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boatless 4 now · 25-07-2012, 12:03

Can anyone clear up a question on the the micron size of a diesel filter? I was under the impression that, much like wire gauge, the smaller the micron number, the bigger the particle. For instance I would want to have a primary that was a 5 micron and a secondary that was a 100 micron, as 100 microns are smaller than a 5 micron.. Is that correct or do i want the larger micron filter first in the series?

Thanks

sailorchic34 · 25-07-2012, 12:11

Nope, backwards. 100 microns is 100 times larger then 1 micron. Most bacteria are in the 3-8 micron range

Spyderron · 25-07-2012, 12:17

B 4 Now

Actually, you have it backwards. A particle 100 microns in size is 20 times larger than a 20 micron particle.

**Sailmonkey** · 25-07-2012, 12:19

Whatever, a particle that measures 5 microns across will go through a 10 micron filter, but not a 2 micron filter.

I use 2 micron filters and only change the secondary when it's rusty.

**FSMike** · 25-07-2012, 12:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spyderron

A particle 100 microns in size is 20 times larger than a 20 micron particle.

Interesting math.

**Cheechako** · 25-07-2012, 13:34

I was told not to use 2 micron on diesel engines by my mechanic. Went to 5 micron instead with no issues. I know a lot of people use the 2 though.

**GordMay** · 26-07-2012, 04:52

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Spyderron.

A micron is a unit of measure (like inches or millimeters, etc), so more is larger. As Sailmonkey indicates, a 2 micron filtre is finer (traps smaller particles) than a 5 micron, & etc.

1 micron (1 μm) = 0.001 millimeter
100 micron = 0.1 millimeter (100 times larger than 1 μm)

1 micron = 0.00003937 inches
1 inch = 25,400 microns

S/V Illusion · 26-07-2012, 06:12

What prompts people to post questions like this on a forum for others to answer rather than do a simple search on google et.al. and get their own answer? A new and growing form of dependency?

bruce smith · 26-07-2012, 06:46

google has TOO much information,
a group of friends , even virtual, can "share" , be more human.
relates topics can pop up and be beneficial.
fer instance,
what is the problem with one micron filters? That is all I have ever used with my Volvo md 20-40. Will it load a fuel pump?
can a virtual friend answer ?

boatless 4 now · 29-07-2012, 04:26

Well, S/V illusion,

I guess that because it is a sailboat engine I was asking about, i decided to go to a sailboat community for the answer. I often wonder though, what prompts a person to post such a stupid reply to a basic question, when he could go on the internet and post his snotty reply on some ' I'm smarter than you" blog. A new form of cranial-rectal-itis??????

Dynamo1181 · 29-07-2012, 04:57

Well said, Boatless.

**daddle** · 29-07-2012, 05:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by FSMike

Interesting math.

Proper math, actually.

S/V Illusion · 29-07-2012, 05:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by boatless 4 now

Well, S/V illusion,

I guess that because it is a sailboat engine I was asking about, i decided to go to a sailboat community for the answer.

That it sits in a boat is irrelevant. It's a diesel engine - you could have gone to any of a myriad of diesel engine forums as well, or, you could have spent 1 minute and trivial energy and answered your own question.

Funny how dependent people dislike having it pointed out to them.

Mike OReilly · 29-07-2012, 06:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by S/V Illusion

That it sits in a boat is irrelevant. It's a diesel engine - you could have gone to any of a myriad of diesel engine forums as well, or, you could have spent 1 minute and trivial energy and answered your own question.

Funny how dependent people dislike having it pointed out to them.

Oh come on Illusion, lighten up. Just b/c the question was trivial and basic to you, doesn't mean it is for someone else. If it bugs you, don't read or respond.

Sailorman Ed · 29-07-2012, 06:32

Quote:

guess that because it is a sailboat engine I was asking about, i decided to go to a sailboat community for the answer.

I agree with Boatless. Yes, you can search the internet and you may or may not find accurate information. While it is "only a diesel engine", sailboat engines all seen to have 2 filters and have the issue of infrequent usage and being in a marine environment. I tend to trust fellow boaters more than "the internet".

What we all are looking for here is useful information, not criticism. Some here are much more knowledgeable than others, we should try to be helpful, not critical.