Breakdown Information
Moderators Note: This thread is intending to report a problem and its resolution. If you are seeking help or information to help you resolve a problem you would best be served by initiating a thread o...
Forum Discussion
RV particulars: Damon Ultrasport
Driveline (Engine, Transmission): Cat 300, Allison 3000
Miles: 10414
Year: 2002
Break Down Description: Unable to start after changing fuel filter
Symptoms: Low power going up steep grade in New Mexico
Effect: Maximum speed was about 40 mph going up hill, rough engine at full throttle.
Cause: Dirty fuel filter
Outcome: Per the owners manual, change fuel filter every 15,000 miles. I carry a spare so I consulted the CAT owners manual and it said to NEVER fill the fuel filter with fuel when you only have one 3-micron in-line filter to prevent contamination and early injector pump failure. Engine would not stay running after I changed the filter per the manual. Towed 75 miles to Caterpillar repair center (thanks Good SAMS ERS). Per the senior service technician, "you must fill the filter with fuel or it won't start." DAH! $200.00 to purge air with portable hand pump.
Since I don't have a hand prime pump, or a fuel filter fill plug, I found that I can insert a 3/4 inch NPT pipe plug in the center of the filter and then fill it with fuel. This filters all fuel so there is no contamination. I now carry a spare filter, pipe plug and about 1/2 gallon of fuel in case this ever happens again.
I suspect I may have had algae in the fuel tank since it had the same fuel in the tank for several months (I bought it new off the lot late in 2002, build date was 2/2002). I now add biocide to the fuel if it is going to set for any length of time (wish dealer did). I only fill at Flying-J or Loves.
Larry
Edited to add year and model of MH
Driveline (Engine, Transmission): Cat 300, Allison 3000
Miles: 10414
Year: 2002
Break Down Description: Unable to start after changing fuel filter
Symptoms: Low power going up steep grade in New Mexico
Effect: Maximum speed was about 40 mph going up hill, rough engine at full throttle.
Cause: Dirty fuel filter
Outcome: Per the owners manual, change fuel filter every 15,000 miles. I carry a spare so I consulted the CAT owners manual and it said to NEVER fill the fuel filter with fuel when you only have one 3-micron in-line filter to prevent contamination and early injector pump failure. Engine would not stay running after I changed the filter per the manual. Towed 75 miles to Caterpillar repair center (thanks Good SAMS ERS). Per the senior service technician, "you must fill the filter with fuel or it won't start." DAH! $200.00 to purge air with portable hand pump.
Since I don't have a hand prime pump, or a fuel filter fill plug, I found that I can insert a 3/4 inch NPT pipe plug in the center of the filter and then fill it with fuel. This filters all fuel so there is no contamination. I now carry a spare filter, pipe plug and about 1/2 gallon of fuel in case this ever happens again.
I suspect I may have had algae in the fuel tank since it had the same fuel in the tank for several months (I bought it new off the lot late in 2002, build date was 2/2002). I now add biocide to the fuel if it is going to set for any length of time (wish dealer did). I only fill at Flying-J or Loves.
Larry
Edited to add year and model of MH
