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JayGee's avatar
JayGee
Explorer
Nov 03, 2017

Fuel line for generator

2005 Bounder 35E, F53 chassis, Onan 5500

Generator runs great when it has fuel. The fuel line going into the top of the fuel tank has a foot or so of rubber line. That foot of line has a hole in it that may be the result of a squirrel. I can find no way to replace that fuel line without dropping the tank. Dropping the tank is a major project.

I am open to any ideas.
Is there a way to tap into the fuel tank for a new source without blowing up? :)
Has anyone converted a 5500 to propane?
  • Along with all of that if it has an electric pump and it's 12 years old it may be a good time to replace it.
  • As stated drop the tank, run the fuel down low and get you two plus pallets and a pallets jack or two floor jack. Take the vent and fuel inlet hose off. Then the straps, lower tank and change out all hoses that are rubber. Tank only has to drop a few inches to do the work. Jack it back in place and hook up the stuff.
  • The hole is more likely due to dry rot than a squirrel. If so, it would probably be best to replace them all anyway. My rig is considerably older, but I had to replace all of mine. I tried to drop my tank. After removing both straps the thing wouldn't budge. And in looking at it, I don't know how it would ever drop down because of the filler neck (which does not appear to be removable). I think the tank was installed before the body.

    Anywho, I measured (several times) and cut a hole in the floor. As fate (or skill) would have it, I cut directly above the sender. I was able to replace all of the lines easily. I hated the carpet anyway, so that was an opportunity to replace it with Pergo.
  • 2005? I agree with enblethen, change all the rubber hoses.
  • Where's the leak? If the hole is where you have access then you might be able to cut it and put in a patch. If the hole is near the main fuel tank and not readily accessible maybe you can cut a hole in the flooring above to access (lots of threads on that subject - usually associated with changing fuel pump).