Diesel plumbing and strainer / filter questions

[Wotname]

After reading the thread below, I am wondering if my fuel setup needs some re-design. http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...sel-20081.html I would appreciate your input!

Currently have a fuel tank in the fwd end of the lazzerette (sp?) (with sump and drain) and pick off (with fuel cock) a couple of inches higher than the bottom of the sump. Then there is about 8 feet of 5/16 (OD) SS tube running under cockpit to the racor primary filter and water trap. Then goes to lift pump on the 2GM20 and then to the Yanmar filter.

The bottom of the tank is higher than the racor which is higher than the lift pump.

My current understanding of diesel fuel is that is prone to a lot more problems than say 20 years back but I have designed my setup based on what I knew back then.

My current concern is that I may be prone to trouble with the longish fuel line (5/16 OD, 1/4 ID) especially as it has no filter or strainer at the tank end.

Should I plumb in some kind of strainer (say 100 microns) at the tank end of the fuel line (or even two with a Y valve or similar) to prevent potential largish gunk from blocking the fuel line?

I have elected not to worry about a fuel polishing setup etc as the tank is only about 6 US gallons. BTW, everything is new but I can't replace the fuel line under the cockpit without removing the engine! The return line is also 5/16 SS tube and runs with the delivery line.

[never monday]

8-10' @ 1/4" ID isn't a problem. I'd leave the system alone.

[S/V Antares]

Sounds like a good system. I trust you have shutoff valves at the Racor to shut the fuel off when servicing the filter given it is downhill from the tank.

[Wotname]

Thanks for the feedback guys.
Right now the only shutoff valve is 8 ft "upstream" of the Racor. Quite accessible but if it proves necessary I can add another right at the Racor.

[Ex-Calif]

6 gallon tank - Is there an access hatch for cleaning it?

To be honest I stick a stick down in the bottom of our tank every fillup and "rub" it around. If it comes up with any goobers on it, I drain and clean the tank.

Your system sounds fine.

[Wotname]

Originally Posted by Ex-Calif

6 gallon tank - Is there an access hatch for cleaning it?

No, I figure it is not big enough. If necessary I can get the tank in 10 minutes - OK make that 60 minutes realistically and then clean it with high pressure hose or whatever.

The tank is an "off the shelf" item so if it was really "uncleanable", I can cut the custom sump out of the old one and weld it onto a new one .

Originally Posted by Ex-Calif

To be honest I stick a stick down in the bottom of our tank every fillup and "rub" it around. If it comes up with any goobers on it, I drain and clean the tank.....

Sounds good!