Have a new-to-me 1988 O'Day 302 and the engine care by the previous owner wasn't exactly according to the owner's manual. Replaced the impeller, air filter and changed the oil in the crankcase and the gearbox this weekend. But between the diesel tank and the engine is a glass Racor (sp?) fuel filter. The filter is filled with some bad gunk. Is this a difficult task to replace? Is it as simple as unscrewing the current filter and replacing? Or do you need to bleed the fuel line during the replacement process? The engine runs great and I hate to monkey with it -- but the filter looks pretty bad. The engine is a Yanmar @GM20F. Thanks for your suggestions and comments.
Fuel filter replacement question
- Thread starter Steve L22188
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Pete
change the filters
you will need to change the filters.There is also a second filter on the engine. Make filter changes part of your yearly maintance as well as treating the fuel with conditioner to kill as alge that may grow. Best advice on a 1988 boat is to clean the fuel tank and replace all filters. Cleaning the tank is a job but once it is done you will not have to do it for 10 or 15 more years. At least check the tank (open tank-remove sender unit or inspection port and look)If the tank is clean just change both filters and carry extras. Without knowing the racor model not sure but the filter should spin off and either replace the cartridge or replace the whole spin on unit.Most racor units also have a drain on the filter as they are water speraters as well.Drain fuel filter(just a little to get the water and sediment out of bowl) and inspect every 50 gallon or four to six week. The good news here is this sounds worse then it is but if you are mechanical inclined it is no big deal to replace filters and bleed the fuel system. After you have done it once or twice you will be able to change both filters and bleed the fuel system in 30 minutes or less. Best advice is to get help the first time to have someone walk you thru the process. I'm sure there is someone on the dock who will help or get the yard mechanic to show you how.There is lots of info on how to bleed the fuel system in the archives so I won't go into how to do it here but check the archives. The only hint I will give is if you put fuel into the filters as you change them you will not have to pump as much fuel into the system when you bleed it after changing them. Depending on what model racor this may not be possible.And if priming the system really is that uncomfortable for you to do you can install an electrical fuel pump (see archives also) to do it for you. Truth here is it is not that hard to do but it is very important to do on a regular schedule. Bad fuel and or clogged fuel filters are one of the big reason for a diesel engine to shut down(always at the worst possible time)Learn how to change them and do it once a year,treat you fuel and your fuel system will be a maintance issue instead of a repair issue.
you will need to change the filters.There is also a second filter on the engine. Make filter changes part of your yearly maintance as well as treating the fuel with conditioner to kill as alge that may grow. Best advice on a 1988 boat is to clean the fuel tank and replace all filters. Cleaning the tank is a job but once it is done you will not have to do it for 10 or 15 more years. At least check the tank (open tank-remove sender unit or inspection port and look)If the tank is clean just change both filters and carry extras. Without knowing the racor model not sure but the filter should spin off and either replace the cartridge or replace the whole spin on unit.Most racor units also have a drain on the filter as they are water speraters as well.Drain fuel filter(just a little to get the water and sediment out of bowl) and inspect every 50 gallon or four to six week. The good news here is this sounds worse then it is but if you are mechanical inclined it is no big deal to replace filters and bleed the fuel system. After you have done it once or twice you will be able to change both filters and bleed the fuel system in 30 minutes or less. Best advice is to get help the first time to have someone walk you thru the process. I'm sure there is someone on the dock who will help or get the yard mechanic to show you how.There is lots of info on how to bleed the fuel system in the archives so I won't go into how to do it here but check the archives. The only hint I will give is if you put fuel into the filters as you change them you will not have to pump as much fuel into the system when you bleed it after changing them. Depending on what model racor this may not be possible.And if priming the system really is that uncomfortable for you to do you can install an electrical fuel pump (see archives also) to do it for you. Truth here is it is not that hard to do but it is very important to do on a regular schedule. Bad fuel and or clogged fuel filters are one of the big reason for a diesel engine to shut down(always at the worst possible time)Learn how to change them and do it once a year,treat you fuel and your fuel system will be a maintance issue instead of a repair issue.
Congratulations
Steve, Sounds like you received some good advice from Pete. I purchased a 302 last year after owning an O'Day 22 for one season. You have a great boat. Mine is also a 1988 and is in great shape. I sailed her 198 miles on my first trip with no problems. If you would like, feel free to contact me off forum to share info regarding the 302. express898@hotmail.com
Steve, Sounds like you received some good advice from Pete. I purchased a 302 last year after owning an O'Day 22 for one season. You have a great boat. Mine is also a 1988 and is in great shape. I sailed her 198 miles on my first trip with no problems. If you would like, feel free to contact me off forum to share info regarding the 302. express898@hotmail.com
F
Frederick Pierce
Yanmar Help Website
Hi, Steve A good website is www.yanmarhelp.com they will answer your questions I check it many times. Frederick Pierce.
Hi, Steve A good website is www.yanmarhelp.com they will answer your questions I check it many times. Frederick Pierce.
Impeller
Hey Steve, While you are in the engine room I would strongly recomend checking that water pump impeller. If you don't know how old it is, replace it. It is easy to do. When they break it is a real inconvenience to say the least. They are only good for a couple hundred hours at most. Buy two and keep a spare on board.
Hey Steve, While you are in the engine room I would strongly recomend checking that water pump impeller. If you don't know how old it is, replace it. It is easy to do. When they break it is a real inconvenience to say the least. They are only good for a couple hundred hours at most. Buy two and keep a spare on board.
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