[C320-list] Fuel Filter

[Robert Seastream]

Joe:

The filter mounted on the engine is the secondary filter.  I just  
changed the primary filter (Racor, which includes a water separator),  
located under the aft bunk.  The primary Racor filter is much like a  
'spin on' engine oil filter, with an additional plastic water catch  
bowl fitted underneath it.  That bowl also has fittings to drain just  
water, or water and fuel. When changing that primary filter, put a  
Pampers diaper (or something similar), and a small aluminum roasting  
pan under the filter to catch the ~8 oz of fuel you end up with once  
that primary filter is unscrewed.  Next, screw the new filter in  
place.  Then, open the fuel tank valve and return to the Racor  
filter.  You'll notice a 'star' shaped plastic fitting on top of the  
Racor filter fitting.  Unscrew it and pump, thus priming/filling the  
Racor assembly with fuel.  You'll know you're done when it gets hard  
to pump.  You'll also have to bleed air out of the system after either  
filter change, else the engine will start, run a bit, then shut down  
when it encounters air bubbles rather than fuel.  To do that, go to  
the 'banjo' fitting on the engine (after the secondary 'on engine'  
filter), loosen that fitting a bit, and continue 'pumping' fuel at the  
Racor until bubbles stop and pure fuel flows from the loosened  
fitting.  Then, tighten the 'banjo' fitting and try starting the  
engine.  Giving credit where due, I didn't know this procedure; Jeff  
Hare told me.

Given your hull number, our boats are siblings or cousins.  I'm in  
NH.  Where are you located?

Bob Seastream
Intuition # 906



On Jun 18, 2010, at 2:24 PM, Paul Rickman wrote:

> Yes, there is a fuel shut off on top of the fuel tank. Make sure you  
> use it. Otherwise, your bilge will
> fill up with fuel.
>
> The filter on the engine -- I use a screw driver and hit it lightly  
> until the housing turns and then finish
> by hand. There are ridges that the driver can fit into.
>
> The bigger filter is a spin on spin off. Use an oil filter wrench. I  
> use a lid from a spray paint can
> to drain some of the fuel out before spinning it off.
>
> Paul
> Affinity 657
> Bay Bridge Marina
> Chesapeake Bay, Maryland
>
>
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: Joseph Aberdale <summerwind3 at comcast.net>
> To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
> Sent: Fri, June 18, 2010 2:09:31 PM
> Subject: [C320-list] Fuel Filter
>
> My Yanmar engine 3GM30F in my 2002 Catalina died while underway.   
> I'm going to change the fuel filter to determine if that's the  
> problem. Is there a fuel shut off valve I need to close before  
> changing the filter and where is it located?  How does the filter  
> housing come apart to change the filter?
>
> Thanks very much in advance for your help. It's appreciated.
>
> Joe
>
> #908
>