FUEL FILTER, To change or not to change?

[bdaball]

2002, W22, 8.1L, 33,000 miles. Stored winters in the past. About to embark on a trip of four months and about 6,000 miles starting in January 2010. All PM and services have been done todate including annual brake fluid changes. As far as I know the original fuel fiter,(old style) has never been changed. I have the all part numbers for replacement when needed. Vehicle runs like a champ and never a hitch except a few brake calipers

Here is my question; Do I take off with the same fuel filter and carry a couple of spares or should I change before we leave?

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bdaball Here is my question; Do I take off with the same fuel filter and carry a couple of spares or should I change before we leave?

BDA, Just change the one you have and if the the unlikely event you get a load of bad gas you can get one of those filters just about at any Wal*Mart. I use a NAPA Gold BTW.

If you wanted to carry a spare filter that's OK but by the time I got around to using mine the box got all beat up and it looked like it had been through the wringer by the time I used it. The filter is pretty common and unless you're running up to AK I'd say just change the filter and off you go!

[Breezeman]

BDA,

I'm with Driver. I would go ahead and change it before I hit the road. Easier to change in the yard than on the side of the road "wandering" if that is the problem, if you do seem to have a problem. I carry 2 spares with me now after a incident I had last summer. I keep mine in 2 (double bagged) zip lock bags in my tool box. I may never need them, but I have them. Happy travels.

Larry

[Max Hubrich]

Ditto with the above comments.

It's an easy job, no fuss no mess and only a few bucks.

Go for it----

[depchief]

BDA I think it is a no brainier. I changed at 30K and it looked like an old coffee filter. I also keep a spare in case of an emergency.
Since I have an 04 it was the new type filter, I got the OEM adapter to allow for the cheaper filter and happy I did. Paid $77 to a WH service center for the new type.
You of course have the cheaper filter readily available at and place selling auto parts

[dieselclacker]

Change the filter, and carry a spare onboard. An ounce of prevention, yadda yadda.

Dieselclacker

[Petro]

I replace my fuel filter every 2 years and I carry a spare. Good preventative maintenance I feel.

Don

[Pete & Linda]

I have a 2004 W-22 with 2680 miles on it, this MH has been sitting a lot ( I just purchased ) Do I have the "new style"? Where is it and how do I change it. Is it under the MH (2004 Pace Arrow) and will gas go everwere? Thanks in advance.

[trek2005]

I just changed mine on my 2005 Safari Trek. Mine had the NEW syle so I bought the kit from www.oem-engineering.com its called the Fuel Filter Fix if you have the NEW style, if you dont you can buy a filter in any parts store for the OLD style. Mine was located on the inside of the frame rail on the drivers side behind the rear wheels, very, very easy to change. If you go on the web site I quoted they show pictures and explain everything you need to know for the work horse Chassis Fuel Filter, mine was the W-20 Chassis. Good luck....Chuck

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete & Linda I have a 2004 W-22 with 2680 miles on it, this MH has been sitting a lot ( I just purchased ) Do I have the "new style"? Where is it and how do I change it. Is it under the MH (2004 Pace Arrow) and will gas go everywhere?

The filter change is just a little more complicated but not too difficult when accomplished by an "average" shade tree mechanic.

The 2004 uses the new style filter. It is located on the left side of the frame rail behind and above the rear tires. When you break the fittings loose on the filter, a small amount of gas may squirt out under pressure but once that's done the only gas you have to worry about is what's in the filter itself. I use a rag and cover the connection, You may have to sit under there to change the filter so keep your legs clear of any gas spill and wear eye protection.

See Oemy's (Oemtech) website for additional information.

[depchief]

Pete and Linda

Since you have an 04, you have the new type filter. See Trek's post above and get an adapter from OEM.

I would also have him supply the gas filter and a spare.

Plan ahead and order 2 oil filters, he supplies the 1 quart AC/Delco which I use for a little more oil and your change will be 7 full quarts rather then the 6 1/2 with the smaller filter.

You decide what oil you want to use. I am sure many will offer their thoughts, I use 5/30 and change at 5000 miles.

[dieselclacker]

Before you go ordering the fuel filter adapter, check the old one that is installed. My 2004 Allegro is built on an earlier chassis, and has the older cheaper filter. The older model only has an inlet and an outlet, while the newer model has one inlet and two outlet fittings, hence the need for the adapter from OEM. This adapter will allow use of the previous (cheaper, er, less expensive) model filter.

By the way, Depchief and DriVer are both experts in the art of changing engine oil filters on the 8.1


Dieselclacker

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dieselclacker By the way, Depchief and DriVer are both experts in the art of changing engine oil filters on the 8.1

Yes we are!

[Jackm]

Lat spring, I spent 8 hours "working" on an oil filter that had become "one" with the engine block. When I was done, all that was left was a small mangled disk. Luckily, there was just enough metal left to give the impact hammer something to bite into. Even then, it took another 20 minutes of knuckle smashing and creative cussin' to get the thing off. Is this the kind of hand-on expertise you're referring to?

Jack