Late-model Spartan/Caterpillar fuel filter issue, be aware!!!

[FWDbuff]

For anyone having a late model Spartan with a C13 Cat, be sure to check where the fuel return line comes around the back of the engine and routes behind the fuel filter. Changed our filter today, and noted that there is some pretty significant chafing to the stainless fuel return line from rubbing up against the filter. We plan on correcting it by fabricating a plate to space out the filter assembly mount, originally installed by Spartan. Just thought I would throw this out there for everyone so you could keep an eye on yours.

[johnsb]

I'd give Spartan a call, (if you haven't already) maybe they'll pay for the fix. Is it still under warrenty or just out?

[chiefengineer11]

I'd give Spartan a call, (if you haven't already) maybe they'll pay for the fix. Is it still under warrenty or just out?

It's been out of warranty for a couple of years. Can't get Caterpillar to pay for it because they didn't put the filters where they are, Spartan did. The filter is up tight against the fuel return line, so some chafing is definitely there, but it's not in danger of going through. As Buff said, we'll address it by making a simple space plate to move the filter away from the fuel return line.

Actually, you have to give Spartan credit for the filter arrangement. CAT's filters normally are in a place that's OK to get to on a road tractor, but would be somewhere between difficult and impossible on a Spartan. Spartan moved them around to the back of the engine, left side, so they're really easy to get to. But in doing so, they didn't space the secondary fuel filter away from the fuel return line.

I don't know if filter location is an issue with any other chassis using CAT engines.

[Rescue101]

See? that's what you get from using the UNripe engine. Hehe

[chiefengineer11]

See? that's what you get from using the UNripe engine. Hehe

And as I recall, my NH220 was....?

[Rescue101]

NOT Yellow!

[chiefengineer11]

NOT Yellow!

Some other color beginning with Y?

[Rescue101]

Mine was tan/beige. Some were gray. And YOURS? If it was YELLOW,check your paint locker and see if Buff jacked some paint! Hehe

[chiefengineer11]

Mine was tan/beige. Some were gray. And YOURS? If it was YELLOW,check your paint locker and see if Buff jacked some paint! Hehe

290s on up, maybe even 270s were beige. My 220 (two-story Falcon), my buddy's (not good buddy) Emeryville and my neighbor's Emeryville with a 180 were all yellow, as I remember. Can't blame Buff, he hadn't even been born then.

[FWDbuff]

Can't blame Buff, he hadn't even been born then.

I'm sure you'll figure out some way.

[Rescue101]

Well,I HAVE an Emeryville,220,and it AIN'T yella'. I think somebody's trying to mess with ya so they can get Cat money for Cummapart components. I've NEVER seen a yellow Cummins but I haven't been around as long as some folks. You SURE you aren't confusing those with BOAT motors? Hehe

[firepundit]

Actually, you have to give Spartan credit for the filter arrangement.

Maybe they learned something when they tried to deliver three units to Peoria, Illinois where filters (oil, I believe) couldn't even be unscrewed enough to drop off. Cat engines to protect Caterpillar's world headquarters and they couldn't get it right. Cat ended up dry sumping the engines in their Chillicothe plant.