Clear bowl fuel filter

T

thaeni

.
Sep 28, 2008
120
Hunter 33.5 Chicago
I have a 1992 33.5. I would like to change my metal bowl filter (110) to
a clear bowl. I understand clear bowls are not to be used in an engine
compartment. My filter is 4' behind my engine. The engine compartment
is enclosed. Only the transmission is visible. Would a clear bowl Racor
be Coast Guard approved?
 
py26129

py26129

.
Oct 25, 2011
576
Island Packet IP31 Lake St. Louis, Montreal
Where did you get the information regarding clear bowls not being CG approved in the engine compartment? Just trying to lift my own ignorance.

My IP was delivered with a filter, in the engine compartment, that had a clear bowl which I just replaced this spring, with a Racor that also has a clear bowl. I had, what I considered to be a very thorough survey this spring and the surveyor made no comment about the clear bowl on the Racor.

Thanks in advance

Matt
 
Don S/V ILLusion

Don S/V ILLusion

.
Sep 25, 2008
7,435
Alden 50 Sarasota, Florida
ABYC standards for inboard fuel filter installations for gasoline or diesel engines require that filters installed within the engine space must be able to pass a two and one-half minute heat test as defined by ANSI/UL 1105. Unfortunately, Gasoline and diesel filters that meet this requirement are generally equipped with a metal bowl. Filters with plastic sight bowls must be equipped with a metal heat shield to pass the test. Boaters with diesel engines who prefer a filter with a see-thru bowl should select one of the Turbine Series by Racor, which includes the heat shield.
 
Bill Roosa

Bill Roosa

.
Jun 6, 2006
6,990
currently boatless wishing Harrington Harbor North, MD
The instruction manual for my rancor specifically states that it is not suitable and that the optional metal bowl must be used if the filter is mounted in the engine compartment.
With that said if the filter is ANYWHERE in the compartment it has to pass the fire test (along with the fuel hoses BTW) so I'm thinking that since the engine compartment is not "fully enclosed" on the transmission side, that is to say the enclosure only covers the top of the engine and flames could get to the transmission and further aft....... you would need the metal bowel or heat shield.
course if flames get that far aft you have more serious problems.
which brings up the "in case of fire you do what drill?" question. turn off the fuel at the tank would be an additional item I'm thinking.
 
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