Relocating Davco Fuel Filter and Power Steering Reservoir

[Glennman]

In the process of installing a new air compressor on my Series 60, I'm relocating my Davco fuel filter and power steering reservoir to the rear corner of the engine compartment above the spot where the air conditioning pump used to be. This will make access to the side of the engine much better. At any rate, I will be replacing the fuel line that goes from the filter assembly to the engine, especially since it already has some damage to the braided exterior. When I replace that line, I (obviously) will be introducing air into the system. I've watched quite a few videos on priming the system, but I am not able to find a video that deals with my specific bus, as most are on Freightliners, etc. I'm replacing the fuel filter and O-rings as well.

Any advice on how to deal with the introduction of air into the fuel system?

[luvrbus]

You need to follow the instructions on the Davco some of those call for mounting above the tank level or they don't work, priming is not a issue fill the Davco and they will self prime 

[Glennman]

Sounds great luvrbus. I basically installed a panel on which to mount both units and it just happened to be at the same height as they are now, but not because I knew better! Thanks for the great advice.

[David Anderson]

I had air cavitation in my pump which would blow fluid out the vent on a startup after sitting over night on my eagle.  I finally figured it out in 2019 by moving the reservoir up high in the engine room.  No problems since.

Here is my post from 2019

https://www.busconversionmagazine.com/forum/index.php?topic=33913.msg388637#msg388637

David

[Glennman]

I had air cavitation in my pump which would blow fluid out the vent on a startup after sitting over night on my eagle.  I finally figured it out in 2019 by moving the reservoir up high in the engine room.  No problems since.

Here is my post from 2019

https://www.busconversionmagazine.com/forum/index.php?topic=33913.msg388637#msg388637

David

That's perfect David, because today I actually reinstalled the fuel filter assembly in its new spot, and it turns out to be 1 1/2" higher than where it was. The original bracket had 2 inch elongated holes, and it was bolted as high as it could go in its previous spot. I could always modify it to be the same height as it was, but I think I'll try it where it is.

I'm having to extend the fuel line from the filter to the pump. The old one has some damage anyway, plus now it's too short. When I disconnected the line at the pump side, it has a strange connection there. The inside of the stainless braded hose fitting has what appears to be o-rings in it and it slides onto the fitting, then the very fine thread fitting screws onto it. I've never seen anything like it. I hope I don't have any problem coming up with a new hose that will fit. I'm taking it to a hydraulic hose outfit in the morning.

I also completely removed the power steering reservoir, cleaned it up (it's always been covered in oil). I'm going to paint it, replace the filter and reinstall it in its new location, I only have to extend one of the hoses, and that one has regular flared ends, so it shouldn't be too bad.

One more note on the fuel filter assembly. The unit sat at a slight tilt for some reason. the old bracket was purposely slanted a few degrees from vertical for some reason. My new mounting has it sitting vertical. I can't imagine that being a problem, but again, I can always remount it with a tilt if need be. Thanks everyone.

[Glennman]

Just to let anyone who may be interested know, I completed the relocation of the fuel filter assembly and the power steering reservoir today. The bus fired up fine, so now I am able to move on to the project of replacing the air compressor. The continuation of this subject may be more fitted to the Bus Projects part of the board, so I will place future posts there. Thanks.