Hello, I just replaced an old racor which had a 10 micron element with a new racor which came with a 2 micron element. Is this ok? This is on a Yanmar 3GM30F and it has a primary fuel filter with a 2 micron element. When it comes time to replace the element, I'll probably go back to a 10 micron but I am just curious what other think of this combination. thanks, Bo Pilgrim
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Should be fine if your fuel is clean.
Bob: There is no reason to think that this filter is going to be a problem if you have clean fuel. If your tank was contaminated it may be of a concern.
Bob: There is no reason to think that this filter is going to be a problem if you have clean fuel. If your tank was contaminated it may be of a concern.
2 Micron Can Cause Problems
The finer 2-micron filter element CAN cause problems but so can a 10-micon element. The increased head-loss causes more work for the fuel pump and thereby can lead to premature failure of the pump diaphram. If your fuel supply line has an electric fuel pump then fuel would go through the hole in the diaphram and into the crankcase.(!) The 10-micron element which becomes clogged will create increased head-loss similar to the 2-micron element. In any event, keep the fuel and the bottom of the tank clean. See Racor newsletter: http://www.parker.com/racor/engineroom/engroom.html, in particular the article "Which Micron Do I Use?". The Racor fuel filter vacuum gauge would be a helpful addition to the engine room.
The finer 2-micron filter element CAN cause problems but so can a 10-micon element. The increased head-loss causes more work for the fuel pump and thereby can lead to premature failure of the pump diaphram. If your fuel supply line has an electric fuel pump then fuel would go through the hole in the diaphram and into the crankcase.(!) The 10-micron element which becomes clogged will create increased head-loss similar to the 2-micron element. In any event, keep the fuel and the bottom of the tank clean. See Racor newsletter: http://www.parker.com/racor/engineroom/engroom.html, in particular the article "Which Micron Do I Use?". The Racor fuel filter vacuum gauge would be a helpful addition to the engine room.
What I was told....
When I called my dealer, and then Yanamr tech support, I was told that my Racor 500 should have a 30 micron filter since my secondary is 2 micron. Having a 2 micron atthe Racor could cause suction problems. (Their words) Good Luck Brian
When I called my dealer, and then Yanamr tech support, I was told that my Racor 500 should have a 30 micron filter since my secondary is 2 micron. Having a 2 micron atthe Racor could cause suction problems. (Their words) Good Luck Brian
my experience
I installed a 2 micron filter, and a vacuum gauge. The vacuuum shows zero for a long time, until the filter starts to do it's job and clog up. I think zero on the gauge means the lift pump is not having to work harder. When the gauge consistently indicated above zero, I change the filter, and it goes back ot zero. I say consistently because after a few hours of sailing it sometimes is above zero, but after sitting for awhile, it goes back to zero.
I installed a 2 micron filter, and a vacuum gauge. The vacuuum shows zero for a long time, until the filter starts to do it's job and clog up. I think zero on the gauge means the lift pump is not having to work harder. When the gauge consistently indicated above zero, I change the filter, and it goes back ot zero. I say consistently because after a few hours of sailing it sometimes is above zero, but after sitting for awhile, it goes back to zero.
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