'83 primary fuel filter

[cjfj]

Any one know what filters were used for the primary in a '83 34' with a 3GMf? I've been having problems since I ran out of fuel a couple of weeks ago and think it would be a good idea to change both filters

 

[Allan12210]

If its that original bronze Perko with the drain plug in the bottom, now is the time to toss it and replace with a small Racor. I moved mine up where it is easy to get to, added a priming bulb and a vacuum gauge.

While you are at it if the fuel system is all original, change the fuel line (1/4") and pull the dip tube out of the tank and verify there is no screen crammed up in the bottom of that tube. It will only cause trouble in the future. Really big trouble.

 

[Stretch]

Racor R12T is big enough. I use an electric priming pump, but a bulb works fine.

Have you drained the stuff in the bottom of the fuel tank ?

Allan x2

 

[Alan Gomes]

If its that original bronze Perko with the drain plug in the bottom, now is the time to toss it and replace with a small Racor. I moved mine up where it is easy to get to, added a priming bulb and a vacuum gauge.

While you are at it if the fuel system is all original, change the fuel line (1/4") and pull the dip tube out of the tank and verify there is no screen crammed up in the bottom of that tube. It will only cause trouble in the future. Really big trouble.

When I purchased my 1984 Ericson 26 a little over a year ago, the surveyor made this notation in his report under the section entitled "Violations of U.S.C.G, N.F.P.A., A.B.Y.C, and/or other safety standards":

"Remove the 'squeeze ball' type priming pump from the fuel line. This device is not approved for use below deck or with diesel fuel."

 

[Stu Jackson]

If its that original bronze Perko with the drain plug in the bottom, now is the time to toss it and replace with a small Racor. I moved mine up where it is easy to get to, added a priming bulb and a vacuum gauge.

While you are at it if the fuel system is all original, change the fuel line (1/4") and pull the dip tube out of the tank and verify there is no screen crammed up in the bottom of that tube. It will only cause trouble in the future. Really big trouble.

1. Instead of a priming bulb, install an electric fuel pump. It will make bleeding a lot easier.

2. If you do this, and you should, be careful: http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5078.msg31743.html#msg31743

 

[Allan12210]

"Remove the 'squeeze ball' type priming pump from the fuel line. This device is not approved for use below deck or with diesel fuel."

The packaging indicated it is safe to use with diesel (Moeller). I wasn't aware about the below deck requirement. Thanks.

 

[cjfj]

If its that original bronze Perko with the drain plug in the bottom, now is the time to toss it and replace with a small Racor. I moved mine up where it is easy to get to, added a priming bulb and a vacuum gauge.

While you are at it if the fuel system is all original, change the fuel line (1/4") and pull the dip tube out of the tank and verify there is no screen crammed up in the bottom of that tube. It will only cause trouble in the future. Really big trouble.

Thanks Alan,
the system was just cleaned and line changed. the filter looks like the orgional, a bronze beast hidden behind the exhust hose.
Did you add the priming bulb inline or in parrell with the fuel hose? I'd like to add an electric puump but want to get this done so we can enjoy the next few weeks sailing.

 

[Charles Erwin]

Cannot locate ABYC prohibition for squeeze ball primer in below-deck diesel case. Can someone provide citation?

Charles

 

[Stu Jackson]

I'm not sure there's a "citation" but previous discussions on this and other sailing forums indicate that the squeeze bulbs are made for gas, not diesel. I suppose one could extrapolate and make note that the material is not Type A fuel hose for diesel.

 

[Charles Erwin]

Thank you - yes evidently the argument is that the "bulb" is part of the fuel line and does not meet an ABYC diesel fuel line standard -- or at least bulbs are not marked even if they actually met the ABYC standard.

Meanwhile USCG does not have any regulation applicable to diesel installations in uninspected vessels. NFPA has no standard applicable to vessels either. The only organization that speaks to diesel fuel line is ABYC at H 33 but I do not have the latest revisions. I think both A1 and B1 line (now EPA A1-15 B1-15) are permissible under the newest revision of H 33.

Contrary to Gomes surveyor, there is no regulation that prohibits a squeeze bulb primer in a diesel case.

I am staying with the manual squeeze bulb.

Charles

 

[Allan12210]

Thanks Alan,
the system was just cleaned and line changed. the filter looks like the orgional, a bronze beast hidden behind the exhust hose.
Did you add the priming bulb inline or in parrell with the fuel hose? I'd like to add an electric puump but want to get this done so we can enjoy the next few weeks sailing.

If you look at the photo of my filter you can see right behind it is the squeeze bulb. I just added a short piece of proper fuel line from the bulb into the Racor, so it is in line. It sure is easy to bleed the system. You can always add the electric option when you have more time.

That beastie behind the exhaust hose is what I had. It was too much trouble to service and even if I had moved it, you can't see through it anyway so the Racor is a good upgrade.

Based on the other comments above, I think I will be keeping my squeeze bulb as well. At least mine was deemed diesel compatable.

 

[cjfj]

If you look at the photo of my filter you can see right behind it is the squeeze bulb. I just added a short piece of proper fuel line from the bulb into the Racor, so it is in line. It sure is easy to bleed the system. You can always add the electric option when you have more time.

That beastie behind the exhaust hose is what I had. It was too much trouble to service and even if I had moved it, you can't see through it anyway so the Racor is a good upgrade.

Based on the other comments above, I think I will be keeping my squeeze bulb as well. At least mine was deemed diesel compatable.

Thanks Allan,
Looks like a solid plan to me. One additional question for the masses...You have the fuel shutoff valve at the primary filter, any problems or concerns with not having it at the tank where mine is located and it is nearly imposable for me to get to?

 

[Allan12210]

Thanks Allan,
Looks like a solid plan to me. One additional question for the masses...You have the fuel shutoff valve at the primary filter, any problems or concerns with not having it at the tank where mine is located and it is nearly imposable for me to get to?

Exactly why I installed a second one there. I always shut it off when changing the filter to prevent siphoning or leak back.

 

[Dalliance]

ABYC standards for fuel filters within the engine compartment require that they pass a 2.5 minute heat test (ANSI/UL 1105). The filters that meet this requirement have either a metal bowl or a metal heat shield. While more convenient, the unprotected see-thru bowl in the engine space will not pass US Coast Guard inspection.

I replaced the old Perko bronze beast with the Racor 120 series with metal bowl and 30 micron filter element as the primary filter. The Yanmar engine mounted filter (10 micron) remains as the secondary filter.

 

[Stretch]

Thanks Daliance, it looks like I need something like these photos to comply.