Primary fuel filters

[hvbaker]

Has anyone installed two primary fuel filters with Ys before with valves and Ys after so that one filter can be held in reserve incase on clogs at sea?

 

[peter_ms]

Lots do. I think you can even buy a duplex setup from Raycor

 

[Jongleur]

I did on my last boat, but I don't think
there's enough room to have that on
my C30. Wish I could. It was great.

 

[jimmcgee]

It's a pricey option. About $1,200 for a no frills Racor system or $2,300 for a Filter Boss system that auto switches when one filter gets clogged.

 

[hvbaker]

It's a pricey option. About $1,200 for a no frills Racor system or $2,300 for a Filter Boss system that auto switches when one filter gets clogged.

I was thinking something more modest, second filter unit at about $140.00 two Ys and 4 valves so that each filter unit could have shutoff before and after it to isolate the filter not in use. I think space is the only issue.

 

[JK_Boston_Catalina310]

I was thinking something more modest, second filter unit at about $140.00 two Ys and 4 valves so that each filter unit could have shutoff before and after it to isolate the filter not in use. I think space is the only issue.

No reason that wouldn't work.

I would consider taking it a little further. If you add an electric fuel lift pump that can be engaged without turning on the glow plugs (the one you already have is likely tied to the glow plugs so you don't want to run that too long or you could damage the glow plugs) and a couple more Ts and valves you would have a fuel polishing system. You would add the ability to direct the flow into the fuel return line. Also you could set up the two filters so that you could go through both filters in series. This would allow you to have different size filters in each and step down when in polishing mode. When in normal operation you would just go through one filter and have the other as a reserve in case you get a clog.

The second electric fuel lift pump would make bleeding the system super easy after a filter change too.

I have been planning a system like this for my boat. The issue is real estate. I can't find enough space to fit the two filters.

Good luck and fair winds,

Jesse

 

[hvbaker]

No reason that wouldn't work. I would consider taking it a little further. If you add an electric fuel lift pump that can be engaged without turning on the glow plugs (the one you already have is likely tied to the glow plugs so you don't want to run that too long or you could damage the glow plugs) and a couple more Ts and valves you would have a fuel polishing system. You would add the ability to direct the flow into the fuel return line. Also you could set up the two filters so that you could go through both filters in series. This would allow you to have different size filters in each and step down when in polishing mode. When in normal operation you would just go through one filter and have the other as a reserve in case you get a clog. The second electric fuel lift pump would make bleeding the system super easy after a filter change too. I have been planning a system like this for my boat. The issue is real estate. I can't find enough space to fit the two filters. Good luck and fair winds, Jesse

Good points. Now I jump fuel pump from seloniod when I bleed the system after changing filters.