Check Value fuel line

[NYSail]

Hello.... was wondering how many use a check valve on their fuel line and any comments regarding. I have a fuel filter above tank.... manual says its not a bad idea to use check value to keep a prime. I have had the filter (Racor 500) in the same place for 5+ years with no problems but just notice I do get a drop in fuel in the filter bowl of about a 1/4 inch. Racor says that's fine and should not be worried as long as engine does not have a history of air problems.

Thanks

 

[Anonymous 121765]

NY,

Optimally, your fuel/water separator should be level or lower than your injectors.
Otherwise, you have a high-point vent setup. I would think a check valve may work but, you need the correct type of valve. A spring loaded check valve is not the way to go. A wafer type would be better.

Then you have to be careful on where you place it. As close to the filter as possible would be better. However, a wafer type valve in the vertical position may allow particulates to accumulate on the flapper seal thus not fully closing. These are normally installed in the horizontal.

Your best bet though, would be to lower the primary if you can, so your filter is in the "flooded" position.

Hope this helps pal.

CR

 

[NYSail]

I do agree fully with the placement issue. Rather not have a check valve........ Am going to figure something out with placement. Let me ask..... Is there any rule of thumb how far filter should be from engine or how long of a run from tank to engine?

Thanks for opinion!

 

[Anonymous 121765]

NY,

As for distance, just don't install it in your neighbor's boat.
Take the rough distance between your tank & engine. anywhere between the two should work. I assume you also have a secondary filter before the fuel pump.

My setup is having a shutoff valve @ the lowest point of my fuel line off the tank. My primary & secondary filters are 3 feet apart. between these at the fuel line lowest point, I have another shutoff valve.

For filter changeouts, I close these. I always keep a small amount of fuel in a container. I replace the filter & container fill to the top before closing. The closed valves keep fuel in the lines & less air. I never have to bleed the injector lines for priming.

After two or three times trying to start, my engine will run alittle rough from trapped air. I bump the throttle up slightly every minute & do this for five minutes. By the end @ 1500rpm's, my system is primed & engine purring.

CR

 

[Allan12210]

A priming bulb would act as a check valve.

 

[Chris Patterson]

Racor sells a manual valve kit just for this. The good thing too with these valves is male 1/4" threads on one end, and female on the other to keep the fittings down. Three valves actually, one before, one after, and another for the water dump. This is a sweet kit that makes servicing simple and neat.