New primary fuel filter location?

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Jun 4, 2004
10
- - San Fransisco
I will be replacing the existing Perko fuel filter with a Racor 500 on my ’82 Hunter 33, 2GM15. What is the best location for the filter regarding it’s elevation relative to the fuel tank and engine? I have seen filters mounted above the top of the fuel tank, any problems with this? Thanks, David
 
Jul 17, 2005
586
Hunter 37.5 Bainbridge Island - West of Seattle
Easy to clean

If nothing else, make sure it is someplace where it is easy to drain, and will not get diesel all over the place.
 

RichH

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Feb 14, 2005
4,773
Tayana 37 cutter; I20/M20 SCOWS Worton Creek, MD
Lower than the tank ....

Or at least lower than the normal top surface of the fuel. This will make it easier to refill the system and purge air from the filter housing, injectors, etc. Ideallyt, you want the filter to be at the lower portion of the delivery system for two reasons: 1. water will gravimetrically settle in the filter bowl. You want the filter housing to be the LOWEST in the system bacause thats where you will drain the water out of the lines. If the housing is located not at the bottom of the piping, then you wont have any means of water removal. 2. its easier to refill the system by the 'siphon' effect.
 
Feb 26, 2004
23,328
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada
Location

If you have an electric fuel pump, it doesn't matter. JC's right, put it where it's easy to service. Stu
 
Jun 4, 2004
10
- - San Fransisco
I agree with you RichH.

Placing the top of the water separator bowl near the bottom level of the fuel tank will allow purging water. Anything above the fuel level may siphon liquid back into the tank while trying to purge water from the filter/separator. A check valve before the filter may allow mounting a filter above fuel level but may become plugged and or stuck open from debris coming from the tank. Thanks all for your input. David
 

RichH

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Feb 14, 2005
4,773
Tayana 37 cutter; I20/M20 SCOWS Worton Creek, MD
Leave the Perko - add the Racor

Glad you agree as if you dont the lowest section of the delivery system will collect water (free water and water dropping out from emulsion form) and there will be no way to drain it. You dont need microorganisms growing inside your fuel line. If you leave the Perko and add the Racor (as a final filter) the system will be greatly enhanced. Whatever you decide on the filtration retention of the Racor, consider to increase the retention of the Perko by a factor of ~5X and use it as a 'prefilter' to the Racor. Prefiltration will greatly extend the 'service life' of the Racor (or any other filter). If you are filtering to a terminal 2µM then prefilter with a 10µM; if 10µM the prefilter with a 30µM. Consider to add vacuum gages to each filter housing so that you know WHEN to change each filter and to monitor the operating status of the filters (check at full engine rpm). ;-)
 
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