Catalina 30' 1984 - Diesel Fuel Filter/Water Separator Replacement - DAHL w/element 101

[ChrisVR1994]

Hi there:

I am doing some routine maintenance on the engine of my Catalina 30 1984. I have a Universal M25. I was draining as it seems it had not been in years and discovered I would like to replace the diesel fuel filter/water separator as it has a small crack in it, the bolts are so corroded I would prefer to just renew with a better alternative. Does anyone have any recommendations for me? image attached.

Thank you all, this is a great forum!

 

[dlochner]

The Racor 500 is probably the gold standard for recreational boats. It is a bit large and space restrictions may not make this a viable choice. The Racor Spin Ons are also good choices and take up less space.

 

[mermike]

The Racor 230 series is smaller than the 500 and has more than sufficient flow (30 GPH) for your needs.

 

[ChrisVR1994]

Thank you!

 

[FastOlson]

Racor 500. Absolutely best choice.

 

[JoeWhite]

Here is what mine looks like on M35B

DSC08641 | Fuel Starvation | Catalina 36 MKII Album | Sail La Vie Home

mei1970.org

 

[ChrisVR1994]

do you recommend a particular filter micron size? 2, 10, 30?

 

[Stu Jackson]

Engines 101 - The BIGGEST & BEST collection of M25 Series Universal Engine Information on the Internet, plus some M35, too This includes a link to the Critical Upgrades topic which has more engine information please read it too.

Diesel Engine - c34.org
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Fuel Filtration 101 (with both primary Racor and secondary engine filter identification)
Fuel Filtration 101 & Racor fuel filter numbers and On to the secondary fuel filter!

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There is a lot of other good engine and general boat info here:

"101" Series - Quick Links to "Popular" Topics includes "Electrical Systems 101"

"101" Series - Quick Links to "Popular" Topics includes "Electrical Systems 101"

c34.org

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Catalina 30 Groups Link

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This comes from this sbo thread by weekendrken:

1992 Catalina 30

Also: www.catalina30.com

These are C34 threads applicable to your boat:

CRITICAL UPGRADES - DO THESE OR ELSE!!!

CRITICAL UPGRADES - DO THESE OR ELSE!!!

c34.org

"101" Series - Quick Links to "Popular" Topics includes "Electrical Systems 101"

"101" Series - Quick Links to "Popular" Topics includes "Electrical Systems 101"

c34.org

 

[JoeWhite]

do you recommend a particular filter micron size? 2, 10, 30?

Yes, 2 micron.

 

[jssailem]

The typical M25 spin on fuel filter is reported as a 20 micron filer. P/N298854

It comes in a range of price points depending on your selection of a store. There are several brand names that will match the P/N.

You want to assure a steady flow of fuel. Getting too small of a micron filter can create a fuel flow issue. A clogged filter and fuel starvation to the engine. You would want to consider more frequent fuel filter inspections.

 

[Rich 35.5]

If you want to save a few bucks, Amazon has knock off Racors for $36.00. They use the same filters, I run 10 micron. The quality may not be that of a real Racor, but I haven't heard of any problems with them, and they don't cost $300+....