Hi Guys, (I also posted this in the truck maintenance forum but need quick help, so hope someone here might know the answer to this too!)

I have had my truck in about 4 times to the shop now, and am finally taking matters into my own hands. I have a 1999 International 9400 with an N14 Cummins. This truck has a DAVCO 382 heated fuel filter installed. Had no problems until last summer when I noticed that if the truck sat a few days between trips it was hard to start. It would start, run a few seconds, then quit and I had to crank it quite awhile to start it.

As fall came on and colder temps, I decided I best get this fixed. In to the shop she went. First effort on their part: No change. Don't know what they did, but it didn't fix it.

Second effort: They replaced the check valve on the ECM. Surely that would fix it. Nope.

Third Effort: Took apart the inlet to the DAVCO and cleaned the check ball and spring. Surely that would fix it. Nope.

Fourth Effort: Told me to take the truck to the Cummins dealer to see if they could fix it. They charged me $200 to say, "Yep, the problem is somewhere in the filter". Their solution: Replace the filter $750, add labor $550, and assorted other charges for a total of $1300. I paid them their $200 and left.

At this point, I, the non-mechanic, got involved with my own salvation. I called a nice lady at Davco who said there is no way the "whole filter" needed replaced. She overnighted me a repair kit including new O-rings for the top and bottom, and a new check valve kit.

I took them to my original mechanix and thought, great, problem will be solved. They replaced the upper parts and the mechaninc told me he "would have broken the bottom ring trying to get it off so left it alone". I had to make a trip so took off hoping problem solved. Nope.

I am now home. I went to the shop and asked for my bottom O-ring back. I am going to spray some energy release or penetrating oil on the bottom tightener tomorrow, and get it off and replace that gasket. I will also check all the other fittings and use some new teflon tape or whatever.

Does anyone else who has worked on these units have any good ideas before I go berzerk? Rolling Eyes Thanks guys! Cool

 

I think that your problem is with the bottom O ring in your davco. I had the same problem just a month or so ago. Mine started with a small fuel drip then hard starting and finally ended up sucking air in Amarillo. Limped it home to my mechanic he replaced the bottom O ring...problem solved. Hope this helps.

 

Thankss for the reply CDSCHNZ. I am thinking that may be the problem, too. I tried to get the bottom "mason jar ring" off, but it is stuck tight. Put penetrating oil on it but could not get it with my strap wrench. When I get home from this trip, I will round up a big pair of Channel Locks and get that damn thing off. :x I believe you are onto something; the air leak has gone from minor to major and now I have to remove the top cap and fill the filter with diesel just to get it running in the mornings....

Again, thanks for the reply!!! 8)