330 Cat Diesel Randomly shutting down

[Maddmike]

Originally Posted by csmart94

Maybe im wrong about what im seeing, I pay a shop to service mine, just assumed it was fuel filter.

It is a fuel filter but there are two. I know the primary is back there which has an oil/water separator, and then the secondary is supposed to be on the engine.

[csmart94]

Hope this helps

[Maddmike]

Originally Posted by csmart94

Hope this helps

That is the primary according to the manual. I'm looking for the secondary. Is it possible that some Caterpillar 3126 engines only have the one chassis fuel filter and not the secondary fuel filter? The Caterpillar manual refers to both filters and when I called with the serial number they gave me Cat fuel filters--which I bought and don't fit where the water/fuel separator goes (at least it doesn't look like it would fit).



I changed out the rear filter as there was a Wix there and I ordered the same one off Amazon.

[Kelm130]

We had a 2003 Journey 36GD with a Cat 330 and it only had the one filter on the back end with the water separator on it. Yes just 1. I’d take it to Freightliner service in Gaffney every year and that’s what they told me and that’s the only one they ever changed.

[Maddmike]

Originally Posted by Kelm130

We had a 2003 Journey 36GD with a Cat 330 and it only had the one filter on the back end with the water separator on it. Yes just 1. I’d take it to Freightliner service in Gaffney every year and that’s what they told me and that’s the only one they ever changed.

Well that's good to know. This forum and the Cat manuals indicated two fuel filters. I thought I was losing my mind. Just the one is easy to change and doesn't require removing anything.

Now if I can just figure out how to lube that fan pulley while I have the bed apart. Not sure what to do with the two Cat branded fuel filters that Freightliner told me I needed based on my engine serial number.

[Kelm130]

Freightliner has a 24 hour helpline they have been the most helpful when I had questions. I think this is it 1 (800) 385-4357. I did go to a local Cat dealer when I needed an alternator and a small oil filter leak. If you live anywhere near Gaffney or pass by it in your travels you should let them give it an inspection/maintenance.

[Kelm130]

When I get home I can send you the 4 maintenance schedule sheets they used. Each year it would use a different sheet. They all had common things like lube, oil, filters etc.. but then there would be separate items depending on where you were in the 4 year cycle. Our local Freightliner truck service center was an RV Oasis shop but they were not as RV friendly as Gaffney. Trucks are their bread and butter. Local shop was 20 minutes away and Gaffney was 4-5 hours and I always went to Gaffney unless it was an emergency.

[Maddmike]

So after my filter change I started up the RV just fine. Today is out trip and I went to start it and it ran for a minute and then shut off. Now it wont start (cranks but won't catch).

Could there be air in the line? What am I doing wrong.

[csmart94]

Dumb question. Did you fill filter full of fuel before putting it on?

[Mongobird]

Originally Posted by Maddmike

Well that's good to know. This forum and the Cat manuals indicated two fuel filters. I thought I was losing my mind. Just the one is easy to change and doesn't require removing anything.

Now if I can just figure out how to lube that fan pulley while I have the bed apart. Not sure what to do with the two Cat branded fuel filters that Freightliner told me I needed based on my engine serial number.

What are the CAT filter numbers? One will likely be a 2 micron filter mounted on the engine.

[Maddmike]

Originally Posted by Mongobird

What are the CAT filter numbers? One will likely be a 2 micron filter mounted on the engine.

That's what everyone told me but see above, I could not locate the engine mounted filter so I changed out the oil water separator only.

[Maddmike]

Originally Posted by csmart94

Dumb question. Did you fill filter full of fuel before putting it on?

No, because both Cat and various YouTube videos say not to do that as you chance contaminating the injectors due to that being post filter.


I'm going to go look for the return line and try to prime it. Is this accessible from the top or bottom, does anyone know?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGIRz7cf9SM

[csmart94]

Your problem in air in the line.

[Maddmike]

Originally Posted by csmart94

Your problem in air in the line.

Anyone have pictures of where the return line is?

[Maddmike]

Is the hard yellow line it?

https://photos.app.goo.gl/yUjCsgfU1XhWNkPF8

[Maddmike]

So based on another YouTube video, it looks like this is it on the backside of the engine (facing the front of the coach).

https://photos.app.goo.gl/CZLWBvQwjiB8ZFSV8

[csmart94]

On my diesel pickup, I fill the filter full plus it has a primer. If you pour fuel in the center hole on the filter wont it filter the fuel before going to the injectors?

[Maddmike]

Originally Posted by csmart94

On my diesel pickup, I fill the filter full plus it has a primer. If you pour fuel in the center hole on the filter wont it filter the fuel before going to the injectors?

Some people pour it in the outside ring of the filter. The inside is post-filter. If I can't get suction I will fill the filter.

[Maddmike]

Well, I got it primed and started. Tanks for all of the assistance.

[csmart94]

Thats good news. Hope your problems are behind you. How did you prime it?