Fuel Distribution Question

[TxCoastSailor]

Is it feasible to have the generator and the propulsion engine share a fuel filter by putting a 'Y' in the line between the filter the lift pumps assuming the filter is large enough to accommodate the combined fuel flow?

[Delfin]

Originally Posted by TxCoastSailor

Is it feasible to have the generator and the propulsion engine share a fuel filter by putting a 'Y' in the line between the filter the lift pumps assuming the filter is large enough to accommodate the combined fuel flow?

No problem, and the Y valve isn't needed.

[J Clark H356]

That's the setup I have. One feed from the tank to the Racor primary filter and then splits to feed the Yanmar 3GM30F and the 5 KW Northern Lights generator. Boat is a Hunter 356, 2003 we bought new. Generator was added at commissioning, but I think this is the standard setup.

[Steel sails]

I just did the same thing using a T , but had trouble starting the main engine after genny run. I installed 2 Murphy diesel check valves in the the system. Problem solved.
Regards
Paul

[sy_gilana]

Likewise, my Detroit primary filter feeds the Detroit and the Onan.
Beware though, if you have a leaky whatsit on the gen it can affect the engine, and vice versa, you have to look both places for solving. A valve is not a bad idea.

[transmitterdan]

It will work with just a TEE if all lift pumps are working and everything is air tight. But each path should have its own ball valve close to the filter outlet. That way in case one engine has a problem it's possible to stop air getting into the other by closing valve to faulty engine.

[Stumble]

It's not just the filter size, you also need to size the delivery hose to the Y fitting to handle the loads from both engines running at once, the same on the return lines. Otherwise you can have fuel starvation issues with both engines.

[TxCoastSailor]

Folks,

Thanks for all the replies. Sounds like I just need to make sure the fuel filter and plumbing are correctly sized to hand the fuel flow.

TCS