Changing Fuel Filters/Yanmar

[Warren Milberg]

Would like to get a sense of frequency all of you change primary and secondary fuel filters on a Yanmar 2GM20F. I realize we all use our boats/engines differently. In my case, for example, I tend to use my engine about 60-70 hours per season. I buy diesel from a local and busy gas station that I assume has a lot more thru-put than my marina and is hopefully "fresher." I tend to keep the fuel tank nearly full all the time. I also filter the fuel with a BaHa-like water/dirt separating filter prior to pouring it in the tank on the boat. Finally, I use both a small bit of biocide and "Pri-D" stabilizing agent. The first season I had the boat, the primary filter was really dirty after a season of use; the secondary was pristine. This year, the primary was only moderately dirty and I think could have gone another full season. Yet I changed the cartridge. Again, the secondary was pristine and so I put it back in. How often and under what circumstances do you all change fuel filters?

 

[Bill]

Spring

Hi Warren,An engine with normal use should get filters changed in the spring. If there is some extenuating circumstance, more often.I wouldn't ever skip a filter change in an effort to save cash- be glad that you're filter isn't too dirty and replace itAlso, make sure you note all those good fuel system habits in the log--- it would make me buy your boat ahead of another in similar condition. Motors are expensive, and one that is well maintained is a gem.Don't forget that most filters can be purchased at NAPA or similar for about 1/2 the cost, if cash is an issue. Same filter, different paint.B

 

[Landsend]

I change mine every two years....

They are always clean.

 

[Liam]

Every 50 Hours

I change oil, oil filter, and primary Racor fuel filter every 50 hours. I change the secondary fuel filter, and change the tranny oil every 100 hours. I replace the raw water pump impeller every 150 hours. I use my diesel about 150 hours a year and have never ever had a problem.I always run at 80% and never shut down until it is good and hot.Like you, I keep the tank full and add biocide.Yanmar 3gm30F.

 

[Al]

Two years from now on

I have the same engine, though I use it less. I have two primaries, a Racor and an old Fram. I change those filters every spring. I have also changed the secondary engine filter every spring, but no more. With the two primaries, the engine filter looked brand new the last time I changed it, so from now on, every two years.

 

[Allan Frey]

vacuum gauge

Mount a vacuum gauge (WM 108490) in the fuel system at the primary filter, a simple job, with some fuel hose and fittings, and it will tell you when your filters are getting clogged and need changing. It will also help in diagnosing problems and give early warning of trouble.Allan

 

[Cap'n Ron]

Filter tilter

Warren you have some good responses here, I like Liam's attitude towards engine maintainencem running the engine until hot; most marine engines die from lack of use, but then we all know that right? Cept no one listens to that sound advice.50 hours? A small sailboat, just had one with 14h.p. Volvo saildrive, that cruise at five knots will only give you 250nm per filter at that rate....but it would be good clean fuel.I changed my oil once a year, needed or knot, the Racor was changed from 100 to 150 hours depending, and the lift-pump-filter (secondary to youse guys) was every three racor (or water-separator) filters.I also installed a "magnet filter" on advice from a petroleum engineer in New Zealand; had rust in my keel-tank and that solved that problem.

 

[NewportVic]

When you sail on and sail off a mooring ...

and use say 5 gal of diesel a year ... I upgraded to the Racor 6 years ago and have not touched it or the primary.Before that it was 10 years ... then the retaining ring on the motor mounted one cracked ... so I changed it then. That means I changed the primary once since I bought the 1985 J30.But then I got 15 years out of the impellor and only had to replace that because it sucked air motorsailing and overheated. If you have never changed it ... do and see if it looks at all dirty ... I like the racor clear bowl to give a feeling for water which is probably a hell of a greater problem for most of us than dirty fuel.Vic

 

[Big Windy]

Filters

I change mine annually, in the fall, that way clean fuel is sitting in clean filters all winter...same for eng/xmsn oil and coolant.

 

[Steve Dion]

I think that the secondary filter is 250 hrs.

I had posted these service intervals a year or two ago and I THOUGHT that it was 250 hrs on the Yanmar engine filter.

 

[Benny]

An ounce of prevention is worth more than..

a pound of trouble. Will change them once a year whether needed or not. Motor about 45 hrs a year.