Fuel Filters

[Kelly]

My Cat 30 has a dsl. Universal 54/11HP enigine. I understand I have 2 fuel filter and that I should change both. Is this a simple task? - pull out the old filter, drop in the new or more involved? I don't want to loose pressure in my fuel line. Also, where could I purchase these filters?Thanks

 

[Peter D.]

Your boat has 2 fuel filters: 1. A water separator, and 2. A particle filter.If you take "clinical measures" in filling your tank with particulate freediesel (fine mesh filters), and inspect the water sediment in the glassbowl of your separator (I use a 4" K-Mart cosmetic mirror and flashlight)before each trip, you should be able to run trouble free for 200 hrs.That said, I change my oil every 100 hrs. (using ONLY Shell Rotella)and oil filter. Practical Sailor Magazine rated NAPA oil filters at the top.At the end of 200 hours, I get a pro to come aboard and clean my separatorand replace my particle filter. While he's down "bleeding" the fuel linesof air, I'm cranking the starter from the cockpit. Moral: 9 out of ten Diesel problems are attributable to dirty and/orcontaminated fuel. Get a pro to replace your fuel filters. And finallystart using a new miracle product called PRI-D. You'll be amazed.

 

[brad]

Changeing filters = bleeding the system

Ain't much getting around that. After you do it once, you'll be a pro.You oughta be able to get the filters at WM. My particle filter is simply a fram....get em most anywhere.Good luck.Brad

 

[Todd Osborne]

2 fuel filters?

I seem to have only found the particle fuel filter on my 5411. Is the water seperator an aftermarket add-on? Where is it located? As far as loosing pressure in your fuel line, you will need to bleed the air out of the fuel line once the filter is replaced. This is done by turning the engine over activating the mechanical fuel pump. There are two bleed screws, one above the filter & one further down the line on top of the engine. The screws need to be loosened, then turn the engine over until fuel leaks out of the first fuel filter screw, then tighten it down. Continue to crank & repeat steps for the second screw. To reduce turning the engine over (& filing your aqualift muffler with water), fill the new fuel filter with deisel prior to attaching it. That way you won't have to have the fuel pump fill it for you. Good luck!