Community Forums

fishmaine · 01-26-2020, 11:41 AM

Hi Folks....I have a 2004 Newmar Scottsdale on a 2003 Workhorse W-22 chassis. I have see several references to the use of a fuel filter adapter that connects to a return fuel line when changing your fuel filter. Apparently this return fuel line keeps a constant flow of fuel through the filter (a short loop) as well as as allowing the fuel to go forward to the engine (a long run). However my motorhome has the standard straight in/straight out configuration (see photo). I have changed the filter in the past with no problem and plan to do so again in the future with no problem. The filter is $10.90 on Amzn...link below. My questions are:

1) What was the original intent of the adapter?
2) Is there any kind of a recall on the fuel lines?
3) Is my potential for a problem larger than if I had no return fuel line?
4) What, if anything, should I do because I don't have the return fuel line?

Click image for larger version

Name: IMG_0194 (1).jpg
Views: 76
Size: 186.5 KB
ID: 273302

https://smile.amazon.com/s?k=ACDelco...ref=nb_sb_noss

PappaBull · 01-26-2020, 02:21 PM

first there are others that know much more than me. that said my chassis, W24, has 3 fuel lines and the adapter allows me to use a filter like yours. I don't recall why the 3rd line was used or what years had the 3 lines. hope this helps.

vettenuts · 01-26-2020, 06:07 PM

Doesn’t your chassis return the fuel from another point?

fishmaine · 01-26-2020, 07:29 PM

If my motorhome does return fuel to the tank some other way I am not aware of it. My best guess is that the whole fuel line return system is something to do with emissions control (a.k.a. environmental regs) and that that is the reason why there is a return line....I am also guessing that if this is true, then perhaps Workhorse started using the fuel line return system in 2004 or 2005....my coach was made in fall of 2003. At least the above is what I am hoping! If the return fuel system is there for a safety or performance reason I would really like to know so that I can make necessary changes. Thanks for your thoughts. It is still a mystery!

Oemtech · 01-27-2020, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishmaine

Hi Folks....I have a 2004 Newmar Scottsdale on a 2003 Workhorse W-22 chassis. I have see several references to the use of a fuel filter adapter that connects to a return fuel line when changing your fuel filter. Apparently this return fuel line keeps a constant flow of fuel through the filter (a short loop) as well as as allowing the fuel to go forward to the engine (a long run). However my motorhome has the standard straight in/straight out configuration (see photo). I have changed the filter in the past with no problem and plan to do so again in the future with no problem. The filter is $10.90 on Amzn...link below. My questions are:

1) What was the original intent of the adapter?
2) Is there any kind of a recall on the fuel lines?
3) Is my potential for a problem larger than if I had no return fuel line?
4) What, if anything, should I do because I don't have the return fuel line?

Attachment 273302

https://smile.amazon.com/s?k=ACDelco...ref=nb_sb_noss

I had a 2004 Newmar Moutain Aire with the new filter with the return port.

1. The return port was added about April of 2004 to eliminate the long return line. I "assumed" this was done to eliminate the hot fuel being returned to the tank.
2. No recall on the fuel line that I am aware of.
3. No problem with your current fuel system. I refueled at about 1/4 tank.
4. Nothing you need to do with your current fuel system.

fishmaine · 01-27-2020, 09:03 AM

Hi Dale...thanks for your reply - this clears up a lot of concern. I assume that you are also saying that with my current set-up (no short return line), the long fuel line to the motor in my motorhome may drain a fairly large puddle of fairly hot fuel back to the fuel tank at times (possibly when starting/stopping/etc.) and when it does, it would be best to have at least a 1/4 take of cool fuel in the tank to keep the returned fuel (from the line) from getting the gas tank too hot overall? Am I getting the right idea here? Anyway per your thoughts below I will put this issue to rest and do nothing further.

PS - I want to thank you for the great information that you have posted on your web site and thanks also for continuing to keep the website up and visible to the public as you apparently don't have your original 8.1 gaser anymore....I, for one, have referred to your website quite often!

Oemtech · 01-27-2020, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishmaine

Hi Dale...thanks for your reply - this clears up a lot of concern. I assume that you are also saying that with my current set-up (no short return line), the long fuel line to the motor in my motorhome may drain a fairly large puddle of fairly hot fuel back to the fuel tank at times (possibly when starting/stopping/etc.) and when it does, it would be best to have at least a 1/4 take of cool fuel in the tank to keep the returned fuel (from the line) from getting the gas tank too hot overall? Am I getting the right idea here? Anyway per your thoughts below I will put this issue to rest and do nothing further.

PS - I want to thank you for the great information that you have posted on your web site and thanks also for continuing to keep the website up and visible to the public as you apparently don't have your original 8.1 gaser anymore....I, for one, have referred to your website quite often!

As I know it, the pump puts out about 90psi and the rail only requires 55-62 psi. So, anything else is returned to the tank. I have also been told the returned fuel is dumped on the pump as a coolant. So, once you get below a 1/4 tank your pumping warm fuel back and forth... IMHO

Just a suggestion... cover your fuel line with foam insulation tubes.

And yes I have sold my coach and rolled up my shingle for the last time. The cost to keep the site up is minimal. I still add things now and then, just check the What's New tab.

fishmaine · 01-30-2020, 05:49 PM

Hi Dale....

Been away from the house/computer for a while...thanks for the follow-up. Per your thoughts I plan to keep my fuel tank at a 1/4 or more and search around the chassis for any hot spots where insulation might be added to the fuel line (assuming those are mostly near the engine). Assume there is heat retardant insulation for the asking at most auto parts stores. But mostly just glad to know no major retrofit is needed on my fuel line.

Again much appreciation for keeping the web page up..will check the "What's New" page now and then! Take care......