I've been wondering how often to change the fuel filters on my 1982 Hunter33. It seems like I only use about 15 gallons per season, so the filters don't get much use. I have a Racor 230R2 with a 2 micron element, and the standard Yanmar(2GM) filter on the engine. I removed the original Perco primary filter and installed the Racor in 2002. I've owned the boat about 10 years and Replaced the Yanmar filter a couple times and checked it a couple times. I've never seen more than a few specks in the fuel bowl, and the filter looks like new whenever I check it. There has never been any water or particles visible in the Racor, so I assume the Yanmar filter is still clean. I'm wondering if the Racor could clog (especially since its a 2 micron) with "invisible" gunk. Also, do filters deteriorate with age? I wouldn't want to leave one in for twenty years, But changing every year seems a waste of time and money. There must be a logical optimum life expectancy for the filter material. Anyone know what it is?
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Just to be safe I change the Racor every other oil
change, about 100 hrs, and the Yanmar at the begining of each season along with the raw water impller. Seems like cheap insurnace to me to not have them clog or break at the wrong time..Dick McKee S/V ONE9TEEN
change, about 100 hrs, and the Yanmar at the begining of each season along with the raw water impller. Seems like cheap insurnace to me to not have them clog or break at the wrong time..Dick McKee S/V ONE9TEEN
Each Oil change
I install new fuel filters each oil change at about 50-60 hours which is my annual average of engine use. Cheap insurance and I figure while I'm geting dirty anyway might as well. Bob F. San Diego
I install new fuel filters each oil change at about 50-60 hours which is my annual average of engine use. Cheap insurance and I figure while I'm geting dirty anyway might as well. Bob F. San Diego
Annual maintenance
I also changed my Yanmar primary (engine mounted) fuel filtre at every second oil change (100 Hrs); which occured several times a year. When I was a seasonal cruiser, and only logged 50-100 Hrs/Year, I changed the filtres and oil at the fall haul-out & de-commissioning/winterization. I’m very careful about what goes into my fuel tank, as I don’t (but should) have a secondary filtre-separator (Racor etc). I pre-filtre (Baha Filtre) from Jerry Cans to the boat tank. I’ve never detected any sediment or water in my fuel (or filtre), but (like the others) feel it’s a prudent preventative maintenance procedure. I’ve had to change filtres and prime the system, on others’ boats, while underway - and I don’t like it! BTW: The human eye can only see down to about 5 microns, a hair width), so yes the Racor can become (somewhat) clogged with “invisible” crud. Given your low engine usage, I’d think that an annual replacement would be prudent, and not over-expensive. Regards, Gord
I also changed my Yanmar primary (engine mounted) fuel filtre at every second oil change (100 Hrs); which occured several times a year. When I was a seasonal cruiser, and only logged 50-100 Hrs/Year, I changed the filtres and oil at the fall haul-out & de-commissioning/winterization. I’m very careful about what goes into my fuel tank, as I don’t (but should) have a secondary filtre-separator (Racor etc). I pre-filtre (Baha Filtre) from Jerry Cans to the boat tank. I’ve never detected any sediment or water in my fuel (or filtre), but (like the others) feel it’s a prudent preventative maintenance procedure. I’ve had to change filtres and prime the system, on others’ boats, while underway - and I don’t like it! BTW: The human eye can only see down to about 5 microns, a hair width), so yes the Racor can become (somewhat) clogged with “invisible” crud. Given your low engine usage, I’d think that an annual replacement would be prudent, and not over-expensive. Regards, Gord
A solution to fuel filter change frequency
I installed a fuel filter vacuum gauge (West marine 108490). Hole saw thru the engine compartment wall, slipped in the gauge, and locked it in with the panel bracket that comes with it. Cut the fuel line at the Racor the next time I changed the filter and connected it with a couple of brass fuel fittings and a foot or so of fuel hose (I adapted the instructions that came with the gauge). This tells me when to change the filter with good warning time (it can be years or hours depending on fuel contamination). If I have an engine problem, it can immediately tell me if the fuel supply is involved in the problem as it often is. It also saves me the nuisance and cost of replacing good filters and bleeding. Allan
I installed a fuel filter vacuum gauge (West marine 108490). Hole saw thru the engine compartment wall, slipped in the gauge, and locked it in with the panel bracket that comes with it. Cut the fuel line at the Racor the next time I changed the filter and connected it with a couple of brass fuel fittings and a foot or so of fuel hose (I adapted the instructions that came with the gauge). This tells me when to change the filter with good warning time (it can be years or hours depending on fuel contamination). If I have an engine problem, it can immediately tell me if the fuel supply is involved in the problem as it often is. It also saves me the nuisance and cost of replacing good filters and bleeding. Allan
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