dealer withmy engine serial number. They had it in stock. It attaches just above the filter, there is a plate with two bolts, you remove them and the gasket and bolt the pump in that place with a new supplied gasket.

It takes about 70 to 80 strokes (a stroke is about 3 inches) of the pump to fill a filter. A ten minute job to install the pump. 2 or 3 minutes to fill a filter.

I change the rear mounted fuel/water seperator filter first, pump it full and then start the engine. After a couple of minutes, I shut down the engine and change the secondary, engine mounted filter. Pump it full, start the engine and check for leaks. No leaks, done.

I figure replacing the fuel/water filter first, then running the engine pushes any debris into the secondary filter with clean filtered fuel. Then the secondary filter is replaced.

Best Regards!

[1ciderdog]

Paul, Thanks - I'll check with Freightliner next time I get into town. I only have one filter and have changed it several times without problem but one time of air in the lines would make me a believer so would like to reduce that chance. I'll add that hand pump. I have had difficulties with air in the lines on other diesels and that can be a PITA.

[mrboyer]

A CAT tech that set the valve lash on my C-7 suggested I get the pump, which I did, and to buy a strap wrench that connects to 3/8ths extension. Bought one at Auto Zone for $5/6. Makes the filter removal and install very easy from the top.

[sevenmacs]

Just replaced mine today, its fairly easy access from under coach, Yea you might spill a little fuel, not enough to matter. Mine has primer but didn,t use it, access to primer requires removing floor panel, its easier to fill filter with fuel.

[expedition1]

I have been installing my filters wet for the past 6 years with no problem. I purchased a tapered rubber plug from my local hardware store and insert it into the center hole with the threads to insure the fuel is filtered plus you cannot forget the plug because the filter wont thread on.

[jroan]

My aft compartment on the right side has a access cover that can be removed to get to the primary filter, but the sealant to prevent water from getting in the area is costly.

Jroan

[sevenmacs]

Originally Posted by expedition1

I have been installing my filters wet for the past 6 years with no problem. I purchased a tapered rubber plug from my local hardware store and insert it into the center hole with the threads to insure the fuel is filtered plus you cannot forget the plug because the filter wont thread on.

Great idea