Need Advice on Primary Fuel Filter

[erict]

This is my first time working on an engine and I am just beginning to learn about my small Yanmar 2GM20C. My first project is routine filter/oil changes but also something needs to be done about the primary fuel filter. There is a Racor 230 filter with 10 micron cartridge but the filter is badly corroded (exterior only) and the bowl needs new seals. I am weighing three options.

a) Continue using the old filter--need to renew the seals, clean up peeling paint and rust, and get a new cartridge.

b) Replace filter with the new version of the same model, Racor 230R. New version has a priming pump that mine doesn't have.

c) Upgrade to a Racor turbine filter, the 500MA. It's the smallest I found in that series, but still much larger capacity than I need. Also ports are 3/4" while my fuel lines are 1/4".

What do you suggest?

A related question... I have read that a vacuum gauge in front of the Racor helps with determining when filters need replacement. Does this sound like overkill on my tiny engine?

[noelex 77]

If you have the space I would go with the 500.
The larger surface area and better water removal are good insurance.The filter elements are usually cheaper as well.
There should be adapters to change the size of fuel lines.
ASAP supplies are in the UK, so not the place for you to buy from, but they have a good online site that will show you what is available.
The vacuum gage is a useful extra on any size engine.

[erict]

There's plenty of space since the engine compartment opens on the side into a large lazarette (4' deep x ~3' wide x 6'). The old Racor was mounted in this lazarette to the side of a metal water tank. I'll probably remount it to a wood bulkhead since I'm thinking the metal-to-metal contact may be the the cause of the corrosion.

[Capitain Mike]

Originally Posted by noelex 77

If you have the space I would go with the 500.
The larger surface area and better water removal are good insurance.The filter elements are usually cheaper as well.
There should be adapters to change the size of fuel lines.
ASAP supplies are in the UK, so not the place for you to buy from, but they have a good online site that will show you what is available.
The vacuum gage is a useful extra on any size engine.

Hi my friend,
I had a Cav 296 Primary filter with a glass bowl on my Yanmar 2GM18 ( that was really a 12hp) and as you probably have a 44 litre tank and use about 1 litre + an hour you don't need a filter with a high through put and probably the pressure would be different to the injectors.

After reading the forums regarding the properties of the Racor filters (besides being vary expensive) I am sticking with my CAV.

I now have a Yanmar 3YM20. I intend to install a second primary filter in parallel with a hand primer built in even though I have a primer near the secondary fuel filter as do you at present and both filters will have taps to operate them individually. If you get one with 4 ports they will fit practically any where. You don't say what your boat is but if you have not already done it and you have easy access to the front of the engine from the saloon or where ever re-site the filter to an easy maintenance position. Lee shore wind waves and fuel problems at the filter only happen when you need it most and the boat is dancing. by the way 5 micron is fine and is usual, keep your tank full in the layup season.

Mail this guy he is very helpful
Neil Kent
Email: neil@asap-supplies.com
Tel: 0845 1300 870 Fax: 0800 316 2727
Tel: 01502 716 993 Fax 01502 711 680
International Tel: +44 1502 716993 Fax: +44 1502 711680


£37.95
ex. VAT
PREFILTER / SEDIMENTER GLASS BOWL
Part No. 302004


£63.54
ex. VAT
RACOR TO CAV SPIN ON FUEL FILTER CONVERSION
Part No. 301050
CONVERTOR CAV HEAD to RACOR SPIN ON


£41.40
ex. VAT
FUEL FILTER WITH PRIMER 4xM14 PORTS
Part No. 302052


£32.81
Best Seller
ex. VAT
PREFILTER GLASS BOWL WITH ELEMENT
Part No. 302003

http://www.asap-supplies.com/search/cav
There are 3 pages
I have also been told that these compatibles work also in the CAV Please check yourself but try to stick with CAV or Delphi.

CAV part number 7111-296,
Ryco equiv part no: R2132P,
Delphi equiv part no: HDF296,
Fleetguard equiv part no: FF167A

FLEETGUARD FF167
NAPA Gold 3166
FRAM C1191A
PUROLATOR F50149
WIX 33166
MOTORCRAFT FD157
FILTERMART.COM 28-0187
CHAMP (STP) L296F

VOLVO to AC-DELCO/NAPA/FRAM/PUROLATOR/WIX/MOTORCRAFT/FLEETGUARD/FILTERMART/CHAMP FUEL+FILTER

OIL
AC/DELCO PF1233
CHAMP (STP) PH2840
FLEETGUARD FF167
FILTERMART.COM 25-0452
FleetGuard LF3615
FRAM PH4967, PH4386
MOTORCRAFT FL386
NAPA GOLD 1396
NAPA Pro Select SFI21394
PUROLATOR L14477
Volvo 3581621, 8614737
WIX 51396


FUEL/Secondary (At Engine)

AC/DELCO TP1119
CHAMP (STP) FP588F
FILTERMART.COM 28-0808
FLEETGUARD FF5114
FRAM P3627
MOTORCRAFT CFD1000
NAPA Gold 3386
PUROLATOR F54469
VOLVO 861477
WIX 33386



FUEL/Primary (Canister)

AC/DELCO NA
CHAMP (STP) L296F
FILTERMART.COM 28-0187
FLEETGUARD FF167
FRAM C1191A
MOTORCRAFT FD157
NAPA Gold 3166
PUROLATOR F50149
VOLVO 3581078
WIX 33166


FUEL/Primary (Racor)

FleetGuard FS19824
RACOR R15P

[doug86]

The Racor 500 will be a waste of money. That filter needs a minimum flow of fuel through it to be really effective, and your 2GM will not achieve that. It will still provide filtration, but the "turbine" effect will not do a thing at such low fuel flows.

The 230R is fine for that engine. I would go that route.

[David M]

The Racor has a water trap and a filter element....which makes it effective at what it is supposed to do, turbine effect or not. It is also a very high quality system.

[Bash]

I vote for option B.

[Nauticatarcher]

Just put a new cartridge in existing unit and maybe put a outboard Fuel priming bulb in fuel line before to make bleeding system after filter changes, remember "if it aint broke dont fixit"

[erict]

Thanks for the alternatives and suggestions.

My starting point was that the old filter was indeed "broke." Renewing it would have meant about $40 for a new element plus seals plus time and materials to clean up the corrosion and peeling paint. The marine store said it was a discontinued model and at least 15 years old. It was mounted poorly and in a poor location so work needed to be done in any case to relocate it.

I decided to go with the Racor turbine model. I got it for an excellent price and after four filter changes I'll come out ahead cost-wise compared with option b. With the addition of a pump I can make good use of the larger capacity for fuel polishing.

For mounting there was a pair of 8mm bolts sticking out through the bulkhead between lazarette and galley. I mounted the Racor to a panel of Marine Lumber and the panel to those existing bolts. Good protected location near engine, easy access for filter changes, and no new holes. The bulkhead provides secure routing of fuel lines and the filter no longer is attached to or blocking other components.