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Justus3
Canada
74 Posts |
 Posted - 10/05/2008 : 12:15:10 AM
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Well, I've had two mechanics take a look at the fuel system and both agreed that one filter/water separator placed before the electric pump is enough. I was going to relocate the secondary filters (the ones monuted so far down in the engine room that a trained monkey couldn't get at them) but their advice is to just get rid of them.
One recommended the Racor filter, the other prefers Solas.
Ron
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Rockmeister
USA
307 Posts |
Posted - 10/06/2008 : 12:12:54 PM
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The only reason I recommend a second filter is to help filter out all the years of junk from the tanks. On a new boat this isn't an issue, on an older one, it definitely is an issue.
It is much faster and easier to throw away an inline filter and just install a new one, than clean out the bigger ones.
So I use the inline as a prefilter to the main filter, and keep spares on the boat.
(They are cheap and small.)
Also agree with moving the hard to get to filters!
(Who would possibly put a filter way down there to start with? lol)
As to which one to use, I just used the existing seperators so I have no experience with the others.
Hope this helps! 
79 28' Mariner twin inboard V-drive.
SW Lake Erie: Maumee Bay & The Islands |
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BillMiller74344
USA
70 Posts |
Posted - 10/08/2008 : 01:13:07 AM
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Update on inline filters. Just replaced the ones on the Overdraft after one season. Cut the one from the port engine open to see what was in there, lots of rust and junk. The starboard was not as bad. Replaced with new off the shelf, from O'Reillys, inline on the suction side of the electric fuel pumps.
Bill
wam |
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Justus3
Canada
74 Posts |
Posted - 10/09/2008 : 9:40:06 PM
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Thanks for the advice on the in-line filters - seems like a good idea.
In the process of doing the filter work I was surprised at how many of the fuel line fittings and clamps had worked their way loose. One elbow fitting was actually leaking gas!!!
Two lessons here: 1. Check all hose clamps, elbows and connectors in the fuel line at least once every season. 2. Where possible double clamp fuel line connections.
Ron |
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Justus3
Canada
74 Posts |
Posted - 10/11/2008 : 12:06:40 PM
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| Bill - are the in-line filters the first filter your fuel goes through? Ron |
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BillMiller74344
USA
70 Posts |
Posted - 10/13/2008 : 12:59:24 AM
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Ron, it sure acts like it is. Several years back when I started having fuel flow problems I pulled the primary fuel line out of the tank. It was stiff plastic and kinked when I screwed it out. On this tank I put a 3/8" diameter stainless pipe straight down in the tank through a modified compression fitting. That allowed me to move the pipe up and down to establish the pickup depth. I place a fine mesh strainer on the end of the pipe hoping that would keep the big pieces out. With the amount of stuff that came out of the filter on that tank (port) it appears the strainer is not in place. Just as a side note, to get the pipe into the tank I had to cut a 1" diameter hole in the deck of the cockpit directly above the fitting on the tank. The pipe, if I remember is about 11" long overall. So to answer your question, the inline filters are the first filter the gas goes through after it leaves the tank and they are located about 3" above the electric pumps. Very easy to get at and change, just a couple of hose clamps as its on the suction side of the system with no pressure.
Bill
wam |
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Justus3
Canada
74 Posts |
Posted - 10/13/2008 : 5:08:30 PM
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Wow! I feel a bit humbled with my simple filter make-over. I suppose the bottom line is that the filters must be conveniently placed to allow for frequent changing.
We had the boat out yesterday for its first run on the new filter and I defintly noticed more pep and smoother running - especially at higher revs. I'm convinced that the old set-up was causing some fuel starvation.
I have just one tank. The fuel line splits after the electric pump to feed both engines. The new Solas filter is just ahead (suction side) of the electric pump. It will take either a 20 micron or a 10 micron cartidge and I plan on using the latter.
Ron
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BillMiller74344
USA
70 Posts |
Posted - 10/15/2008 : 10:16:52 AM
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Ron, good move, it may require more filter replacements but the gas can't be clean enough, especially with old tanks.
Bill
wam |
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Rockmeister
USA
307 Posts |
Posted - 10/16/2008 : 8:20:44 PM
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I agree Bill!
If you pull the cockpit frame up, you can get to the fuel pickups without having to cut a hole.
I have lifting my frame down to a science! lol
79 28' Mariner twin inboard V-drive.
SW Lake Erie: Maumee Bay & The Islands |
Edited by - Rockmeister on 10/16/2008 8:22:12 PM |
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BillMiller74344
USA
70 Posts |
Posted - 10/18/2008 : 01:16:59 AM
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Rock, explain the science, looks like a lot of hard work. Have not had the floor up as a complete unit.
Bill
wam |
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Rockmeister
USA
307 Posts |
Posted - 10/20/2008 : 10:04:56 AM
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Hi Bill!
I posted the details as a seperate topic as it was getting off topic a bit!
lol
Hope this makes it clear, if not, just ask!
79 28' Mariner twin inboard V-drive.
SW Lake Erie: Maumee Bay & The Islands |
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Topic |
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Too many fuel filters???
