CAt 330 engine dies-lack of fuel in filter

[Motorhome05]

My dad has a 2002 Journey DL that has died on him 3 times because the engine sucks the fuel out of the filter. The first time a mechanic fixed it but did not tell dad how he did so. The next time dad was able to get it running by filling the filter with fuel and pouring fuel in the lines. (3 hours work) It happened again yesterday-so after 3 hours work, and a mechanic who couldn't get it to run, dad poured fuel in filter and lines, and put starting fluid in and it once again ran. Has anyone experienced this problem and if so any solution?

[Motorhome05]

My dad has a 2002 Journey DL that has died on him 3 times because the engine sucks the fuel out of the filter. The first time a mechanic fixed it but did not tell dad how he did so. The next time dad was able to get it running by filling the filter with fuel and pouring fuel in the lines. (3 hours work) It happened again yesterday-so after 3 hours work, and a mechanic who couldn't get it to run, dad poured fuel in filter and lines, and put starting fluid in and it once again ran. Has anyone experienced this problem and if so any solution?

[3huskies]

Sounds like air getting into the lines between the fuel tank and the engine. Check all lines and fittings, particularly at the fuel filter.

[Dougmyers]

Possibly a failing fuel tank pump also.

[3huskies]

Doug,
The Cat 3126B/C diesel does not have a fuel pump in the tank. It has a fuel transfer pump located on the left front corner of the engine (right rear on a dp).

[Navy Flier]

Have you tried calling the Cat help line? I doubt there is any problem they haven't heard of. Their only job is to help people with RV engine problems.

[Dgold2]

I just purchased a 2002 Journey DL that has that excact same engine. I was looking over the engine filtration the other day when I order one for it. The spec sheet called out for an in-line and also a rear mount bleed off unit unit. I could not locate the the in-line fuel filter, so the only fuel filter that it takes must be the rear mounted bleedable 198-6378. The shop I purchased this from was very reluctant to sell me any other filter other than CAT as he claimed he has seen too many cross over problems problems in the past lead to warranty issues,FYI.

I would think that when changing this filter, to make sure that the gasket gets a thin layer of diesel fuel on it and then tightenen to the CAT Specs. Once this is complete, have somone in the cockpit operate the key for you (Glow Plug Position Only) while you open the bleeder on the filter as this should energize the fuel pump. It may take several sequences to get all of the sir out of the system, but this should would as it was described to me.

Good Luck!!!!

[3huskies]

Elzy,
There is only one fuel filter/water separator on your year engine and it was put on by Freightliner. That's why you see mostly Alliance brand filters used.
The mh is much easier to start when changing the filter to fill it first. Just pour fuel in the outside smaller holes of the filter while plugging the large center hole. That way the fuel gets filtered. There isn't a primer pump unless someone installed one.
You do not have glow plugs but rather an air inlet heater and the fuel transfer pump is not electric, so just turning the key to the on position will do nothing. Hope this helps.

[Dgold2]

"3huskies",

I appreciate the reply as this is a new beast to me and I will be doing all of the maintenance on it that I possibly can. I can take from tour reply that this is a closed looped system,rather than one with a return? Ever since I picked this up on 12/27, I have not had a chance to do anything with it as I immediately left for Brazil until I got sick over there and got sent home om 1/16, and I aahve been off ever since and frankly I don't even feel up to working on it now.

Thanks again for the information!