Fuel Filters

[Snore]

The question is how often do you change your fuel filters?

I know I can install a pressure gauge in the fuel line just upstream from the engine and monitor it for a pressure drop. But is there a reasonable "normal" SWAG frequency for changing fuel filters?

Thanks

Bill

[Kettlewell]

I usually change the Racor around 100 hours and the one on the engine at 200 hours. Or, once a season when up north and getting hauled out for the winter.

[s/v Jedi]

I change my engine and genset filter when they start rusting.

I change my primary filters when the vacuum gauge tells me to.

I change my polishing filter also when a vacuum gauge tells me to and this is the one where that actually happens. I end up replacing my primary filters now and then because I want to clean the bowl, replace the O-ring etc. so I pop in the new filter.

In short: it all comes down to how dirty your fuel is, if the filters corrode or break down in any way etc.

The 100h or 200h rules for fuel filters are weird but will work. They will also result in good filters thrown away now and then and also in filters not getting changed when they should be. The vacuum gauge is the way.

[Snore]

Thank you gentlemen.

100 hours it is.... Until I can install a vacuum gauge

[model 10]

What are talking about when it comes to a so called "vacuum gage"? If you are measuring the pressure drop across the filter, thats not really a vacuum is it? If you had just a pressure gage downstream of the filter what would you refference the gage reading to?

[s/v Jedi]

Originally Posted by Guy

What are talking about when it comes to a so called "vacuum gage"? If you are measuring the pressure drop across the filter, thats not really a vacuum is it? If you had just a pressure gage downstream of the filter what would you refference the gage reading to?

It is a gauge between filter and engine. You can buy them and some fikters even have them integrated.

[Snore]

Okay.

To clarify, on Cynosure fuel flows from the tank to the Racor, to the lift pump, to the Universal Diesel spin-on filter and then to the injector pump. I could place a vacuum gauge upstream of the lift pump or a pressure gauge downstream of the lift pump. From what I saw on websites that sell Racor they seem to have a vacuum gauge on Racor filter.

I believe both will be equally effective. But I welcome input as I am on the learning curve here!

Bill

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by s/v Jedi

... The vacuum gauge is the way.

Indeed.
The Vacuum Gauge Tool - Professional BoatBuilder Magazine