diesel water separators

[Stretch]

One other post referred to draining and re using a water contaminated filter. Any tips or comment on this, I have not tried to save one after my water issue. If I was offshore or deep in the wilderness, that would be a good trick to know.
Thx agn

 

[Kite Runner]

Sure am glad you're around Rich H. I almost drank the Cool Aid. FWIW, I use Baldwin filters since it's the most common in the truck service places near my boat and I can get them for all three cars, the primary and secondary on the boat and the boat oil filter too.

Sorry Rick D!
There are better drinks than cool aid in your neck of the woods. I didn't want to get into splitting hairs, but, 5 for 5 Yanmar mechanics up here in the NW said there is no problem running 2 micron Parker filters in my Racor 500 (designed for 60 gph) in my Yanmar 3YM30 (1/3 to 1/2gph at 300 RPM). There is absolutely no stress To the fuel pump. I always keep my tank topped, use Racor diesel treatment, and annually replace the filters. For the last three filter replacements they have shown no contamination. I do know the warmer climates can produce more concerns regarding "the bug"..

I'm not an expert on fuel filters, but, if you do the math regarding the Yanmar's gph flow rate at 3000 rpm versus the Racor 500 FG's design of 60 gph...you'll see that's a pretty big filter for such a small engine even with the 2 micron Parker fuel filter. I just have to breathe on the ignition key and it starts so easy, it Idles steady at 800 RPM and it purrs at 3000 RPM pushing my 36 Hunter a little over 6 knots. If you can protect your engine with 2 micron filter , then why let any larger particulates in the back door? Remember, we are talking marine engines...correct? By the way, I went to Balmar oil filters a year ago...3YM30 loves it.

So, my focus has really been on the small 3YM30 and I'm good with the setup I have. I have to thank Rich H for making me do more homework and I realize what Rich H has to offer deals with a much broader spectrum in fuel filtration and its demands.

Have a great summer out on the water!

 

[Ken Honeycutt]

FWIW last year I installed a Racor 500 fuel filter with a Walbro electric fuel pump that I use to circulate and polish the fuel whenever I'm docked. Also installed an Algae X (I know but it sounded good at the time). The Racor is a 30 Micron. When I changed filters this spring for commissioning the secondary 2 micron filter was completely dry and dirt free where in the past I usually got some water and some dirt particles.

 

[Steve Dion]

Kite:

I have been around this site for more than a couple of years and the advise has ALWAYS been to use a 10 micron filter or larger for a primary fuel filter.

If you know that you have a clean fuel souce and clean tank it will "probably" never be an issue. Nothing quite as exciting as losing power in close quarters (ouch).

 

[Hello Below]

I have a Hunter 376 with a Yanmar3JH2E diesel engine. It came with an enclosed Racor filter unit and I was thinking of replacing it with a clear lower bowl to detect water in the fuel.
Any recommendations?

Not sure if this is relevant to the discussion or not:

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...d=10001&page=Diesel-Filters-ABYC-Requirements

For Canadian sailors I don't believe Transport Canada requires a metal bowl for diesel engines whether it is located in the engine room or not. At least that's how I read:

http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/tp-tp1332-section7-2172.htm

In addition, my Yanmar 3YM30 has a plastic container and retaining ring that houses the primary Yanmar fuel filter. This is a standard filter is fitted right on the engine from the manufacturer.

 

[Kite Runner]

Kite:

I have been around this site for more than a couple of years and the advise has ALWAYS been to use a 10 micron filter or larger for a primary fuel filter.

If you know that you have a clean fuel souce and clean tank it will "probably" never be an issue. Nothing quite as exciting as losing power in close quarters (ouch).

Steve D,

I hear ya Steve...I'm off to purchase a couple of 10 micron filters for insurance sake. The 2's have worked fine, but, even though I inspect the bowl pre sail...it just takes one fill up of bad diesel to make your day go sour...real sour!

Cheers!
Kite Runner