Well when I purchased my '86 H34 with a Yanmar 3GM30F, the PO installed a Racor 500FG Fuel Filter. I've read in numerous post that a number of surveyors have deemed that this filter unsuitable for use because they didn't have the flame shield. So, I ordered a heat shield, only it turns out that it doesn't work with the 500FG and in fact there are no heat shields available for this filter. So I've decided to get a new one. My question is 1) is the Marine line Racor 500 series overkill? It processes 60GPH. I use maybe 1.... My question is, what is the best bang for the buck filter out there that is CG approved for the Engine Compartment. Thanks for you your thoughts! -Jon
Course the CFR referenced above applies to gas systems not diesel but many surveyors and USCG inspectors could care less because the ABYC includes the 2.5 minute burn test in the H-33 standard. Keep in mind that the 500MA has less than 4 oz in the bowl!!!
ABYC H-33:
33.5.5
Components of the system and the fuel distribution system shall be designed and sized to provide the required fuel flow to the engine at the maximum power setting of the engine.
33.5.6
All individual components of the fuel system, as installed in the boat, shall be capable of withstanding a 2-1/2 minute exposure to free burning fuel (N-Heptane), or No. 2 diesel fuel without leakage, when tested in accordance with Title 33 CFR, Section 183.590,
Fire Test.
EXCEPTIONS:
1. Portions of fuel distribution systems located outside the engine compartment if a break at any point in this system will result in the discharge of no more than five ounces of fuel in 2-1/2 minutes including fuel that may drain from the engine. (See H-33.14
for requirements for fuel distribution and return lines.)
2. Self-draining fill and vent pipes located in a separate compartment from the engine compartment.
3. Fill and vent external fittings.
4. Clips and straps not essential for anti-siphon protection required by this standard."
From Racor:
Models that include an aluminum bowl or stainless steel shield meet
ASTM FS1201 certification, are UL-listed, American Bureau of Shipping, Veritas, Det Norske Veritas, ISO 10088, and USCG accepted.
There are literally millions of these filters installed on boats and I can't recall of a single case of a failure of bowl on a diesel boat to cause an issue.When in doubt install it outside the engine bay and relay on the Marine UL rating and the 3.7 oz bowl contents to challenge the "exception" in ABYC H-33...
Technically the only filter in the Racor 500 line that meets the ABYC/CFR standard is the 500MAM which is a full metal bowl filter (not see through). If you have a USCG inspected vessel you are and will be required to have the MAM version.
We just went though this last summer with the re-certs on our yacht clubs launches. The 500MA, which each launch used, was simply not acceptable to the USCG inspectors despite them being diesel engines. We challenged their assertions, with the actual CFR documentation stating "GAS ENGINES", but they did not care.. We were also not allowed to "retrofit" a metal bowl to a 500MA the USCG / CFR requirements are that the filter be "factory made" / tested..... Ridiculous over stepping of authority, and a gross misunderstanding of federal regulations, but they sign off so you do what they say...
The 500MA has a heat shield bowl and meets the UL burn requirements but not CFR / ABYC.
The 500FG has no heat shield and meets neither UL or ABYC/CFR.
If you want to install a 500FG or 500MA the easiest bet is to technically install it "outside" the engine bay. Surveyors are pretty loose with what constitutes an engine bay.
I see very, very, very few boats or builders who use the 500MAM. Lots use the 500MA and none install the 500FG's any longer... I use the MA filter on our boat because I want to see the fuel and the heat shield certainly helps it meet UL level standards. The ABYC/CFR standards are a few hundred degrees hotter that the UL requirement.....