2004 W-22 8.1L Fuel Filter - To adapt or not?

[Purplefans & Harvey]

Our Fleetwood Southwind had major problems this weekend, and we think it's the fuel filter, by all accounts. It also seems that it's a hard part to find replacement for, and that many people have done a modification in order to use the cheaper and more available part. Can I get some of your opinions on this? Thanks!

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Purplefans & Harvey Our Fleetwood Southwind had major problems this weekend, and we think it's the fuel filter, by all accounts. It also seems that it's a hard part to find replacement for, and that many people have done a modification in order to use the cheaper and more available part. Can I get some of your opinions on this? Thanks!

P&H, Here is a picture of the fuel filter:



This filter us using Oemy's Fuel Filter Adapter. With this piece in place you can buy an inexpensive filter from Walmart and get back on the road. The filter is located in the left rail behind and up from the rear differential housing.

Your stock filter looks the same and has 1 less fitting. Cover the filter with a rag and break a line to allow the pressure to escape. Not to worry it'll spit and that's all. There's no volume in the line. A small quantity of gasoline will flow out so don't be smokin'!

[Purplefans & Harvey]

Driver - THANKS!

I will order the oemy's adapter - I know that the stock filter and be purchased at my local parts store (but will keep one on hand anyway). I hope that's the problem.

So, what do you mean by: "... and break a line to allow the pressure to escape. Not to worry it'll spit and that's all. " What line?

How do I break a line? What do you mean by that?

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Purplefans & Harvey How do I break a line? What do you mean by that?

You need to use 2 wrenches. When you loosen the line, this is called breaking the line. Just a little lingo that you can add to your fuel filter replacement resume.

[Purplefans & Harvey]

Looking at the OEMY website, and the adapter, at the very bottom it says "THIS SHOULD ONLY BE DONE BY A PROFESSIONAL!!!" SHould I order the part, and have a mechanic take care of the install? Will I break it more than it already is? I have a new air filter also I want to install. I wish you lived somewhere near here !

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Purplefans & Harvey I wish you lived somewhere near here !

I'll take that as a compliment and of course I would be glad to help you do these things. If you are able to swing wrenches you should be able to do these tasks. It does take a bit of experience using tools and knowing how tight to make things.

Now if you find yourself coming up to the National Rally at the Bethpage Campground, I can help you.

[Purplefans & Harvey]

AAah, but I'd have to fix the fuel filter issue before getting there!!! I know that's a campground we want to go to - I'll have to check the rally dates!

[Mr JP]

Like Driver said " If you can swing a wrench " you can do this. I have installed the adapter and it is nice to be able to purchase a normal priced fuel filter. I only had about 1/2 a cup of fuel drain out. You will need to undo all of the clamps and spread open the lines abit to get the adapter in. Good Luck JP

[Knightly]

P & H. I have a 2007 35 'Itasca with a W24 chassis. I followed the instructions on the OEM website and managed to install the OEM Engineering fuel filter adapter without any difficulty. In addition you can call Glenn at OEM if you have any questions about the installation process. I found him very helpful when contacted.
However, I have found this site the best source of information.
I have travelled about 12000 miles since I installed the adapter last summer without any problem.

Good luck

[CoastieSCPO]

P & H; I just installed a stock filter the other day. I purchased the adapter from Glenn at OEM Engineering, but had a stock filter that I bought from Oemy some time ago laying around and wanted to use it first. Next time, the adapter goes in.

I am not the most mechanically inclined person and had no problem installing the new filter. Only thing though, tubing nut # 2 has to be lined up exactly for it not to leak. My first attempt at doing the tighten up resulted in a little weep at that nut, so I had to redo it. It was OK then.

Bob

[DriVer]

Tech Tip:

Here is how I approach the installation.

Thread the fuel filter adapter into the fuel filter and tighten same using 2 wrenches. Note the adapter goes on the delivery (outbound) side of the filter. Locate the clamp around the body of the filter and place the filter in position. Begin threading all the connections to the filter first until you just have them caught by a few threads. No cross threading allowed!

Center or locate all the clamps so they sit in their original positions. Begin locating all the clamp bolts making sure that they have all begun to thread in. I will try to use a 3/8th drive spinner on a short extension if possible. No cross threading allowed!

Bring the clamp nuts down to where they are snug with the spinner, not tight. Now grab your wrenches and start where ever you want. Begin tightening up the nuts on the filter and adapter. Remember these are flair fittings and only require a quarter of a turn or less of tightening after being hand tight. Do not over tighten or they will leak or worse break the shoulder of the flair. Use 2 wrenches, one to hold the piece and the other to tighten.

Now final step take your ratchet or wrench and tighten all the clamps bolts no more than just a good twist of the wrist. You only need to tighten these bolts so that they don't fall out. You're not holding anything other than a fuel line and a filter.

I use this back and forth approach because it gives all the pieces of the puzzle time to line up and assume the position before being tightened.

[Purplefans & Harvey]

Thanks all! I have ordered the adapter kit, and will install it (with my brother-in-law as supervisor) when it shows up. Hopefully (knock wood) that will solve the loss of power problem which occurred on our trip home.

[CJBROWN]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Purplefans & Harvey Thanks all! I have ordered the adapter kit, and will install it (with my brother-in-law as supervisor) when it shows up. Hopefully (knock wood) that will solve the loss of power problem which occurred on our trip home.

"Loss of power problem..." Better check those plug wires.

I have the oemy adapter, good piece.

I thought I had a bad fuel pump, was plug wires, burnt boots on Taylor racing wires. Heat shields are a must.

[Purplefans & Harvey]

Plug wires. Will have to research this tonight. Where/How, etc.
Got the adapter today (what great service!) Will be trying
to do the install tomorrow!!

Don't laugh at my ignorance of plugs, but any advice/comments on changing them, etc. are appreciated. This is all new to me. But I want that feeling of accomplishment in getting the rig running again without calling service and paying a fortune!