Community Forums

sledhead · 03-27-2025, 07:38 AM

I replaced my water seperator filter on my 2000 American Eagle motor home like I have several times in the past, it always restarted after replacement but this time it started ran for about 10 seconds and quit now it won't re start, any one ever have this problem and what was the fix.
Thanks Don
2000 American Eagle with a 8.3 ICS

jacwjames · 03-27-2025, 08:09 AM

The engine is probably on air. You might check the fuel transfer pump to make sure it hasn't been leaking. This is common on that vintage coach. I have an 8.3 ISC Cummins actually put out a TSB on this. The problem isnt' the fuel leak, the problem is if it does leak when working it is sucking air when engine is running>>> BAD for the injector pump

Mine started leaking ~2020. I tightened the 3 bolts on top to stop the leak but then long term I installed a FASS transfer pump and bypassed the original

Suggest you pull the filter and see if there is fuel it in.

I had that problem one time back ~12 years ago. I didn't prefill the filters as per the original instructions. Took me a LOOOONG time to get it running.

After that I only changed one filter at a time and prefilled, when through the priming cycle turning the key on for ~45 seconds to let the transfer pump work, then off >>> do this minimum of 5 times. Then start the engine and let it run for a while. Then do the other filter same way!!

SafariBen · 03-27-2025, 09:17 AM

have a helper turn the key to run while you listen at the engine, you should hear the pump run for 30-60 seconds, then have them turn the key to off, and back to on, and a minimum of five times as Jim said. If you don't hear the pump run, that needs to be fixed, it won't start without the pump running. After five cycles, crank the engine a couple seconds only, then another couple cycles with a couple seconds cranking, only then try to crank up to ten seconds. If it still doesn't fire, pop or sputter, you might have to bleed air between the pump and the secondary filter, then repeat the priming cycles.

Country Road · 03-27-2025, 06:17 PM

Good advice given. I always hold my breath when changing fuel filters.

I remember years ago having someone pull my Ford diesel tractor 2 miles down a country road till it finally sputtered a bit and took off running.

Hang in there.

sledhead · 03-28-2025, 02:26 PM

STUPID SHOULD HURT! Parked the motor home facing my back yard, my drive way slopes down so the front of the motor home was about 3 or 4 inches lower than the rear even using the leveling system. I don't normally do that I usually back in but it makes it easier to load ( entry door facing the house) .turn out 3/8th of a tank is not quite enough to keep the pickup tube under fuel, put 15 gallons of fuel in it and it started right up.
In my defence I normally don't ever let the tank get below half, this time I did and paid the price.
Thanks for the advice and suggestions
Don
,

JohnKoz · 03-31-2025, 05:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sledhead

STUPID SHOULD HURT! Parked the motor home facing my back yard, my drive way slopes down so the front of the motor home was about 3 or 4 inches lower than the rear even using the leveling system. I don't normally do that I usually back in but it makes it easier to load ( entry door facing the house) .turn out 3/8th of a tank is not quite enough to keep the pickup tube under fuel, put 15 gallons of fuel in it and it started right up.
In my defence I normally don't ever let the tank get below half, this time I did and paid the price.
Thanks for the advice and suggestions
Don
,

I too have been guilty of focusing on details and worst case scenarios, and never stopping to take a step back and look at the problem fresh.
Important thing is you found a resolution, and it wasn't some bigger problem - you're back on the road!

jacwjames · 03-31-2025, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sledhead

STUPID SHOULD HURT! Parked the motor home facing my back yard, my drive way slopes down so the front of the motor home was about 3 or 4 inches lower than the rear even using the leveling system. I don't normally do that I usually back in but it makes it easier to load ( entry door facing the house) .turn out 3/8th of a tank is not quite enough to keep the pickup tube under fuel, put 15 gallons of fuel in it and it started right up.
In my defence I normally don't ever let the tank get below half, this time I did and paid the price.
Thanks for the advice and suggestions
Don
,

Thanks for posting this. Most of the time when it is something "stupid" most people won't post.

You learned a valuable lesson but at least you were home.