Best way to clean your diesel fuel

[Yachts66]

After a life spent on sailboats, I'm about to purchase my first stinkpot. Oh my! Clean fuel is the key for diesels, so what's the best filter system for this thirsty girl I'm about to buy? She's a steel twin trawler, perfect for a sailor who's become long in the tooth. I've seen many different systems for sale, but which ones have served you best? My sailboats all used Racor filters, and I never had a problem with them. My girl will carry a thousand gallons, so keeping all that clean and free of water may be the key to my happiness.

[Cari Laut]

Duel racor setup with secondary fuel filters on the engine is the standard system for even the hardest working of marine diesel engines. The increased throughput will require you to pay more attention to the racors though. Draining water as necessary.

[Leadfree]

I've had a Filter Boss system for almost 10 years now and have been pleased. I dont know what they all may offer.

https://www.practical-sailor.com/sys...ry-filter-boss

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by Leadfree

I've had a Filter Boss system for almost 10 years now and have been pleased. I dont know what they all may offer.

https://www.practical-sailor.com/sys...ry-filter-boss

Interesting:
The “FilterBOSS” consists of 2 Racor filters, a fuel pump, an integral, vacuum-based fuel-flow monitoring system, and a manifold designed to allow the two filters to be installed.
The FilterBOSS can be ordered as a stand-alone unit ready to be plumbed into your existing fuel system ($950), or as part of a pre-mounted system containing your choice of two Racor filters (various models available).

[Lepke]

The best way to keep your fuel clean is using a Racor turbine series filter. Most boats use a dual setup so one is in use and one is new with just a turn of the lever to switch. The turbo series spins the fuel, helping the filter to separate out water.
Buying fuel from sources that have a high turnover usually means the additives are fresh and there's less likelihood of water in the fuel. Using a good fuel conditioner will help the filter separate out water, add lubricity (that was removed in making low sulfur fuel), and usually has other additives that increase stability, improve combustion, and include a biocide. A good fuel conditioner will pay for itself with better mileage.
When you pick a turbo series you need to know your maximum flow. It's best to pick a size that is rated for a little bigger flow. If the Racor is too oversize, the flow doesn't spin the fuel.

[Uncle Bob]

Consider a sedimenter between the supply and primary filter. It will separate sediment and water, does not have a filter thus only requires draining via the fitting on the bowl periodically. This combined with a suitable fuel treatment at each fill works well in my experience.

[skipperpete]

Originally Posted by Yachts66

After a life spent on sailboats, I'm about to purchase my first stinkpot. Oh my! Clean fuel is the key for diesels, so what's the best filter system for this thirsty girl I'm about to buy? She's a steel twin trawler, perfect for a sailor who's become long in the tooth. I've seen many different systems for sale, but which ones have served you best? My sailboats all used Racor filters, and I never had a problem with them. My girl will carry a thousand gallons, so keeping all that clean and free of water may be the key to my happiness.

If your new boat has Detroit Diesels, it’s worth getting to know how the emergency shutdown works, GM 2 stroke unit injectors occasionally get stuck, seemingly regardless of how clean the fuel is.
Stick with the Racors.

[noelex 77]

In addition to the valuable suggestions you have received thus far, consider installing a fuel polishing system and, if feasible, a day tank.

[thinwater]

Water almost always comes in through the filler. Make sure the O-ring is good and that it is not in a drainage path.

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by Uncle Bob

Consider a sedimenter between the supply and primary filter. It will separate sediment and water, does not have a filter thus only requires draining via the fitting on the bowl periodically. This combined with a suitable fuel treatment at each fill works well in my experience.

Could you give us an example [make, model, link] of such a "sedimenter"?
It sounds, to me, similar to a standard Racor Fuel/Water separator, with the filtre element removed.

[mvweebles]

Originally Posted by Yachts66

My girl will carry a thousand gallons, so keeping all that clean and free of water may be the key to my happiness.

Here's a good article on fuel polishing systems.

https://stevedmarineconsulting.com/f...ems-explained/

Commercial folks simply use their boats and turnover fuel frequently and rarely add additives or stabilizers. Recreational boaters sometimes won't go through more than a couple hundred gallons per year so turnover is low and problems develop - additives and stabilizers can help. A 2-part article on fuel additives from industry expert Steve D'Antonio (and occasional CF contributor). Part 2 has a bit more specific recommendations on what type he recommends (Stanadyne is one).

https://stevedmarineconsulting.com/d...itives-part-i/
https://stevedmarineconsulting.com/d...tives-part-ii/

[showmanship]

I HIGHLY recommend installing a Racor "Pre-Screen" Strainer PS120 inline BEFORE each Primary Racor Filter and MAKE SURE the Racors have new style internal plastic turbine-! <https://www.racorstore.com/racor-ps120-01-fuel-filter-assy-pre-screen-1-2-in-port-size.html>

[Nicholson58]

Originally Posted by Yachts66

After a life spent on sailboats, I'm about to purchase my first stinkpot. Oh my! Clean fuel is the key for diesels, so what's the best filter system for this thirsty girl I'm about to buy? She's a steel twin trawler, perfect for a sailor who's become long in the tooth. I've seen many different systems for sale, but which ones have served you best? My sailboats all used Racor filters, and I never had a problem with them. My girl will carry a thousand gallons, so keeping all that clean and free of water may be the key to my happiness.

We added a 1 micron continuous filter loop at 45 GPH. (10 X the engine consumption) add also a water separation unit. The Racors get their feed from the clean side of this loop. They rarely need changing.

[Mark424]

I talked to RCI technologies at the boat show">Annapolis Boat Show, they have a separator that uses (I think) a centrifugal separator to remove water and particulate. The best I could find online was this demo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOzxURVpc6I

....And some comments on other forums that the pro fuel polishing services use a much larger device built on the same principle when servicing large yachts and fishing boats.