Decided it was high time to replace the primary and secondary fuel filters on our Hunter - engine is a 3JH4E. No problem removing and replacing the secondary filter but could not get the primary off. Even tried unbolting from its' mount but still could not get any purchase on it. Anyone have any secrets to removing the primary for this type of engine - boat is a 2005 38'.
Primary Fuel FIlter Removal
- Thread starter JeffThompson
- Start date
Might give you a better answer if we had the make and model of the primary filter. The filter is not part of the engine and Hunter used many different types.
If it's a screw on barrel, try using a small oil filter wrench and wrap the band with vinyl tape for better friction. The wrench which works best on my Racor is about 2" dia.
If it's a screw on barrel, try using a small oil filter wrench and wrap the band with vinyl tape for better friction. The wrench which works best on my Racor is about 2" dia.
Raycor makes a special wrench that engages the plastic ribs on the side of the bowl. I find that using that wrench and a rubber strap wrench on the middle filter section is the way to remove and disassemble.
For some reason theses filters seem to get tighter while in service. Once before I had the special Raycor wrench I had to remove the entire filter and and take it to my marina shop and use their vise and drive a screwdriver through the filter to get some purchase on it. Very ugly situation.
For some reason theses filters seem to get tighter while in service. Once before I had the special Raycor wrench I had to remove the entire filter and and take it to my marina shop and use their vise and drive a screwdriver through the filter to get some purchase on it. Very ugly situation.
On a previous boat had trouble getting the filter off and no wrench would work. Mechanic came out and used his leather belt. Got a good bite on it.
If you 38 is same as mine the primary is located on the on the side of the engine compartment in the area where the vanity lifts off on the back of the engine. Mechanic at out yard had told me that when he serviced a friends 38 he always unbolted the filter from the wall and brought it out where h could reach it more easily. He said there was enough hose to easily do that. This might get it out where you can get better leverage on it.
Not related to helping you right now but consideration for making future changes easier
I suggested that since there was enough hose to easily bring filter out for changing why not permanently move it to where it was easier. So we mounted it to the wall on the back of the engine compartment just below where the removable vanity hooks on. Now lift the vanity off and filter is right there at eye level when you are seated. Makes changing really easy.
If you 38 is same as mine the primary is located on the on the side of the engine compartment in the area where the vanity lifts off on the back of the engine. Mechanic at out yard had told me that when he serviced a friends 38 he always unbolted the filter from the wall and brought it out where h could reach it more easily. He said there was enough hose to easily do that. This might get it out where you can get better leverage on it.
Not related to helping you right now but consideration for making future changes easier
I suggested that since there was enough hose to easily bring filter out for changing why not permanently move it to where it was easier. So we mounted it to the wall on the back of the engine compartment just below where the removable vanity hooks on. Now lift the vanity off and filter is right there at eye level when you are seated. Makes changing really easy.
See also: Boat info/Hunter owner modifications/(Hunter)38 on the hunter.sailboatowners.com website.
I as well moved this filter to a more reachable place and intent to replace it with a Separ KWA-20 or SWK 2000.
See also: www.youtube.com/watch?v=si6yaL8-Klw.
With all these horror stories about contaminated bio-diesel fuel (and the fact that the H 38's fueltank is a more or less sealed unit and therefore difficult to clean) this filter has been recommended by several diesel mecanics.
I as well moved this filter to a more reachable place and intent to replace it with a Separ KWA-20 or SWK 2000.
See also: www.youtube.com/watch?v=si6yaL8-Klw.
With all these horror stories about contaminated bio-diesel fuel (and the fact that the H 38's fueltank is a more or less sealed unit and therefore difficult to clean) this filter has been recommended by several diesel mecanics.
I think it is because the fuel makes the rubber ring swell a bit, effectively tightening the filter. Very hard to remove when located in a tight space.
I changed my r30( stock hunter) to a racor 500 with the top mounted t handle and sight bowl. I also plumbed the gen set off from the same primary as it is rated to 60 gals an hour and keeps me out of the deep hole the gen set sits in. Best $300 I have ever spent!
Prior to the 500 I avoided the filter as it was such a pain to change, and yes if you avoid changing it you will get bit at the most interesting times.
Prior to the 500 I avoided the filter as it was such a pain to change, and yes if you avoid changing it you will get bit at the most interesting times.
Hi
Yes access is difficult. But there is a secret. You really need to remove the plastic muffler from the engine air intake. This is easy and gives good access to get a filter wrench on the filter. There are pictures of this in the owners upgrades section of the website, look under the model Hunter 38.
Gordon
Yes access is difficult. But there is a secret. You really need to remove the plastic muffler from the engine air intake. This is easy and gives good access to get a filter wrench on the filter. There are pictures of this in the owners upgrades section of the website, look under the model Hunter 38.
Gordon
http://hunter.sailboatowners.com/in...mid=267&cat_id=77&aid=6605&page=article&mn=38Here is the link to the post on changing the Hunter 38 primary fuel filter
That's exactly what I did. Removed the air filter cover, then moved the filter permanently then put back together. If you look at the last picture showing the back of the engine I mounted the filter to the wood just above where the air filter cover is visible. Now it's easily accessible.