Community Forums

Pigman1 · 11-05-2017, 07:20 AM

Just fill the filter. If you're using a Fleetguard filter, it even gives instructions on the side of the filter to fill it.

Dark Sky · 11-05-2017, 08:56 AM

The Cummins filter for my 340 ISB also shows diagrams on the side of it indicating to prefill it, just like the Fleetguard item mentioned above.

smlranger · 11-05-2017, 09:22 AM

I always prefill and my Fleetguard filters come with a red plastic center hole plug for that purpose. If you do not have a fuel shut off valve just ahead of the first filter, make sure you do the change with a nearly full tank and don't park the coach with the front end lower than the rear.

LETMGROW · 11-05-2017, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by macandphyl

Fill the filter !! I think you got some very bad advice.

I agree. Having worked on, been around and owning three diesel tractors I never change a diesel fuel filter without filling the filter as full as I can get it before I install it.
If you don't want to, be sure to buy a new starter motor when you buy a filter. You may need it sooner than later.
Sometimes theory doesn't work as well as practical application. Most of the people writing these types of instructions haven't done the job.
Lynn

bdpreece · 11-05-2017, 10:29 AM

The one and ONLY time I ever changed filters without filling them, I air locked the system and the only way I could get it started was to find the fuel return line on the top of the tank remove it and plug it. Fuel was just circulating through the lines rather than entering the engine through the injectors.

grindstone01 · 11-05-2017, 10:36 AM

The manual was most likely written to reduce fuel spills for the sake of environmental issues. It is still best to prefill your new fuel and oil filter whenever they are changed.

twinboat · 11-05-2017, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grindstone01

The manual was most likely written to reduce fuel spills for the sake of environmental issues. It is still best to prefill your new fuel and oil filter whenever they are changed.

Actually, the manual is written to prevent the unknowing from pouring unfiltered dirty fuel in the filter. The slightest piece of grit will take out an injector.

I watched a bone head mechanic fill his new filter by pouring it out of the old one.

I change them dry. If they don't prime, I fix it.

Pigman1 · 11-05-2017, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinboat

Actually, the manual is written to prevent the unknowing from pouring unfiltered dirty fuel in the filter. The slightest piece of grit will take out an injector.

I watched a bone head mechanic fill his new filter by pouring it out of the old one.

I change them dry. If they don't prime, I fix it.

I think I believe the environmental comment more.

Although I wouldn't recommend this mechanic's technique, he's obviously used this method before, and if he has, and NOT repeatedly had to replace injectors (he's still a mechanic, right?), then maybe we're getting a little obsessive/compulsive about this. Not all filters carry the plastic plug for the center position, but I just plug it with my thumb if one doesn't come with a filter.

dennis45 · 11-05-2017, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pigman1

I think I believe the environmental comment more.

Although I wouldn't recommend this mechanic's technique, he's obviously used this method before, and if he has, and NOT repeatedly had to replace injectors (he's still a mechanic, right?), then maybe we're getting a little obsessive/compulsive about this. Not all filters carry the plastic plug for the center position, but I just plug it with my thumb if one doesn't come with a filter.

Did you wash your thumb first?

dennis45 · 11-05-2017, 12:52 PM

Dave,

After two days of Expert Comentary, we need to know if you got your bus flashed up? Inquiring minds need to know.

Pigman1 · 11-05-2017, 01:01 PM

Of course. Sterilize it too.

Hugmongous · 11-05-2017, 01:16 PM

I didn't see it mentioned earlier (maybe I over looked it), but when you turn ignition on.. go to the rear and listen for the lift pump.. you can hear it humming. It will run for say 30-45 seconds or so then cutoff. Cycle it so the lift pump, pumps fuel for a few times then attempt to start it and it will start. Just turning the ignition/key on and off does little --- leave it in the on position until the lift pump stops -- do that a couple of times then crank your engine.

Lonesome54 · 11-05-2017, 01:53 PM

dknow of fella that added extra 12 volt pump to push diesel in past filter after he messed up and ran dry then ran batteries down and ruined starter..

FORTRIDER · 11-05-2017, 07:45 PM

I had a similar issue with my ISM. After talking with Cummins it is best to fill but they say not necessary. They told me to hold the accelerator to the floor and crank for about 30 seconds at a time with a short break in between starting. Got to get the air through the injectors. I believe there is no lift pump on the ISM. You can not over rev the engine because it is governed. If you are still unable to start give a call to Cummins, they are very helpful.
The next time I changed the filter I pinched both lines with clamps, removed the filter and filled the new filter with clean diesel and installed, removed the clamps, put the accelerator to the floor and it cranked on the second try.