How to Clean Your Motorhome’s Fuel Filters
Buying a motorhome is a life investment, but with proper maintenance, you will save a considerable amount of money in the long run.
Fuel filters collect dirt, and large particles as fuel are drawn from the tank through the lines. With time, the gunk will build-up, thus clogging the fuel filter. You can either clean your motorhome’s fuel filters or replace them with new ones.
Which signs show that your fuel filters are dirty?
- If your engine won’t start
- If the engine takes a lot of time to start
- When the engine stalls especially if you are on an incline
- The engine has a better performance at high speeds than at low speeds
- Hesitation when climbing a slope or accelerating
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The process of cleaning or changing a fuel filter on class A varies from one motorhome to another. If the fuel filter is made from a paper or nylon, you should replace it. However, if you have got a metal fuel filter and it is not too grimy, consider cleaning it. Follow these steps when cleaning the fuel filter:
- Release fuel pressure – since the fuel system is under pressure from the fuel pump, the first step entails releasing this pressure. By doing this, you will prevent fuel from blasting out at you.
- To release pressure, remove the gas cap. However, sometimes you may have to remove the fuse to the fuel pump and then idle the engine.
- Now you will have to find where the fuel filter is. The filter can either be located at an access panel near the engine or with the engine itself. Depending on the motorhome you own, you will have to look for the fuel filter, gather necessary tools (Allen wrenches or a set of hex), and rags to wipe spilled fuel.
- At the top, you will find three hoses or pipes. Make sure you know them or label them to avoid hooking them wrongly.
- To wipe/collect any fuel that spills out, place some rags around each of the hoses before removing them. The hoses are usually held by clamps, which can be loosened by a screwdriver with ease. If any of the hoses have a water sensor (can be on top or at the bottom), just unplug it.
- Remove the water valve and drain all the contents into a container. The content will be a mixture of fuel and water.
- With the connections off, you will have to find where the fuel filter is anchored. Reaching the fuel filter can be stressful and daunting, but with the right tools, you can easily pull the filter out.
- After you have pulled the fuel filter out, you will find a water sensor on the bottom. You need to turn it and pull it out because you will have to use it again (put it) in the new filter.
- Clean the water sensor by wiping it and then put a little grease on the threads to ease installation. Press the sensor into the new filter and then twist. Then, place the new filter in position and screw it back tightly.
- Remove the plastic caps (used to protect the pipe fittings) and grease the areas. Use your hands to screw the water valve in place and then plug in the electrical connector.
- Use a funnel to fill the fuel filter with clean fuel. After refilling, refit the three hoses/pipes at the top in the right order. One of the hoses should be marked to ease the refitting process.
- Ensure there are no leaks from the filter then start your engine. Recheck leaks once more than leaving the engine idle for about ten minutes to remove any bubbles.
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Video Overview: How to clean your motorhome’s fuel filter – expert advice from Practical Motorhome’s Diamond Dave
