Fuel filter location

[Boracay]

My previous engine turned out to have a defective mechanical lift pump (among many other problems) and yes, it would not start at all if not bled right through.

I installed a small electric pump (probably designed for petrol) that failed in short order.

I took it back and got another one that was the same.

This time I replaced the lift pump and wired the electric one in for bleeding and emergencies. It has one way valves so fuel flows through if it is not running.

Makes bleeding a breeze. Just turn on and loosen/tighten a few nuts.

[rdempsey]

Thanks everyone for the input. I'm going to try and keep it as low as possible but high enough for easy access to the drain. Future plans will include a pump (with bypass valves) in case main pump has a problem and for polishing the fuel.

[David M]

Originally Posted by never monday

Just a dumb question for my own knowledge...

Why do you guys build these elaborate systems with multiple potential failure points to alleviate the need to bleed the system?

Why not just get comfortable with bleeding it?

it just the more I learn about boats, the more I want mine on the K.I.S.S. principal.

Excellent point!

My answer is that valves, especially modern ball valves are extremely reliable. We are playing probabilities here right? The chances of a ball valve failing and a resultant fire starting are slim compared to the huge mess and hassles of priming that it is worth installing the additional valves.

BTW...my new diesels are self-priming. Not to rub it in, but self-priming diesels do exist now. Hurrah!...it's about damn time!

[never monday]

[quote=David M;108874]Excellent point!
The chances of a ball valve failing and a resultant fire starting are slim [quote]

It's not fire I'm worried about. That many connections begs for a leak of fuel or air.

[delmarrey]

Originally Posted by David M

BTW...my new diesels are self-priming. Not to rub it in, but self-priming diesels do exist now. Hurrah!...it's about damn time!

You probably have the new series of diesel fueling, rather than each injector actuated by the pump timing, it has a manifold with continous pressure and the injectors are actuated individualy by electronics.

These new systems give better fuel economy and accelleration. Depenability?? I guess we'll see in the future. And some take a computer to set the timing and RPM's