Fuel Filter/Water Separator Element Change

[Ed Sabornie]

I want to change the fuel filter/water separator element on my '97 Hunter 280 (w/ 18 hp, 2GM20 Yanmar diesel engine). It has a Racor Model 110 (spin-on) system. I know that I need to shut off the fuel coming from the tank, and put a plastic container under the separator in order to "catch" the fuel in the line so it doesn't run all over the bilge. What else do I need to know in order to do the job right? Do I have to bleed the air out of the system after I complete the job? Any and all assistance in this matter is gretaly appreciated.Ed s/v Royal Tease

 

[Steve Dion]

Bleeding the system.

Ed:Bleeding the system is not difficult. Before you start!1. Find out where the bleed pump is! It is close to the dipstick on the starboard side of the engine. You may or may not be able to see it.2. Find the 10mm bleed screws on the engine. There is one on the secondary engine filter and another one (both of the front of the engine.3. Make sure that you have the correct filter.4. It is easier if you have some diesel fuel to refill the filter unit before you start but not necessary (takes longer to bleed the system).5. You probably should also have the filter that goes on the engine too.6. Banjo washers for bleed screws.7. Turn off the fuel spigot if you have one.7. R/R the Racor filter (fill it with the extra fuel if you have it).8. R/R the engine filter.9. Replace banjo washers on bleed screws.10. Make sure everything is secure.11. Open the bleed screw closest to the Racor pump and start pumping (probably 25-50 pumps). Once fuel is comming out of bleed screw close it.12. Open the next bleed screw and continue pumping.13. NOW, if everything is snug you should be able to start your engine. Check for leaks (racor filter, engine filter, bleed screws)14. If it starts, make sure you are secure (very secure to your dock) and put the engine in gear and run it for 10-20 minutes under load. If there are still no leaks and the engine did not die, you should be done. 15. If the engine dies or will not start, you need to rebleed the system again.I may have missed something here, but someone is SURE to correct me.

 

[Ray Chapman]

Bleeding?

I have a Hunter 310 with the same set up. I replaced both filters and did not have to bleed the system. Make sure that when you replace the filter elements that you fill the covers with fuel.Ray

 

[D. Riha]

Lucky?

If bleeding at the filter is all you have to do, that is great. If you read the engine manual it is a little more complicated. If there is a bubble past the filter then you need to bleed at the return line, injection pump and injectors. In my boat, because of the tight conditions and having to lossen nuts blind, that is a bitch.

 

[Roger Mummah]

Rags and Paper Towels

Hi Ed, In addition to what Steve Dion said, I'd like to add a few ideas. I'd have a pile of paper towels (pre-seperated) nearby and a few plastic grocery store bags nearby to put them in. You also need an assistant to hand you stuff, because you won't want to touch anything because you will have diesel fuel on both hands. There may be a bleed pump on the Racor housing too. We have a 220 and it has a pump. After replacing the element in the Racor, I pump the Racor pump to make sure fuel is getting out of the Racor and to the Yanmar lift/fuel pump too. Not a hard job, just stinky and messy. Make sure not to get diesel fuel around the top of the beer can. It really tastes bad. Good luck. Roger Mummah