Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Plugged Fuel Filters (Recurring Problem?)
| Plugged Fuel Filters [message #76129] |
Tue, 09 March 2010 16:02  |
GeorgeRud
Messages: 1380
Registered: February 2007
Location: Chicago, IL
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
I read Jim Bound's latest Daily Pose, and he showed a very ugly picture of a badly plugged fuel filter (everyone carries some spares and the tools to change them? Of Course!). Are others having as many problems with their coaches in other parts of the country, or is this more of a problem in the humid, southern states? If the problem is this bad all over the country, it may be time to see if someone can make a rubber fuel bladder to fit in the tanks (just like a race car fuel cell), or come up with another fuel tank material to prevent this much rust and crud coming up through the fuel system. It seems that a large, easily replacable fuel filter somewhere in the fuel lines (just before the electric fuel pump you've installed) would be a good idea.
It would be nice to hear from people in other parts of the country to see how common this problem truly is!
George Rudawsky
Chicago, IL
75 Palm Beach
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Plugged Fuel Filters [message #76132 is a reply to message #76129] |
Tue, 09 March 2010 16:14  |
Gary Worobec
Messages: 867
Registered: May 2005
Karma: -1
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Jim K. has a small AC filter that he sells. Small enough to screw under the
floor. Replacable elements and easy to hook up. He does not have the filter
listed separately but I know he sells it separately. I don't know what the
heck the banana is doing in this picture though???
http://www.appliedgmc.com/products/full/562.jpg
Thanks
Gary and Joanne Worobec
1973 GMC Glacier
Anza, CA
----- Original Message -----
From: "George Rudawsky" <GeorgeRud@aol.com>
To: <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
Sent: Tuesday, March 09, 2010 2:02 PM
Subject: [GMCnet] Plugged Fuel Filters
>
>
> I read Jim Bound's latest Daily Pose, and he showed a very ugly picture of
> a badly plugged fuel filter (everyone carries some spares and the tools to
> change them? Of Course!). Are others having as many problems with their
> coaches in other parts of the country, or is this more of a problem in the
> humid, southern states? If the problem is this bad all over the country,
> it may be time to see if someone can make a rubber fuel bladder to fit in
> the tanks (just like a race car fuel cell), or come up with another fuel
> tank material to prevent this much rust and crud coming up through the
> fuel system. It seems that a large, easily replacable fuel filter
> somewhere in the fuel lines (just before the electric fuel pump you've
> installed) would be a good idea.
>
> It would be nice to hear from people in other parts of the country to see
> how common this problem truly is!
> --
> George Rudawsky
> Chicago, IL
> 75 Palm Beach
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
|
|
|
|
| Re: Plugged Fuel Filters [message #76134 is a reply to message #76129] |
Tue, 09 March 2010 16:38 |
C Boyd
Messages: 2629
Registered: April 2006
Karma: 18
|
Senior Member |
|
|
| GeorgeRud wrote on Tue, 09 March 2010 17:02 |
I read Jim Bound's latest Daily Pose, and he showed a very ugly picture of a badly plugged fuel filter (everyone carries some spares and the tools to change them? Of Course!). Are others having as many problems with their coaches in other parts of the country, or is this more of a problem in the humid, southern states? If the problem is this bad all over the country, it may be time to see if someone can make a rubber fuel bladder to fit in the tanks (just like a race car fuel cell), or come up with another fuel tank material to prevent this much rust and crud coming up through the fuel system. It seems that a large, easily replacable fuel filter somewhere in the fuel lines (just before the electric fuel pump you've installed) would be a good idea.
It would be nice to hear from people in other parts of the country to see how common this problem truly is!
|
Sir: I have an inline plastic filter under the drivers seat in the frame rail fuel line. I can chance it in about 3 minutes. The first time I had trouble, I was on the road. I replaces the carb filter then added the clear disposable one in the frame rail and also put one between the fuel pump and carb. For a while I was replacing the one in the frame every 50 miles. I hooked an air hose to my tank and blowed back thru the tanks, valve switched, with the gas cap off. I believe this "blew my socks off". After a couple of years now the filter after the puel pump is still clean, runs good with new carb, thanks Don, now I change the rear filter about every oil change. I am lucky we have a no ehenol station close. Ingles
C. Boyd
76 Crestmont
East Tennessee
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: Plugged Fuel Filters [message #76146 is a reply to message #76129] |
Tue, 09 March 2010 18:00 |
GeorgeRud
Messages: 1380
Registered: February 2007
Location: Chicago, IL
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
We've been living with high ethanol levels in our fuel for quite a few years now up in Chicagoland, so maybe our tanks are already cleaned of crud. I also bought an electric fuel pump (Carter) and a large Fram fuel filter that I hope to install once the weather permits.
I was only wanting to find out if this has become a national problem, or only down in Florida due to their fuel refomulation.
George Rudawsky
Chicago, IL
75 Palm Beach
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Plugged Fuel Filters [message #76170 is a reply to message #76146] |
Tue, 09 March 2010 19:51 |
 |
USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
|
Senior Member |
|
|
George,
When I bought Double Trouble I had Ken Frey drop the tanks and replace ALL
the fuel lines. The fuel delivery system is COMPLETELY standard except for a
a small in-line filter immediately upstream of the fuel pump. It is in the
rubber line that connects the steel line mounted on front frame crossover to
the inlet of the mechanical fuel pump. It was stored with full fuel tanks
outside behind Ken's shop from February of 2008 until September of 2008. We
picked it up in September and did a tour of the East coast of about 4000
miles. We made that tour with NO fuel supply problems.
I dropped the tanks again at the COOP at the end of this tour and found they
were absolutely immaculate! Not a bit of rust or anything else. I replaced
the fuel socks and drove it over to Humble, TX where it was stored with FULL
(and I mean FULL!) tanks from January of 2009 to June when we drove another
4000 miles without incident through the central mid west.
It is currently in storage in Humble, TX and I will be heading there to wake
it up in mid June for a tour around the South. Once again the tanks were
filled to the brim. I will remove the fuel filter upstream of the fuel pump
and report on its condition.
IMHO if you drop the tanks, clean them, replace the fuel lines with SAE 30R7
lines, install an inline filter immediately upstream of the mechanical fuel
pump, and store the GMC with FULL tanks and add Sea Foam or Stabil when you
fill the tanks you will not have a problem wherever you store it. The
problem occurs when there is lots of air in the tanks that allow
condensation to form and rust the tanks. This echoes what Jim B said; "Hey,
don't let your fuel tanks sit around down here in Florida half full!" The
humidity levels along the Gulf Coast of Texas are the same as Florida.
Regards,
Rob Mueller
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion-The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion-Double Trouble TZE365V100426
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of George Rudawsky
Sent: Wednesday, 10 March 2010 11:00 AM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Plugged Fuel Filters
We've been living with high ethanol levels in our fuel for quite a few years
now up in Chicagoland, so maybe our tanks are already cleaned of crud. I
also bought an electric fuel pump (Carter) and a large Fram fuel filter that
I hope to install once the weather permits.
I was only wanting to find out if this has become a national problem, or
only down in Florida due to their fuel refomulation.
--
George Rudawsky
Chicago, IL
75 Palm Beach
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Plugged Fuel Filters [message #76180 is a reply to message #76173] |
Tue, 09 March 2010 20:16 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
|
Senior Member |
|
|
I agree that this problem seems to show up on coaches that sit a lot. I think it is especially prevalent in humid areas and that if you store the coach with the tanks full (like Rob M does) there will be less of a chance for water/condensation to form in them, hence no (or at least) less rust.
Here in Arizona, I don't have a problem with that. I did "blow my socks off" in the same manner Chuck described and added an in line filter just past the tank selector valve, plus an electric pump on the aux. tank, before the selector valve. I can use the elec. pump for priming and as a cure for vapor lock.
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Plugged Fuel Filters [message #76181 is a reply to message #76173] |
Tue, 09 March 2010 20:15 |
|
USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Dan,
SAE 30R9 is also OK with ethanol, it is for fuel injected engines as it will
take a higher pressure.
http://www.goodyearep.com/ProductListing.aspx?folderid=1036
Regards,
Rob Mueller
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion-The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion-Double Trouble TZE365V100426
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Dan Gregg
Sent: Wednesday, 10 March 2010 1:02 PM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Plugged Fuel Filters
Rob, what about SAE 30R9 fuel line? That is what I got. Is it 2 numbers
better than 7 or 2 worse?
Dan
--
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
|
|
|
|
| Re: Plugged Fuel Filters [message #76187 is a reply to message #76134] |
Tue, 09 March 2010 20:50 |
Chr$
Messages: 2690
Registered: January 2004
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Karma: 1
|
Senior Member |
|
|
I put an in-line filter along the frame rail after I reinstalled my tanks. Never gave it a second thought. It is for a current model truck, so I presume it can handle the Oxy-fuels. I have 100K on the one in my Explorer...
-Chr$: Perpetual SmartAss
Scottsdale, AZ
77 Ex-Kingsley 455 SOLD!
2010 Nomad 24 Ft TT 390W PV W/MPPT, EV4010 and custom cargo door.
Photosite: Chrisc GMC:"It has Begun" TT: "The Other Woman"
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: Plugged Fuel Filters [message #76211 is a reply to message #76129] |
Wed, 10 March 2010 01:53 |
jtblank
Messages: 237
Registered: June 2007
Location: Tulare, CA
Karma: 1
|
Senior Member |
|
|
I think that the humidity issue is probably more the cause of crud in fuel lines and tanks than the ethanol. Here in the central valley of California we have had 10% ethanol gasoline for years and I have not had any problems. I have a inline fuel filter just in front of the selector valve and before a holly electric pump that is 2 feet ahead of the selector valve. After reading all this I pulled the carb filter to check it out and clean as new. It's at least 6 years old, as I haven't changed it since purchase. I do fill up after trips and put 2oz of sta-bil in the gas if it's going to sit for more than a few weeks.
I also drive the GMC frequently even just to work, as I think a sitting vehicle deteriorates faster just sitting, besides I can go out at lunch and do a one hour parking lot campout and return refreshed! I wonder if any others have tried this? If you own a GMC MH then you probably understand!
John Blankenship
'76 Palm Beach
Tulare, CA
|
|
|
|
| Re: Plugged Fuel Filters [message #76212 is a reply to message #76211] |
Wed, 10 March 2010 03:00 |
 |
mike miller
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
| jtblank wrote on Tue, 09 March 2010 23:53 |
...
I also drive the GMC frequently even just to work, as I think a sitting vehicle deteriorates faster just sitting, besides I can go out at lunch and do a one hour parking lot campout and return refreshed! I wonder if any others have tried this? If you own a GMC MH then you probably understand!
|
I too have "camped out" at lunch in the parking lot at work.
As it isn't that far to my work, I try and drive it a little farther at least one of the ways. (Best to get it hot for long enough to boil off any condensation in the motor or exhaust.)
Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
More Sidekicks than GMC's and a late model Malibu called 'Boo'
http://m000035.blogspot.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Plugged Fuel Filters [message #76222 is a reply to message #76211] |
Wed, 10 March 2010 06:54 |
|
USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
|
Senior Member |
|
|
John,
Depends on what the "crud" looks like, if it's red it's probably rust, if
it's black it's probably incompatible fuel line! ;-)
Rob Mueller
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion-The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion-Double Trouble TZE365V100426
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of John Blankenship
Sent: Wednesday, 10 March 2010 6:54 PM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Plugged Fuel Filters
I think that the humidity issue is probably more the cause of crud in fuel
lines and tanks than the ethanol. Here in the central valley of California
we have had 10% ethanol gasoline for years and I have not had any problems.
I have a inline fuel filter just in front of the selector valve and before a
holly electric pump that is 2 feet ahead of the selector valve. After
reading all this I pulled the carb filter to check it out and clean as new.
It's at least 6 years old, as I haven't changed it since purchase. I do
fill up after trips and put 2oz of sta-bil in the gas if it's going to sit
for more than a few weeks.
I also drive the GMC frequently even just to work, as I think a sitting
vehicle deteriorates faster just sitting, besides I can go out at lunch and
do a one hour parking lot campout and return refreshed! I wonder if any
others have tried this? If you own a GMC MH then you probably understand!
--
John Blankenship
'76 Palm Beach
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Plugged Fuel Filters [message #76231 is a reply to message #76129] |
Wed, 10 March 2010 09:05 |
Rick Denney
Messages: 430
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
George wrote...
> It would be nice to hear from people in other parts of the
> country to see how common this problem truly is!
Fouled tanks are not uncommon on old vehicles. But I'm not
sure that the new fuels are causing the problem, unless the
system contains ancient rubber components that need to be
replace anyway.
My coach had a history of fuel delivery problems with the PO,
affecting three out of four trips he took in the coach. He
kept taking it to his local mechanics, who kept applying
band-aids and not solving the problem.
The problem was rust in the tanks, and all steel fuel tanks
will rust eventually, even if we strive to keep them full
during storage and do all the other things we should. After
all, even the fuel in the gas station's tanks will sometimes
have water in it.
The band-aids applied on my coach included building parallel
fuel filter arrays upstream from the carb, with the idea that
if one plugged, the other one would work.
That didn't keep my coach from suffering fuel starvation
while climbing the first hill leaving the PO's house. I
switched to the other tank and didn't have another problem
(at least with that) on that first trip home.
I replace the tanks and socks, and installed individual
inline filters upstream of the selector valve. I installed
another inline filter in the AN-6 aircraft hose that I ran
between the steel tubing and the carb, and I removed the
filter can on the carb and replace it with an AN-6 fitting.
My experience suggests that once a tank is rusty, it will
create a problem for eternity until it is replaced, or the
rust somehow encapsulated. Adding fancier filters and so on
will not solve the problem.
Rick "noting that rust in the tank leads to perforations and
seepage, too" Denney
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
'73 Glacier 230 "Jaws"
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Plugged Fuel Filters [message #76243 is a reply to message #76129] |
Wed, 10 March 2010 09:56 |
van.one
Messages: 70
Registered: March 2010
Karma: 0
|
Member |
|
|
George,
I apologize for the given name, seems a bit pushy for a "newbie" to be on a
first name with an old pro. But I am not a pro, but I sure as hell am old.
From what I read on the list you seem to be more knowledgeable than most of
us, especially the "newbies"; so in case you missed it, I will send you a
copy of the email that I sent to Jim last evening:
Jim,
Thanks for your note on jacks. I hope to try it out tomorrow.
FYI - I am a 89 year old WWII disabled vet who is about to buy his first GMC
motorhome. It is a "cream puff", very low mileage, has been parked out in
the country for several years. The motor and tranny are very good, but the
rear air bags are down. I made him a cash offer, as is where is, and he
took it.
My question: How do I get it home, about 30 miles, with the rear air bags
down?
NO. I wasn't a desk jockey in the Marines, I was a survivor of "The Long
Patrol"; a member of Col. Carlson's Marine Raiders (2E). If I get this GMC
to where it will take me to the next meeting I will tell you some of the
things I learned in the Raiders, such as 10 ways to kill an enemy quietly
and quickly in hand-to-hand combat.
No doubt you have heard that if you can do it, it ain't bragging.
Jesse Vanlandingham
George, I feel sure that you have had experience with rear air bags being
down, so I hope you will share your expertise with a "newbie".
jlv van.one@cox.net
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
|
|
|
|
|
|
Goto Forum:
Current Time: Sat Nov 16 09:31:03 CST 2024
Total time taken to generate the page: 0.03996 seconds
|
GMCforum
Search
Help
Register
Login
Home
