Is it possible to clean a Vic fc-409 fuel filter

[Hush]

Hi, I'm new on here, my son is sailing a Cavalier 32 across the Indian Ocean and has run into low (no) wind and engine troubles. He has traced the fuel problem to his Yanmar 22 HP diesel to the fuel filter (fuel goes into it but won't come out). He went to change the filter but realised the replacement was the incorrect size :-( The filter is a Vic fc-409. Is this likely to be anything other than a blocked filter? If is is the filter, is there a way of cleaning it? Thanks in advance! Hush

[sailormed]

In an emergency you can clean the filter by sloshing it around in a bucket of diesel. Petrol from the outboard would be better, but do it absolutely in the cockpit or on deck because of the fumes.
The possibility exists that it is not the filter. It can be the clogged up mesh at bottom of the fuel pickup tube. Further down the fuel line you have the 90° bend in the fuel filter where the stream goes from horizontal to vertical. Often dirt can clog this bend.
Both these fuel line blocks give the symptoms of a clogged fuel filter.
Wish him a good trip in the Indian Ocean.

[Compass790]

Hi Hush,
welcome to the forum. There really isnt a way to clean it properly but having run into the same problem I did have some temporary success with washing a filter in petrol. I'd only recommend trying this on the primary filter ( 1st one after tank ) which I assume that is.
Got us another 10 hrs motoring but we were back in the marina after that so don't know how long its good for.
It was on a 6.5 hp diesel so only minimal fuel flow as well but a lot smaller filter too.
Worth a try if he's desperate.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Hush.

VIC FC409 - Alternative fuel filter Cross Reference:
Evidently, there are 33 replacement fuel filters for VIC FC409
➥ https://www.fuelfilter-crossreferenc...vert/VIC/FC409

[Hush]

Many thanks Compass790, it is the second filter which is the problem - i'll get him to try it - the engine isn't running anyway - good tip also from sailormed, I'll make sure he does it in the cockpit!!

Thanks for your responses chaps, much appreciated!

[Hush]

Many thanks GordMay, wish I'd sent him this before he set off!

[Stewie12]

Do also remember that he needs to find out the cause of a blocked filter and that could well be dirt in the tank.

[Cheechako]

Old boats often have dirty tanks. They are fine until someone goes to the ocean and the waves stir up all the junk. Then the filters get clogged.

[caffel]

Radio him and suggest blowing back through the fuel lines and filters all the way to the tank. This could temporarily clear the blockage which, as stated above is likely due to the seaway.