m35b fuel filter changing

[edouard]

I have a 2003 M35B engine and would like to know the best way of chaning the fuel filter and the racor 500 and the best way to bleed the system. I am a new boat owner and would like to know if it's okay to put filtered fuel in the engine filter before putting it back. I was told this would eliminate the need to bleed the system. I would appreciate any experties I would recieve.

 

[Stu Jackson]

You have a self bleeding engine. OK, to put fuel in the Racor before reinstalling. Your fuel pump will pump the fuel through after you change the filter. Check to see that the fuel line goes to the Racor first, then the fuel pump. If not, it's simple to replumb.

Check here: www.marinedieseldirect.com

 

[edouard]

Hi Stu, Thanks for your input. I also added filtered fuel to the spin-on filter on the engine. Will this also self prime or do I have to bleed the system. Engine was hard to start but did turn over after about four atempts of 10 second intervals and I let it run for 15 minuites. In your opinion is this ok or should I have used the bleed nut on the spin-on filter while cranking the engine. Fuel line goes to the racor first then to pump. Thanks again. Ed

 

[Lyle]

After you change the secondary fuel filter I found the easiest way on my 2005 Catalina 350 to bleed the air out was to crack open the bleed nut at the secondary fuel filter - then just have somone turn the key to the on position until fuel comes out of the bleed nut. You don't have to crank the engine - the lift pump is electric and operates anytime the key is in the on position - with or without the engine running. It is very easy to do and you do not have to prefill the filter prior to attaching it.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Ed, if the engine ran, you're successful. I don't fill the secondary when I change it, because access is hard, 'cuz I don't want to spill. I do open the nut on the filter housing on the secondary bracket. I installed a fuel pump shutoff toggle switch in our engine compartment for this.

 

[edouard]

Hi Stu and Lyleh, Thanks so much for your input. This is exactly the info I was looking for and hoping to hear. I will use this method the next time I change the filters. Note to Lyelh; might see you out there as I'm in False Creek.

 

[George B]

Splicing an in-line fuel line stop valve

Stu,
What type of valve did you splice into your fuel line? Is there a special valve for this application or will a standard ball valve do the trick? Did you support your valve with a bracket of some sort?

 

[Stu Jackson]

George,

I bought and installed a fuel PUMP toggle switch, electrical, to shut the fuel pump off without having to go to the cockpit key to shut it off.

I bought a fuel line (for the fuel) shutoff valve with parts from Tempo fuel lines at West Marine. This is a "fuel shutoff valve" with threads to accept hose barb adapters. A ball valve will do, but make sure the material is suitable for fuel. I haven't installed it yet, still using the built in one underneath the port locker Beckson port. I'd planned to install it on the fuel line near the Racor, but now think it would be better to simply screw it into the Racor inlet and let the fuel filter bracket support it. Haven't done it yet 'cuz I need the screw in size - there are hose barbs screwed into the Racor filter bracket already. It's just for convenience, and every time I finish doing a filter change, I'd say: "yeah, I gotta put in that handy dandy helpful fuel shutoff valve underneath the head sink." And then I've got something else to do and put it off until the next filter change!

 

[George B]

Stu,
Thanks for the inputs. I’m getting ready for an oil and filter change and am tired of emptying the port lazarette in order to access the shut-off valve at the tank.