Upgrade to a Racor Filter???

[Jimboyyy]

I am looking to upgrade to a Racor Diesel/Water separator as my secondary filter for my 1GM10. It has been suggested by other sailors on the dock that I install a Racor 215R.

Is the only difference between the 215R and the 120A or 140R that with the 215R there is a primer pump?

also what is the difference between 10 micron and 2 micron? I know its a size thing but what is that in relation to its role as a filter? Being that it is the 1st filter that the fuel comes to before the primary filter wouldn't I want a 2 micron filter?

the advice of the brain trust on this forum is appreciated.

 

[Blaise]

In my opinion. a 10 micron filter will work well without making you crazy with it clogging. You on-engine filter will catch anything else. Just remember that Yanmar reccomends an electric fuel pump in addition to the on-engine mechanical pump any time you add a secondary filter.

 

[Ed Schenck]

I didn't know about the electric pump recommendation Blaise. I have the 10 mic Racor and the 2 mic primary(engine can). I had it with the 2QM and now with the 3YM. Never had a problem with just the engine mechanical pump.

 

[Blaise]

Ed,
Ionly found out when I complained that my new 3GM30 was starving for fuel at full throttle. It still probably isn't a problem untill the filters start to load up and have more resistance. It is hard for me to believe that the machanical pump wouldn't have problems pulling fuel through two 2 micron filters.

 

[Jimboyyy]

I found on another forum

"The Yanmar on engine is 5-7mcn. So there is no use going finer than a 10mcn in the Racor..."

I snuck away to the boat yesterday. Currently there is a Perko Filter that uses part # 342-001ELM...I have not been able to find this replacement element. If I change the Perko to a Racor 10 or 30 micron will I still need the electric fuel pump?

I was hoping to place the Racor where the Perko is now...

 

[Ed Schenck]

When I first owned Ladylove I had fuel problems. I had to remove that Perko and put it in a vise to get it open. All that was in that can were tiny pieces of the screen that had rotted away. The boat already had a Racor installed after the Perko. I put the Perko back just so I wouldn't have to buy and install a new longer fuel line.

 

[Jimboyyy]

The screen in the Perko is in good condition. By the notes from the PO's this filter has been changed every 5 years. My biggest concern at this point is that I do not have a working water seperator. When motoring into chop on the way to get the bottom done the engine died. I am not sure if water or other muck got past the filters. I presume it was water because the engine fired right back up. I kept it at 3/4's to full throttle the entire trip down to the lift and did not have anymore issues. That was in May. I have not had any more problems with the engine (knock on wood) but I would rather be proactive than reactive. Also, I am not running anysort of Bio-cide in the tank although it has been recommended that I start using "SEA FOAM."