Permanent Sight-Glass for fuel line(s)

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by VisionLogistics, Dec 3, 2012.

  1. VisionLogistics

    VisionLogistics Road Train Member

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    I've had real problems in the past and present with air in my fuel system (ISX 475 CM870). I'm curious if anyone has installed a sight glass or comparable device on each side of the IFSM to watch for air. The shop uses a clear hose and screws it into the inlet and return ports. Would a rig like that be OK for permanent duty?
     
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  3. Pablo-UA

    Pablo-UA Road Train Member

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    I used transparent fuel lines on intake.
     
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  4. VisionLogistics

    VisionLogistics Road Train Member

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    Any idea on where to look for the source of air in my return line? We're struggling to find it, and it's A LOT of air.

    Things we've checked:

    - all 4 actuators (timing and fuel)
    - Anti drain back valves
    - Bypass valve (on the back of the IFSM)
    - Injectors (it now has 6 new ones still didn't solve the problem)
    - New lift pump
    - New fuel pump
    - New fuel line on the inlet side

    No air going into the IFSM. The shop is pulling off the IFSM body today and they're going to try swapping the entire module out to see if that fixes it.

    The fuel in the return line coming off the IFSM is clean and not contaminated. If the head had a problem and was sucking air the return fuel would be contaminated with oil or coolant, yes?

    This is a real mystery.
     
  5. Pablo-UA

    Pablo-UA Road Train Member

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    return stream may damage line of wrong pressure rating. It is dangerouse
     
  6. VisionLogistics

    VisionLogistics Road Train Member

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    I don't understand what you mean.
     
  7. VisionLogistics

    VisionLogistics Road Train Member

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    Oh do you mean that a clear fuel line on the return may not be the correct pressure rating and could be dangerous?
     
  8. Pablo-UA

    Pablo-UA Road Train Member

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    yeah, clogged a bit may blow, especially with hot fuel
     
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  9. Gear head

    Gear head Medium Load Member

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    Cat makes a sight glass that gets put in line it would work and never leak. Its made out of very thick plexie glass round pipe.
     
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  10. Shade Tree

    Shade Tree Light Load Member

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    What makes you think it is air? Sometimes the most common problems cause biggest issue. You have changed everything but return lines which if plugged can cause engine to retain air/pressure thereby causing common problem. The amount of return fuel can fill a five gallon bucket in about two or three minutes and if the return is plugged it will cause same faults.
     
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  11. VisionLogistics

    VisionLogistics Road Train Member

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    I have a clear line on it and can see the air. I'm not talking an occasional bubble. I'm talking 50-75% air. Rev it up and it gets even worse, turning a semi clear stream of return fuel into nothing but foam. The shop can't figure it out, and I'm on the verge of slapping down $25k for a reman ISX from cummins just to get the truck back on the road working again. Unless they find the source of the air, I don't think it will get any better performance wise. It surges terribly, runs rough, is barely getting 5 MPG with an empty trailer (it used to get 11 MPG with my empty), knocking, no power, just totally gutless now...

    Each shop has thrown thousands of $$ worth of parts at the problem and it's still not fixed. I'm at a point where I need to cut my losses and get her back to work.
     
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