[C320-list] Fuel Filter

[Joseph Aberdale]

I'm in Wellfleet on Cape Cod.  Do you sail out of Portsmouth?


On Jun 18, 2010, at 3:09 PM, Robert Seastream wrote:

> 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
>>
>