Does Cat fuel priming pump fit on a Winnebago Journey?

[Spizzer]

I'm getting ready to change fuel filters for the first time on my 2007 Journey, C7 Cat. It is the 34 foot model. After reading about all the issues with pre-fill, don't pre-fill, etc., I think adding the primer is the way to go. The dealer in town has it in stock.

The engine access is under the bed, but I haven't pulled it off yet to see what I am dealing with. I'm not even sure that would tell me much as I don't know how big the Cat pump is.

Can anybody tell me if there is enough clearance between the engine cover and the fuel filter mounting flange to add the pump?

Thanks much!

Jeff

[Spizzer]

Ivylog wrote:
I'm sure Cat will let you bring it back if it will not fit although I THINK it will. Since you are in CO I'd park it on a steep hill with a full fuel tank... nose up. I'd prefill the filter and just change it quickly. If you needed to change it in SE Fla it would be hard to find a hill that gets the fuel in the tank as high as the filter. Another option is to put a valve in the fuel line at the engine so the fuel cannot suck air into the line. You still have to prefill the filter with clean fuel.

Ivylog, yes, here in Colorado finding a hill is not a problem. In fact, my driveway is probably more than enough.

I'll make sure Cat will take it back if unused.

Thanks, jeff

[Spizzer]

wolfe10 wrote:
There are adapters so that the Caterpillar manual primer pump can be installed at 45 or 90 degrees to the mounting plate. See what works best for you OR even better move the secondary filter to a more accessible location (as many manufacturers did when they built the coach).

The secondary filter (the one with the manual pump) needs to stay in the same position in terms of fuel flow (between lift pump and engine) but can physically be mounted anywhere.

Thanks, Brett. I didn't know about the adapters!

[Spizzer]

cbeierl wrote:
I can't answer your question directly, put here's what I did on my 2005 Vectra, including pictures: Relocated Fuel Filter & Added Priming Pump

Chris, thanks for those pictures. That seems like a really good option and would solve lots of problems. I'm going to keep that on my list of mods to do.

Jeff

[FIRE_UP]

Ivylog wrote:
By "might be too extreme" I'll assume you mean fuel will come out of the base while the filter is off. Sounds good to me as you'll know no air has gotten in.

Ivylog,

I simply meant if the parking position was "too" steep, you might loose quite a bit of fuel during the whole process of removing the old one, setting it some place where it won't spill out and, then grabbing the new one and put it in place, thread it on and then finally tighten it up. Yes, you certainly could catch all of it in a large pan of some type.

I did my valve thing so I would NEVER have the hard re-start problem I did back when I did a "no-prime" of the only filter that's on our rig. Well, the valves took care of the fuel leaking/traveling/siphoning etc. So, I can take my time and not spill a drop. Just an idea.
Scott

[Ivylog]

By "might be too extreme" I'll assume you mean fuel will come out of the base while the filter is off. Sounds good to me as you'll know no air has gotten in.

[FIRE_UP]

Ivylog wrote:
I'm sure Cat will let you bring it back if it will not fit although I THINK it will. Since you are in CO I'd park it on a steep hill with a full fuel tank... nose up. I'd prefill the filter and just change it quickly. If you needed to change it in SE Fla it would be hard to find a hill that gets the fuel in the tank as high as the filter. Another option is to put a valve in the fuel line at the engine so the fuel cannot suck air into the line. You still have to prefill the filter with clean fuel.

Ivylog,
Your suggestion for parking "on a steep hill", while somewhat accurate, might be too extreme. On the other hand, the suggestion of a "valve" is right on. I don't know if you read of my dilemma on a fuel filter change or not but, Brett, CAT, and Freightliner had to help me get the large beast started again.

In the end, I installed "TWO VALVES". One on the inlet side of the only filter I have, and one on the outlet side. That way I'm covered if fuel wants to flow in any direction.

As for the OP, what's needed is for you to take a real close look at where that pump will go on your engine in relation to the close proximity of the engine bay walls that your coach builder installed. Some have more clearance than others.

Chris's suggestion for a remote install is a good one, but, if that's your only alternative, do follow Bretts advice in that, there is a specific sequence of fuel flow in that system. Good luck.
Scott

[Mike_Hohnstein]

A Facet or Holley red pump will do the job much easier. Have 10 years running electric pusher pumps with check valve on inlet side, controlled by oil pressure switch and momentary push button to facilitate filter changes, 3208 Cat engine. Cat manual pumps are known for air leakage.

[wolfe10]

Yup, there are other options, but the manual pump is the solution that makes changing filters and priming very easy. Most chassis/coaches came with them.

Suspect some bean counter at the chassis maker saw a way to save a couple of bucks.

[Ivylog]

I'm sure Cat will let you bring it back if it will not fit although I THINK it will. Since you are in CO I'd park it on a steep hill with a full fuel tank... nose up. I'd prefill the filter and just change it quickly. If you needed to change it in SE Fla it would be hard to find a hill that gets the fuel in the tank as high as the filter. Another option is to put a valve in the fuel line at the engine so the fuel cannot suck air into the line. You still have to prefill the filter with clean fuel.

[wolfe10]

There are adapters so that the Caterpillar manual primer pump can be installed at 45 or 90 degrees to the mounting plate. See what works best for you OR even better move the secondary filter to a more accessible location (as many manufacturers did when they built the coach).

The secondary filter (the one with the manual pump) needs to stay in the same position in terms of fuel flow (between lift pump and engine) but can physically be mounted anywhere.

[cbeierl]

I can't answer your question directly, put here's what I did on my 2005 Vectra, including pictures: Relocated Fuel Filter & Added Priming Pump