388, draws fuel from ONLY left tank!

Discussion in 'Peterbilt Forum' started by tracyq144, Dec 24, 2010.

  1. tracyq144

    tracyq144 Heavy Load Member

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    Feb 15, 2009
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    I first noticed this problem last winter, when the outside temp would get really cold (below 20F, maybe below 15?). As soon as I got in warmer temps, the problem would go away. This is a company truck, and the shop won't "waste" time on a problem that is not occurring "at this moment."

    Same thing started this winter, but now when I get back in warmer weather (two solid weeks in 60+), it still won't draw any fuel from righthand tank. Well, not quite. In the warmer temps it will maybe draw 1/3 to 1/10 the amount of fuel from the rh as versus the lh.

    Since the problem is now so obvious, the shop will look into it, but it probably means removing the tank, and sending it to an outside shop, which is either going to mean a week or more downtime for me, or getting in a Volvo (yuck!) while it is fixed.

    Any ideas what could cause this, though?
     
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  3. IH Truck Guy

    IH Truck Guy Road Train Member

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    The fuel return line has a spiltter valve to send warm fuel back to both tanks.You are only filling one tank..
    That is where the problem will be..That is if Pete uses a similar setup like IH..
     
  4. HEAVY DUDE

    HEAVY DUDE Road Train Member

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    I almost sure the fuel is gelling~not completely tho. Its gelling in the filter and causes a restriction, thus pulling more fuel from the tank closest to the filter. The restriction causes the pump to 'pull' harder thus it pulls more from the drivers side. This happens to me also and the cure is add Howes and/or change the filter.
     
  5. country29

    country29 Medium Load Member

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    Feb 27, 2010
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    also, just for the heck of it, check both tank vents to make sure they are clear, and the return splitter, but it is probably due to fuel trying to gel. make sure to run a antigel, and a good fuel/water separator. good luck.
     
    rjones56 Thanks this.
  6. Bent Wrench

    Bent Wrench Medium Load Member

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    Aug 11, 2009
    Cornholio, OR
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    Run the tank dry and call a tow truck, then the shop will fix it.

    If you're not willing to get out of the truck long enough to get it fixed, it limits your options.
     
  7. groundpounder

    groundpounder Road Train Member

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    vent hose was the culprit when the same thing happened to me..

    agreed...
     
  8. Krooser

    Krooser Road Train Member

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    Jul 25, 2010
    Wisconsin
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    There's a fuel valve located above the transmission that directs the return fuel to each tank... when that valve goes bad it does exactly what you are describing...

    I replaced mine on my 379 with a simple brass junction without the internal valves, etc... cheap and easy fix.... but a dirty job.
     
  9. HEAVY DUDE

    HEAVY DUDE Road Train Member

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    Jan 5, 2010
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    Good advice folks except this is happening only when its cold outside.
     
  10. tracyq144

    tracyq144 Heavy Load Member

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    Feb 15, 2009
    MN
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    No, not exactly (I thought I said it kept up when I got in warmer weather?)

    Anyway, drove it into the shop today to write it up, again, and it was idling rough, got an active fault on the Road Relay that said low fuel system pressure. After I shut it off for a half hour or so, it would not start again. Plenty of fuel (even with the only one tank deal), so now the shop does have it, and will send it to Peterbilt or Cummins, tomorrow.

    I'll be glad to have it fixed, I hate driving in bad weather, and having to worry about the truck breaking down on top of that. I'll let you all know what the outcome is as soon as I find out.

    Thanks for all the replies.
     
  11. HEAVY DUDE

    HEAVY DUDE Road Train Member

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    Jan 5, 2010
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    You said it starts in cold temps.
     
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