Fuel/Water Separator Question-gctid356083

[Guest]

I'm coming up with a spring to do list, well just adding to the one I already have left over from last year!

One of the things that looks to be a priority is to replace the seemingly inadaquate fuel filter with a fuel/water install. What would be a good one to install and more importantly ...where? I just don't see the "perfect" spot for it. I am the proud owner of a 1985 Contessa 2850 CB with the usual VP 260A single prop.

[2850Bounty]

JJ, are you suggesting that there is no marine type fuel filter currently installed?

Since you don't say, and since I'm just taking a stab here....., I'll suggest this:

• Rid yourself of any OEM Volvo Penta engine mounted fuel filter (if so equipped). There are much better choices.
• If you do have the Sierra style, these can be retro-fit with the Parker RACOR system. All you need to know is the adapter thread size.
• If you do not have the Sierra style, I'd suggest installing one OFF-Engine, and use the Parker Racor cartridge and all metal bowl.
• Or.... install the entire Parker RACOR system.

Mallory, Sierra and GLM now offer the RACOR under their brand name. Same thing... different name but may be less expensive.

This type filter is a more true water separating filter.

The std cartridge style relies on gravity and element absorption only.

The plastic bowl (left side) cannot be used in your enclosed engine bay.

[Guest]

The only fuel filter is the engine mounted one, very small. I can't imagine how this was considered OK in anyones book.

As I was sitting in the engine bay mulling this whole thing over, I just can't see the perfect place to mount a bulkhead mount filter and still run the fuel lines so they will be short as possible and out of the way, (protected). Any ideas on how to mount it?

Thanks for your fast response and mountain of knowledge!

[2850Bounty]

JJ, I have worked on this model boat. I know that there is a location for a remotely located fuel fliter. You may need to be creative.

The fuel lines do not necessarily need to be short. They do need to meet USCG approval, need to be routed in a way that avoids tight bends and that avoids close proximity to potential damage, etc.

Elevation changes, within reason, is not an issue as your system will be equipped with an anti-siphon valve at the fuel tank outlet fitting.

If you do go with the RACOR, make sure that you give yourself enough space underneath the filter to drain the bowl, and/or to remove the entire cartridge assembly.

.

[Guest]

I'll do that Rick, Thank you.

I'll post what I come up with.

[bhawes]

Rick. I'm presently running two Sierra type fuel/water separators (the second one added to fascilitate the installation of my fuel flow sensor). The Racor filter that you show appears to have a drain plug incorporated into it. Does this eliminate the periodic (annual) changing of the cartridge?How does this setup separate the water from the fuel?

Thanks. Bob.

[2850Bounty]

bhawes wrote:
Rick. I'm presently running two Sierra type fuel/water separators (the second one added to fascilitate the installation of my fuel flow sensor). The Racor filter that you show appears to have a drain plug incorporated into it. Does this eliminate the periodic (annual) changing of the cartridge?How does this setup separate the water from the fuel?

Thanks. Bob.

Bob, I'm not a Racor expert at all but will share what I do know about them.

The water separation doesn't rely on filter media absorption only as does the std type filter, although both use gravity as well.

The Racor has a unit inside that swirls the fuel and apparently allows gravity to help separate the water from the gasoline.

The water ends up in the bowl that is underneath the filter media.

You periodically remove the drain plug and catch this contaminated fuel... if contaminated!

Filter media catches any debris.

You can choose from several Micron ratings.

You will be changing the filter portion just as you would with a std filter.

All gasoline metal bowls interchange with all cartridges, so the bottom side of each cartridge is the same.

The bowls are reusable.

However, since there are about three filter base adapter thread sizes being used, each cartridge on the top side varies depending on which filter base you use.

OMC uses a large thread, Volvo is also large, I believe the Sierra is similar to the Merc.

IOW, in this gasoline series system, the filter p/n's X, Y and Z will be different at the tops, but will all be the same at the bottom bowl connection.

*********************

When I first completed my restoration, I began fighting an alkaline/acidic solution in my aluminum fuel tank. I don't know how else to describe what was going on!

The fuel was carrying a fine oxidation type residue through my std filter system and was depositing this residue at the interior and metering circuits of both carburetors. It was restricting metering to the point of causing a "No Run"!

You could see this and you could wipe it off and see it.

I'd clean both carburetor out.... and I was able to run for another 3-4 hours or so, then it did this again.

Repeat the cleaning.... did it again in another 3-4 hours run time.

Repeat... did it again.

Finally I'd had enough and picked up two new Racor systems and installed them.

(I actually used my new Sierra bases and bought just the Racor filter cartridges and bowls)

It cured my problem instantly.... (or it was total coincidence).

I'm more inclined to believe it was the Racor system since that was the only change made at that time. (you know me and the P of E )

Bob, I doubt that you need two filters, one after the other, for your fuel flow meter.