Cat fuel filter

[charliebebo]

Just got a 1998 National Tradewinds with a 300 hp Cat a couple weeks ago. Can only find one spin on fuel filter on rear of engine and a water,sep in side compartment. Is this the only 2? Should both be changed at the same time. Does w/s act as primary and spin on sec.
My first Cat had 10 Detroits.

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by charliebebo Just got a 1998 National Tradewinds with a 300 hp Cat a couple weeks ago.

charliebebo, We have a lot of CAT owners here and I'm sure someone will get back to you shortly with an answer for you!

Look up Jestme13!

[JWT]

Charliebebo, I have some Cat 300 hp equipment and all they have is what you mentioned water separator and spin on fuel filter. My dad had a 1987 Executive and he had the same on the filters. I always change them out at the same time, safe insurance.

[charliebebo]

Thanks for the replies. John have the Cat 300 hp been reliable for you? I'm still a little unsure on my first Cat. You wonder why the quit making them.

[JWT]

Charliebebo, I haven't had any problems with my 3208 Cat or when my Dad owned his, good engine it's a bored block and not a sleeved cylinder block. When you change out the filters there's a small "T" valve on the top of the injector. After you change the filters open the "T"valve and there's a pump on top of the spin on filter. Un screw the pump and pump until fuel come out , tighten "T" valve and screw the pump handle back in and you will be good to go. I think the reason they quit producing 'em was because of the EPA. It was getting tougher to meet the smog requirements. At least out here in Ca.

[charliebebo]

Thank you Sir.

[JWT]

Quote:

Originally Posted by charliebebo Thank you Sir.

You're welcome and not a sir, just John.... LOL

[Teach]

charliebebe,

I always change both of my filters (primary being the one with the water separator and secondary being the spin-on up on the engine) at the same time.

There is a Cat forum on iRv2 where you can find a lot of info on your Cat. Also, the CAT RV Club is over on Yahoo at CATRVCLUB : CAT RV CLUB .

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teach I always change both of my filters (primary being the one with the water separator and secondary being the spin-on up on the engine) at the same time.

Teach, According to Mike Cody the Senior Service Trainer at Camp Freightliner in Gaffney, SC he has instructed that it is not recommended to change both filters at the same time. From the perspective of DIY mechanic, to do so may invite difficulties whereas changing one filter at a time with a start up in between filters is almost guaranteed to never fail to start. Obviously one should begin at the fuel water sep filter first.

[Teach]

As usual, I stand corrected, however, last spring I had my M3 (24,000 mile) service performed at the Freightliner Service Center in Gaffney, SC and watched with my own two eyes as the tech changed both filters at the same time. No start in between. With the lift pump between the two filters I think the fail to start scenario would be mitigated.