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Generator Fuel Line and Fuel Pump
My generator with 354 hours has developed symptoms of a cracked fuel line at the gas tank. Would it be advisable and or cost effective to replace the fuel pump ( 113,000 miles ) while the tank is being been dropped?
Fuel pump failure is the only mechanical concern I have due to its questionable reliability as it ages.
Thanks,
Malcolm
2002 MB

2002 Mid Bath
Re: Generator Fuel Line and Fuel Pump
Reply #1 –
Good question!

I was considering replacing my fuel pump in the driveway before leaving on the maiden voyage with my new (24 year old) LD, because I like to fix things that will break before they do.

I decided not to.

I should have done so, because it was very nerve wracking coasting to a stop as I left the bridge over Shasta Lake on I-5, 630 miles later.

So my $0.02, YEAH!


Paul
'92 Mid Bath
Re: Generator Fuel Line and Fuel Pump
Reply #2 –
Sometimes it's just " dumb luck" and "hind sight" is 20/20. The new pump is nice and shinny though.

Wadda-ya gonna do, right?

Keep-On-Truckin'

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Generator Fuel Line and Fuel Pump
Reply #3 –
Hi Paul,

The image showing the old pump attached to the fuel tank also shows what appears to be a second outlet and fuel line.  Is that second outlet the fuel line going to the generator.  I'm having symptoms of fuel starvation to my generator due to, most likely, the dreaded fuel line cracking.  If the fuel tank on your LD is  the same as on my 2004, that photo will help me once I drop the tank a few inches as Larry Wade describes.

Roger
2004 FL
Re: Generator Fuel Line and Fuel Pump
Reply #4 –
Not only YES but H**l yes, indubitably so!

Statistics say that 50-55,000 miles is the average life span for our fuel pumps. I've got 85,000 miles on my '04 and I'm on my 3rd fuel pump. Replaced the 1st OEM in Oregon and the 2nd edition in Lone Pine.

I also experienced fuel starvation in the generator. When my service people dropped the tank to replace the pigtail hose I had them run a Stainless Steel fuel line all the way to the gen. No problems since.


Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Generator Fuel Line and Fuel Pump
Reply #5 –
Roger, don't know nuthin bout generators. My LD came without. Sorry.
Paul
'92 Mid Bath
Re: Generator Fuel Line and Fuel Pump
Reply #6 –
While it isn't always necessary to completely lower the tank,  to change the generator's fuel line,  it certainly is easier.
At your LD's age and mileage, a new fuel pump is not a bad idea.

Larry

Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Generator Fuel Line and Fuel Pump
Reply #7 –
Thanks everyone for your input. Sounds like I may have been on borrow time with my fuel pump, eh Lazy Bones?
With a fixed gen fuel line, new fuel pump and recently replaced refrigerator I'm looking forward to another 100,000 miles.
Malcolm
Austin, TX
2002 Mid Bath
Re: Generator Fuel Line and Fuel Pump
Reply #8 –
Remember, when a coach gets old enough, they're not repairs, they're upgrades!
Paul
'92 Mid Bath
Re: Generator Fuel Line and Fuel Pump
Reply #9 –
When we started having generator problems on our '02 MB I assumed that we likely had a cracked generator fuel line.  I decided to drop the tank to replace the generator fuel line (luckily our tank had a drain plug).  While I had it down, I figured it would be prudent to replace the fuel pump.  I ended up putting a Bosch pump in in place of the original OEM pump.  The pump assembly has three tube out the top.  One of these is the pressure side of the pump, one is the fuel return line from the injection system, and the third is just a line which goes about 3/4 way down in the tank for the generator fuel pickup.

In the end, it turned out to by the generator's fuel pump (inside the generator) that was failing.  I ended up replacing that pump at an RV park in the middle of a 6 month road trip!  But because of all the in tank fuel pump failures I've read about, I was glad I had put in a high quality replacement and new generator fuel line.

Art
Art and Barbara
Settled in Atterdag Village of Solvang
2015-2022 fulltime in a 2016 Tiffin Allegro Bus 37AP
2002-2015 2002 LD MB
Art's blog
Re: Generator Fuel Line and Fuel Pump
Reply #11 –
Quote from: G Plam  - 
Yea that's what I tell my wife about all the 'upgrades' done to this old body.   ;D

Yoga for LDs?  When I was thinking about levelers, I remember someone sending a picture of his LD's contortions somewhere in the back of beyond with his Bigfoot Levelers & various combinations of 4x4s...

No upgrades, but since I started yoga the fall of 2013 "this old body." is in better shape than twenty years ago...I have recently lived to tell the tale of crab crawlin' around the roof (little 1-story ranch) to lay out a tarp while I wait for the repair guy to come fix the holes the tree caused when it went kerwhumpf early a week ago last Monday...well, yoga & a lot of prayin' as I heaved myself up over the edge of the gutter & felt very blessed when a couple of neighbors were there to steady the ladder as I slithered back over the edge once the deed was done!  For some reason the hayloft & my grandparents' 3-story roof didn't look nearly so high (50+ years ago).    :D
Lynne
LDy Lulubelle, Green '05 31' TB
Lilly, the 4-Legged Alarm
Re: Generator Fuel Line and Fuel Pump
Reply #12 –
Quote from: M3ATX  - 
My generator with 354 hours has developed symptoms of a cracked fuel line at the gas tank. Would it be advisable and or cost effective to replace the fuel pump ( 113,000 miles ) while the tank is being been dropped?
Fuel pump failure is the only mechanical concern I have due to its questionable reliability as it ages.
Thanks,
Malcolm
2002 MB


2002 Mid Bath
Re: Generator Fuel Line and Fuel Pump
Reply #13 –
As a followup to my previous post concerning a fuel delivery problem to the generator, my suspicion was confirmed by Gen Tech Service in Leander, Texas. Fred Summer of Gen Tech recommended Diesel Tech, Leander, TX to perform the repair of the line. As preventive maintenance I am going to have the fuel pump replaced.
I highly recommend Gen Tech Service for generator servicing. Fred provides mobile service and service at his shop.
After researching the forum I cannot determine the recommended brand/model  fuel pump for the 2002 model year.
Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Malcolm
2002 Mid Bath
Re: Generator Fuel Line and Fuel Pump
Reply #15 –
Quote from: M3ATX  - 
As preventive maintenance I am going to have the fuel pump replaced.
I highly recommend Gen Tech Service for generator servicing. Fred provides mobile service and service at his shop.
After researching the forum I cannot determine the recommended brand/model  fuel pump for the 2002 model year.

Trying to find the right fuel pump is confusing, there are many variations.
You want a center location, 3-port pump, one port each for the engine's  fuel supply, emissions vapor control and the generator fuel outlet.
My best suggestion, if doing it yourself, is to take the old pump to your local Napa Auto store and have them match it.  Make sure it is absolutely the same, including the electrical plug.
If the complete assembly (pump, filter, fuel level sender) isn't available, just the pump and filter can be changed.

Stick with a well known brand such as Bosch, Carter, Motorcraft or Delphi and DO  pass on Airtex or Spectra products.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Generator Fuel Line and Fuel Pump
Reply #16 –
Quote from: JCT  - 
Maybe this Rock Auto link will provide fuel pump choices?

2002 FORD E-450 6.8L V10 Fuel Pump | RockAuto
Joan

Rock Auto is my go to parts store. I checked their site before my previous response. It showed a multitude of different pumps, none of which are readily apparent to fit.
Surprisingly, Ford's online parts site does not show an available fuel pump.

I know a few who have replaced their fuel pumps and all ended up ordering the wrong pump and corrected the issue by going to a good auto parts store. Since Napa Auto is the best all-around parts store, I suggest taking advantage of their expertise and ability to easily return an incorrect part.
A fuel pump is difficult to change, so get the best parts available so you never have to do it again.

FYI  All auto parts stores sell two levels of parts; value and premium. Stick with the premium parts, whenever possible.
Many 'value' parts do not live up to their name.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Generator Fuel Line and Fuel Pump
Reply #17 –
It surprises me that Rock Auto doesn't list/carry the correct fuel pump; they usually have pretty much every part one might need! The link I listed was the page that came up after I plugged in 2002 Ford E450 6.8L V-10.

Thanks especially for this information, Larry! (Putting this in my "engine" folder!)

"You want a center location, 3-port pump, one port each for the engine's  fuel supply, emissions vapor control and the generator fuel outlet."

In addition to Napa, is it likely that a Ford truck center parts department would stock the appropriate pump?

2003 TK has a new home
Re: Generator Fuel Line and Fuel Pump
Reply #18 –
Quote from: JCT  - 
It surprises me that Rock Auto doesn't list/carry the correct fuel pump; they usually have pretty much every part one might need! The link I listed was the page that came up after I plugged in 2002 Ford E450 6.8L V-10.

In addition to Napa, is it likely that a Ford truck center parts department would stock the appropriate pump?
There are many variations of the E450, with different bodies (or lack of), engines and axles. Each has its own needs.
Finding the right pump can be an adventure.

With so many different pumps, I doubt if any local dealer has one in stock, unless they specialize in Class Cs MHs.
A Ford dealer should be able to get the right one and their parts manuals are more detailed than the online versions.

An experience (old guy) Napa parts person should also be able to find the right one.

As mentioned before, the entire assembly can be replaced or the old assembly can be taken apart for replacement of just the pump and inlet filter.  This can be difficult, with some pumps, easy with others.
Most shops prefer to install a new entire assembly due to fewer chances of problems that will not become apparent until everything is reassembled.  I'm in this camp, preferring to spend a few extra bucks to avoid problems down the road.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Generator Fuel Line and Fuel Pump
Reply #19 –
For my 2006 RB I have a replacement fuel pump in hand. It has one fuel line to the engine, one fuel line for the generator with the pickup tube ending about four inches from the bottom of the tank, and an electrical connector.


The box has part number Motorcraft PFS-298-6C2Z-9H307-CA Sender and pump asy Made In Thailand.

The pump has part number 6C24-9H307-CB

We ordered it by giving the Ford dealer the VIN number.            
Harry 2006RB
 
Re: Generator Fuel Line and Fuel Pump
Reply #20 –
Upgrades have been completed. Thanks for everyones input regarding generator fuel line and fuel pump replacement.
Diagnosis of the fuel line was performed by Fred Simmer of Gen Tech, Cedar Park, TX. While performing the diagnosis and a minor tuneup he informed me that since the use of unleaded fuel maintenance of the spark arrestor in not necessary.
Diesel Tech of Leander, TX replaced the fuel line and the pump assembly with OEM Motorcraft.
Previously installed refrigerator,  now AC and long over due Fantastic bath fan was installed by Dan Bailey of TDRV, mobile service, Lakeway, TX. I highly recommend all of these services.
Malcolm
Austin, TX
2002 Mid Bath