Fuel Filter 07 W24 Question

[johnandcaren]

I have a 2007 W24 Gulf Stream. We bought it new, unused, in Sept 2009. It only has 3k miles, but was built at WH in 2006. While it runs great, I should probably carry a spare fuel filter but read about cost and adapters and problems changing them out.

Anyone with experience, your comments would be appreciated.

So:
1. What is the likelyhood the tank has rust because of sitting (while new) waiting for a sale, and this would cause fuel feed issues?
2. Where is the fuel filter, ie easiest access.
3. I'm probably wrong here, but if its such a problem to replace, why not cut the line with a tubing cutter and install the type of fuel filters that use flexible fuel hoses with hose clamps and just toss the problem fitting?
4. I believe there is a fuel screen in the tank at the pump. Would a fuel filter clog but not the fuel pump screen? Seems like the pump would starve and the fuel filter never clog - because the screen is upstream.

Tks

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnandcaren I have a 2007 W24 Gulf Stream. So: 1. What is the likelihood the tank has rust because of sitting (while new) waiting for a sale, and this would cause fuel feed issues?

I think that you might have a problem with condensation since the motorhome say on the lot with a less than full tank most likely for a long time. Would the tank rust? It's possible however replacing the filter will help trap a condition before it presents a problem. If you remove the stock filter and open it and observe rust flakes, it's most likely that you may see more rust in a follow on filter. You will have to replace the filter more often and see what the 2nd one looks like. I would run a couple of cans of dry gas through the system.

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2. Where is the fuel filter, ie easiest access.

The filter location is in the left hand rail, driver's side, above and behind the rear axle. It is secured by a number of screws.

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3. I'm probably wrong here, but if its such a problem to replace, why not cut the line with a tubing cutter and install the type of fuel filters that use flexible fuel hoses with hose clamps and just toss the problem fitting?

You are more uninformed as to what's going on rather than wrong. The fuel system on the W24 like the others is called a returnless fuel delivery system. The fuel comes up from the tank, goes to the filter and pressurizes the fuel rail. Any fuel that is not immediately used is returned to the tank through a 3rd conduit thereby preventing a vapor lock and it also serves to cool the pump. Your fuel system is covered by an extended emissions control warranty and as such I would not recommend that you alter the fuel system in the manner you presented.

A solution has been developed where an inexpensive but reliable filter can be used rather than the OE filter which the rig came with. That said, the 3 outlet filter has come down in price quite significantly and has become more affordable.

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4. I believe there is a fuel screen in the tank at the pump. Would a fuel filter clog but not the fuel pump screen? Seems like the pump would starve and the fuel filter never clog - because the screen is upstream.

The particles that are allowed to flow past the intake in the pump are trapped in the fuel filter. Filtering the fuel is very critical because the injectors could be damaged and that would be indeed very expensive if you had to begin servicing those.

[Floridakamper]

I just replaced one on a 2006 model year WHC. It's a fairly straight forward project and no big deal. It'll take you 30 minutes or less if you take the right tools with you the first time you climb under the chassis. I purchased my filter, the exact replacement here: Oemy's Web Site - Oemy's Product Catalog
This is the same place you can buy the adapter to use the cheaper filter. I'm keeping the filter I removed as an emergency spare.

[wa8yxm]

:Q1. What is the likelyhood the tank has rust because of sitting (while new) waiting for a sale, and this would cause fuel feed issues?

A1: likely less than you think but not zero, never zero.. I doubt that is an issue though

Q2: Where is the fuel filter, ie easiest access.

A2: I believe the filter is under the chassis, but without crawling around in what is now MUD I can't be sure.. And I did enough mud work already this weekend thanks to a different issue

Q3. I'm probably wrong here, but if its such a problem to replace, why not cut the line with a tubing cutter and install the type of fuel filters that use flexible fuel hoses with hose clamps and just toss the problem fitting?

A3: I'm not sure the hose you succest can take the pressure... There is, however, a system described by another poster here and in other forums where you take a fairly common GM fuel filter and a couple hunks of brass and it fits perfectly and works like the original.. I've not (yet) Tried it. but those who have say nice things. Surch the forums for the words "Skunk works"

Q4. I believe there is a fuel screen in the tank at the pump. Would a fuel filter clog but not the fuel pump screen? Seems like the pump would starve and the fuel filter never clog - because the screen is upstream.

A4: Because the screen has holes in it bigger than your window screen and the filter's holes are measured in "Microns" (You can not see a hole that small without a very powerful microscope) So all sorts of crud can get through the pre-screen but not past the post-filter

[oemtech]

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnandcaren 3. I'm probably wrong here, but if its such a problem to replace, why not cut the line with a tubing cutter and install the type of fuel filters that use flexible fuel hoses with hose clamps and just toss the problem fitting?

1) The fuel pump pressure is about 90 psi or so I have been told. The fuel rail pressure regulates this to about 60 psi +/- a couple of lbs.

2) If you plan to use std flare fittings....forgot about it as the flares are not std and the seal is done with an "O" ring.

[johnandcaren]

Thank you for the valuable info.
I know what to do, and how to do it correctly and safely.

Take care.

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnandcaren Thank you for the valuable info. I know what to do, and how to do it correctly and safely..

John, Question is therefore, what have you chosen to do?

[johnandcaren]

Sorry for delay in responding.

What I choose to do is just order the official replacement filter for 40 something dollars online, change it out when convenient, and keep old as spare.

Thanks for keeping me - and others - out of trouble.