Since running out of fuel is usually not a pleasant experience and can be a big inconvenience, especially on diesel, we recommend keeping the fuel level above the 1/4 mark on your gauge.
The gauge registers approximately how much fuel is in the tank, but due to the design of fuel pickup tubes, all fuel in the tank may not be able to be used. Sometimes on diesel models, when low on fuel, foaming may occur in the tank and cause air to get in the lines. This may cause erratic engine performance which would alert you to a low fuel situation.
AGAIN: We recommend keeping the fuel level above the 1/4 mark.
(For use when changing fuel filters)
3116 CAT (U240)
Fuel Filter Replacement: Engine should not require priming for normal fuel filter replacement. Both the primary (Racor “frame-mounted”) and the secondary should be filled with fresh, clean fuel before installation. After new filters are installed, start the engine, hold RPM at approximately 1200, for 1 to 2 minutes to clear any entrapped air. The primary fuel filter is located on the frame on the driver’s side of the engine. The secondary fuel filter is located on the engine at the rear of the coach.
Priming Engine: In the event, the engine has run out of fuel, priming will be necessary, due to air in filters, lines, lift pump, injector pump, injector lines, and injectors. The following procedure should be followed:
1. Add a minimum of 10 – 20 gallons of fuel to the tank.
2. Fill fuel filters.
3. The pump is located on the base of the secondary filter at the rear of the coach. The pump will be hard to pump at first and then get softer. This is a sign that air is in the system. Continue pumping until it gets hard again.
4. If the engine doesn’t start in 10-15 seconds, loosen all six fuel injector line nuts, one to two turns. Crank engine for 30 seconds to expel air from pump and lines.
5. Tighten the six injector line nuts previously loosened. Start engine. If the engine runs “rough” or “clacks” (louder than normal), loosen injector nuts, one at a time, with engine running until the air is expelled from lines.
Never operate a starter for longer than 30 seconds. Allow 2-5 minutes to cool down between starter activations of 30 seconds.
Cummins C8.3 (U280/U295C)
1. Change filters (making sure to fill new filters with diesel ).
2. Push knob on, pump in and out.
3. The knob will be hard to pump at first and then get softer. This is a sign that air is in the system. Continue pumping until it gets hard again.
4. Crank engine and “rev” to about 1500 RPM.
5. If the engine does not start after 5-10 seconds, pump again, then crank the engine.
Cat 3176 (U300)
Use the same procedure as Cummins C8.3 except:
1. Pump unlocks and locks by pushing in on the knob and turning it 1/4 turn before pumping.
2. Change primary filter first. (located next to the pump).
3. Crank engine with the throttle all the way to the floor and let back off to 1500 RPM when the engine starts and hold for 1-2 minutes.
4. Change the secondary filter (located next to the engine).
5. Repeat pumping and cranking procedures.
Cat 3176 or Cummins M11 (U320C)
1. Change filters (It is not necessary to fill new filters with diesel).
2. Press air purge button on Winn control panel at the rear of the coach.
3. Wait 80 seconds (until the unit shuts off). 4. The engine can be restarted.