Convert engine parts???

[Power Hungry]

I got a beginning understanding about needing to change out the two fuel lines going from the regulator to the front of the heads -- made from ss-braided teflon -- any more details on seals, fittings, etc? Also what kind of fuel filter is good to buy for biodiesel, and are there any ways to clean out a dirty system or flush it out if it is dirty. Anything else to do to ensure optimum conditions for running B100 in my 1997 PS7.3?

 

[rickh]

Why would you change out those lines? Where did you find that information?
They are perfecetly fine for B100.
I have been running B100 in my 97 since August of 2005 and NO PROBLEMS.
Stock filter is fine.
As for cleaning out, thats a WHOLE LOT OF WORK dropping tanks and such.
I would ramp up, start with B20 for a tank or two, then B50 for a tank then B75 for a tank and then B100. Carry a spare filter, vinyl gloves, rags and tools to change the filter and your set to go.
You could also consider adding a filter. I use one that I can reach under the bed side and take off by hand and not even see it. Dump it out put it back on and go. This is on my 96 and I am speaking from experience. 6 clogs in 20 miles a few weeks ago! But the truck had winter fuel in it from 2005. Dont drive it much. The 97 however has never plugged on me and I have run a bunch of HOMEMADE B100 through it.
The only thing of concern other than a filter clogging may be a fuel pump on the verg of going anyway or if the short lines from the filter cansiter down low are weak and brittle from age and heat.
Rick H...

 

[dpantazis]

howdy!

filter: the standard racor filter will be fine. best price is mail order ~$17/each.
99-03 from places like powerstrokeshop.com and oilguard.com

dirty fuel system: the bio will clean it up on its own. keep extra filters with you in the truck and a wrench to remove filter lid.

lines: where are you getting the info that you have to change out the fuel lines from the filter housing to the heads? that does not sound right.

this is a wiki page on upgrading to a regulated return on newer PSD's. there are some diffrences in the pre and post 97 fuel systems, but the heads are the same. info on fittings there.

http://superdutydiesel.com/wiki2/tiki-read_article.php?articleId=37

hoping someone smarter than me will jump in here to shed more light on the fuel lines.

dennis

 

[hheynow]

lines: where are you getting the info that you have to change out the fuel lines from the filter housing to the heads? that does not sound right.

Perhaps he read the thread of mine titled hose woes when I noticed my two fuel return lines had melted. The classic bioD vs. rubber scenario. I'm not alone with having this problem as Tx_Atty's line's were melted too. Many never experience this meltdown.

 

[Tx_Atty]

Yes he got it from me. He has the same truck I do and, like Richard said, he, Richard that is, and I both had those lines deteriorate rapidly. If you are running b100 and you havent checked them, I suggest you do. I also have a local friend that had the exact same issue.

 

[JOAT]

May have been more an age issue than the Biodiesel. Mine still are fine, but I think the PO changed at least one of them at some point.

 

[rickh]

Now we are talking about the SS braided lines that go from the frame to the engine and then steel up to the valley, right?
I inspected the returns through the selector valve and up over tanks last July and all was fine. We have about 9,000 this season on B100 homemade.
Rick H...

 

[Tx_Atty]

I think there may be a misunderstanding. The replaced lines are originally rubber in the currigated plastic and are being replaced with SS teflon. They go from the regulator to the front of both heads.

I doubt it could be age related, as both Richard and I have 97s, if ones on older trucks are not having the problem. The lines became wet and sticky and what would rub off was like tar and very difficult to remove from anything onto which it gets.

 

[Power Hungry]

Thanks!

Thanks for the info -- this biodiesel forum rocks.

I'm going on a 3 month camping trip in California with my family and we're going from deserts to mountains, to the coast and will probably experience all sorts of weather (in CA you drive to the seasons, unlike my youth in Vermont, where they come to you!) We want to use biodiesel throughout, and I look forward to no problems!?! I will have internet access so I'll be checking in fairly regularly.

I'm getting a new filter and spares, and will have the fuel lines checked and replaced with the "SS" braided teflon -- thanks Tx Atty and all.

One question -- how do I know if the fuel tanks are clean or dirty? Dropping them and cleaning them sounds like quite a project.

Chris

 

[Tx_Atty]

you wont know until you see stuff in the filter. it will depend on the quality fuel you have had over time and how much, if any, crud it has deposited in the tank. you'll just have to wait and see.

have a great trip. It sounds great.