Replacement fuel filter design for Onan MDL4

[pmurphy]

I’ve had a difficult time keeping the square fuel filter housing connections from leaking on my Onan generator. No matter how tight I get them they still drip a bit after a while. I’m hoping someone can recommend a replacement filter like a small spin on canister type that I could put in place of the square one. I think that would make my life a lot easier. Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[Pascal]

Any generic fuel filter housing /bracket with spin on should work although you may have to use flexible fuel lines. For flow try to find one from a similar size genny

 

[Captain Ralph]

Blue Glue (pipe dope). Worked on a customers 20 MDL4 very well.

I have even used pink PTFE (teflon) tape with good results on wore out compression fittings.

I see you have already removed the original fuel pump. Good move.

One of our customers mounted a smaller spin-on Racor next to his Racor primary filter for his Kubota/OhNo rig.
All hose to the electric fuel pump on the engine.

 

[JuiceClark]

The big fuel filters are only a foot from the back of this genny. So, the tech said it's stupid to fight with that leaky cartridge and just to bypass it.
Problem solved!
Every time I run this old girl for hours without an issue, it surprises me - even with only 3,600 hours. $ saved.

 

[Sadey]

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but did you eliminate the filter altogether or did you relocate to a remote location?

 

[JuiceClark]

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but did you eliminate the filter altogether or did you relocate to a remote location?

No. The fuel is coming through the two big Racors mounted on the back of the generator. So, why have another fuel filter on the old generator when the fuel coming in came through the big filters only a few feet of hose away? I'm sure other models could have the big filters further from the genny.

Anyway, that's what my tech said...and he hasn't let me down, yet. (except when the invoice arrives)

 

[SKYCHENEY]

No. The fuel is coming through the two big Racors mounted on the back of the generator. So, why have another fuel filter on the old generator when the fuel coming in came through the big filters only a few feet of hose away? I'm sure other models could have the big filters further from the genny.

Anyway, that's what my tech said...and he hasn't let me down, yet. (except when the invoice arrives)

One reason for a secondary filter is to catch any debris from the fuel pump in case it happens to shred itself. Its the last place to catch it before the injection pump/injectors.