First dumb question from NEWB

pameridan04 · 03-11-2010, 10:32 AM

Hi All:

Just looking at the repair records of my new, used 2004 Meriduam coach DP.

It seems my Fuel Filter & Fuel Seperator was changed 8K miles ago, in 6/2007..???

How long before changes, should I replace it?

Just had oil and air filter done at 19,869 miles 3/24/09, only 21,650 miles on coach.

Thanks Jim P.

AFChap · 03-11-2010, 10:40 AM

I believe the Cummins service recommendation is annually for the fuel filter (same as oil & filter). Mine has fuel water separator on the bottom of the filter. If you have the original manuals, you should be able to find service interval info in both the engine book (CAT or Cummins), and in a chassis book. ...at least that was the case for me on my 2003 with Cummins on a Spartan chassis ... Many motorhomes have 2 fuel filters, and BOTH need to be changed at the recommended interval.

It also is a good idea to carry an extra fuel filter or two in case you get some bad fuel somewhere, or have an algae farm in your fuel tank, and get a clogged filter.

pameridan04 · 03-11-2010, 02:26 PM

My manual says every 11,000 miles. I guess I am still ok? Or since it is over two years old, just change it?

On the old bill I have from seller it says, Fuel Filter $16.11... Fuel Seperator $52.11.. Removed and Replace Fuel Filter .?? 197.00 ?? That sound right?

Jim P.

AFChap · 03-11-2010, 05:54 PM

Do it annually. My ISC manual says 15k OR 12 mo for oil & filter & fuel filter...mine has never gone 15k between changes as even though we are fulltimers we have not driven 15k in one year. If you store your rig a significant period of time each year, it is recommended you change oil before, and store it with fresh oil.

leedowney · 03-11-2010, 07:03 PM

I do it annually. It's very simple to do on these coaches. Just call your local Freightliner service center (stay away from RV dealerships when possible) and give them the last 6 of your VIN. The fuel water sep filter on mine was about $18. If you have the clear part on the bottom, it screws off and installs on your new filter. Just get about 1 quart of fresh diesel gas and fill the new fuel filter before you screw it on. Don't over tighten. Just nice and snug. It's that simple. Or you can take it to your local RV dealership and they will charge you $100 to install the filter that takes about 2.5 minutes to do. Your choice.

Hope this helps.

tomsm · 03-11-2010, 07:18 PM

Jim - The change interval for your oil, oil filter, & fuel filter(s) is 11,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. Here's a link to the Cat website with lots of good info on the C7 Caterpillar On-Highway Engines: RV

pameridan04 · 03-11-2010, 09:00 PM

HI Guys:

I can find a location to buy the fuel filter, thanks Tom, I believe mine is in the back, yellow container.

Isn't there two fuel filters? Don't I change both?

Thanks....

skigramp · 03-11-2010, 10:33 PM

my 2004 Journey (Cat engine) has ONE fuel filter / water seperator ... it is the 2 micron filter ... filters are made by either Alliance and Racor ...

There is also a 30 micron filter that appears the same ...

David K · 03-15-2010, 10:12 PM

Make sure when you are filling the new filter to put back on that you pour the fresh diesel in the small outside holes of the filter -- not the big one in the middle. If you pour in the big one, the fuel is not being filtered by the filter.

AFChap · 03-16-2010, 09:44 AM

The manual for my 350 ISC clearly says NOT to pre-fill the fuel filter, and includes instructions on priming from the driver seat) before starting. I don't recall exactly what the procedure is --something like "key on for 10 sec, off, back on & start as normal". Whatever it is, it works.

HD4Mark · 03-16-2010, 10:09 AM

Here is a good place for filters Discount oil filters H&S Industries - Lodi, WI Our '04 Winnebago had only one fuel filter. After haveing the lift pump screen clog and on the advise of forum members we had a second installed. So your CAT may not have two.

The Cummins manual indeed says to not prime the filter but our friend that works for Detroit Diesel told me I would need to "prime that filter" when I mentioned carrying spares just in case. My guess is that mechanics don't take the time to fill them with the key on/off routine and just fill them before installing.

smlranger · 03-16-2010, 10:22 AM

Strongly suggest you prefill that fuel filter. The CAT configuration as delivered on most of our Journeys includes only the one fuel/water separator filter and no provision for priming the system. Some folks have added a second filter with a primer bulb.

I use a 3/4" plastic plug to plug the center hole of the filter and slowly pour fuel from a clean container around the perimeter of the filter. I also remove the four screws holding that lower grill and remove it for this process. It only takes a minute to do that and access to the filter is much more easy and no fuel is spilled.

a k · 03-16-2010, 10:27 AM

A lot easier to just pre-fill the filter. Messy but it will start .

pameridan04 · 03-16-2010, 06:11 PM

I will have to check my lower grill. If it only has four screws I will remove it.

If I remember correctly mine is the whole bottom half and unscrews at the edge of the fender well. A heck of alot more than 4 screws..? I will double check.

Regards.. Jim P.