Diesel engine problem

[StanDonna]

We're on a trip in our 2004 Coachmen Cross Country. My wife who is on oxygen and can't walk very far and I are parked at a truck stop in Panguitch Utah. The engine was running fine two days ago and had been for over two thousand miles. Then, as I was driving the engine, Cummins 340 with turbo, lost power and we were barely able to get to this place. I have a scangaugeD and yesterday it showed that the fuel filter might be the problem. I was able to get the filter replaced, but that didn't fix the problem. The engine acts like its starving for fuel. The check engine light stays on and now, after replacing the filter/water separator, the scangauge gives a code of 97-03, which says when I look it up that it's fuel water sensor. I asked several places here in town and apparently there are no diesel mechanics here. It was suggested that we could have our motorhome towed to a diesel shop, but the nearest one is 100 miles away. Does anyone have any ideas as to what I could do? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Were desperately trying to get back to Oregon.

[Toddupton]

Have it towed to a diesel shop.

[SeaDog]

Get hold of your insurance company or your road side assistance and have it taken to a diesel shop. You may ask some of the truckers where the best and closet shop is.

[Ford Idaho]

The water separator is on the left side of the engine.

Wire disconnected?

Canister full?

You can most likely see it from below.

[StanDonna]

On this engine, the primary filter and water separator are combined in one unit. I got it replaced yesterday, but that didn't fix the problem.

[Ford Idaho]

I see, I guess the code was cleared at that time.

Sometimes if you turn the key off and on (do not try to start) several times it might reset.

If not!

I would disconnect the battery/ies and do a "hard" reset.

[bob caldwell]

Scan gauge should be able to clear code..,..sounds like air in fuel lines......clear code and re-start and try a little higher rpm then idle for a bit

[Pleasantsurroundings]

Sounds to me like the turbo booster boot came off.......why do I think that.....ours came off three times on our way to FL. Finally had to have the Ford Dealer put new clamps on it.

[Bama Rambler]

Those water in fuel sensors are bad about 'holding' water on the tips. Draining and replacing the filter won't clear the fault. You actually have to dry the water off the sensor tips to get the error to clear.

If they didn't dry off the sensor when they replaced the filter then the error didn't clear.

[StanDonna]

I just noticed that the guy did not replace the filter yesterday. I thought he did, but my original filter is still there. When I drain water/fuel out of the water separator petcock and then restart engine there is no code and no check engine light. Engine runs well at idle, but not when I rev it up. Rpm's start dropping, surging, and then I again get the engine check light and the scan code 94-02. I'm thinking that I should have Napa get me a new filter. The old filter could be clogged. Thanks for any replies Stan

[Bama Rambler]

I searched for that error code, but can't find anything on it.

[toslow]

Originally Posted by Pleasantsurroundings

Sounds to me like the turbo booster boot came off.......why do I think that.....ours came off three times on our way to FL. Finally had to have the Ford Dealer put new clamps on it.

Really, how would this set a water in fuel code?

this might help you out

http://www.newyorkbussales.com/wp-co...DE-UPDATED.pdf

[Pleasantsurroundings]

Never mind....😃

[FrankG]

Polked around the internet and found references to the 97 3 Cummins engine fault code. Water in Fuel Signal voltage high, "no effect on engine performance"

I think you need to look elseware, in the morning you should be able to talk to a Cummins service center and get some professional guidance.

Good luck and enjoy the evening.

[Skyliner]

Get the fuel filter replaced asap! I hope you can do it yourself. It is not difficult to do. Anytime a diesel acts up, replace the fuel filter before looking elsewhere.

This and other threads remind me of the importance of the ability of DIY maintenance especially on diesels. One won't always be near a maintenance shop to help.

BTW, each of my 3 diesels always has a spare fuel filter in the vehicle just in case. Not too long ago, I got bad fuel which clogged 2 fuel filters and caused the vehicle to go into limp mode when using pressing the accelerator pedal past the 1/2 way point.

[Bluepill]

If you have a spin-on filter, check this video so you don't miss the o-ring ......

https://youtu.be/yzkw720STeU

This is part 1 - The actual filter change/prime sequence

https://youtu.be/jJJcZb1lmug

[hdmtnrider]

After reading your description about how it if running, sure seems like you ma have a fuel system that is getting air in the system. As TonyD stated, replace your fuel filter first thing with new "O-Rings". Sure hope it is something this simple. I have seen slimier problems like this throw all kind of codes.

[StanDonna]

I've ordered a new fuel filter which is scheduled to be here tomorrow morning. In the meantime, thanks to a friends suggestion, I loosened up the filter slightly and had my wife turn on the key. Fuel flowed out of the opening where I'd loosened it. I then re-tightened the filter and started the engine. It purred just like it's supposed to. We left our gravel parking lot and drove down the road a couple miles to an RV park. Much nicer than the gravel parking lot. I have a feeling that there was air in the fuel line and now it's out due to what I did. I may not put on the new filter unless there is more problems, but at least I'll have it with me, which I should have had in the first place.

I'd like to thank everyone that replied and gave suggestions. Ps. There is no longer a check engine light or any scanguage codes. My wife, my dog, and I are smiling again. Stan

[Skyliner]

Great news!

[Pleasantsurroundings]

Yay!😃