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Oksana Nesterova Posts: 1
18 days ago
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Hi,
Looking for some advice/comments on the fuel filter/separator installation. We have now had our boat for 5 years, and whilst she is a very capable and well thought through boat, we would still like to make some improvements.
Currently, we have the following set up on our boat:
- YANMAR 4JH2-HTBE, 75HP, engine
- Primary Filter / water separator Racor Model 500FG
- FisherPanda FP 4000s PMS NEO, genset
- Primary Filter / water separator Racor R26P (spin on)
Now we would like to change/upgrade the system and install a 3-way valve and feed the genset and the engine with the same primary filter.
If there is a problem with the fuel, based on the primary filter, we switch to the other circuit (see attached picture)
Our questions:
- What sort of a filter can be used for the both? R26P has 2 outlets, the 500FG not.
- Can the R26P be used for the Yanmar engine? Is there a reason that the generator primary filter is different? Or just how it was installed?
- What do you think about this installation? Is it okay to do so or should we keep the generator and the engine filter installations separate as is now?
- Ideally we would like to run two primary filters in parallel on the engine, but if we can also connect the genset to it, that would save some space.
Thank you,
Oksana
SY Ever Green
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Dick Posts: 413
16 days ago
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Hi Oksana,
Check out a dual Racor fuel filter assembly. A picture of what looks like my unit can be seen: (https://www.fabheavyparts.com/products/new-fuel-filter-water-separator-compatible-with-racor-marine-turbine-75500max30?currency=USD&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&stkn=43e1071db84a&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21498512339&gbraid=0AAAAAocCVisn_V85Ei5W4QhSowvU-KbCV&gclid=CjwKCAjw_pDBBhBMEiwAmY02NmCXlPmnkYmvL3F1tyKItBTYpQctHRajVzDRKpNn3tYsaXSRPCrsXhoCutUQAvD_BwE).
I believe it achieves your goals and more.
It has a vacuum gauge (I think as an important early warning device), easily changes filters at the turning of the lever, filters are easily changed with little mess.
Come back with questions.
My best, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy
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Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy
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Dick Posts: 413
15 days ago
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Hi Oksana,
If I read your diagram and your goals correctly, I believe that all you wish to accomplish can be done by a dual Racor fuel filter assembly (from memory mine is a 500MA using 2010TM 10 micron filters and looks just like this: https://www.go2marine.com/75500MAX30-Marine-500-Turbine-Fuel-Filter-WS-Shielded-Bowl-30-Micron_2?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21119200762&gbraid=0AAAAAD_v3nHU-bjxSZ2Cs6yMieBtMktqt&gclid=Cj0KCQjwoZbBBhDCARIsAOqMEZWkSL1iZG3_RriYLFnPDp1osVPcYrdzbkW-tRGWlXEzF7sYTXNqdVsaApfLEALw_wcB
Although I do not remember it being so pricey. But it given me 25 years of flawless service and we have gotten fuel from over 50 countries, not all of which were perfectly clean..
An item like this I think wise for all passage making boats.
Benefits:
Uses 2010TM filters which are easier to store (as much smaller) than spin on filters and are less expensive. They are smaller and take up less space: important as for widely wandering boats who might get bad fuel have lots of spare filters can be crucial. I carried ten when cruising remote areas*.
Bowl is easily observed giving indication of water in the fuel.
Bowl has a metal heat shield (required, I believe).
Short homage to dual fuel filter assemblies: 5-25
The filter assembly sits between the fuel tanks and filters all fuel before it gets to: propulsion engine, generator, furnace, etc. All of my fuel goes through this assembly prior to getting to a distribution manifold which directs the fuel to the propulsion engine, the generator, and to the 2 furnace/heating stove.
Boisterous ocean passages (especially after years of coastal cruising) can stir up “Yuck” in fuel tanks that can clog filters and stop the engine. This particular problem contributed to 2 boats sinking in the last year on trips between the US coast and Bermuda. They did not have the ability to flip a valve (see url for picture) and bring on line a new fresh filter: nothing could be easier and less messy to bring a new filter into play.
The valve has 4 positions: one for each filter individually or to run the fuel through both filters or an “off” setting closing fuel access altogether.
The dual Racor filter is top loading making removing a clogged filter and inserting a new filter easy and no mess and able to accomplish with the engine running off the other filter.
The assembly also is a water separator and accumulated water, if any, can be seen through the bottom of the bowl. An option, I believe, is an alarm warning of water accumulation.
The vacuum gauge is another useful tool and one I would recommend added (easily accomplished) on its own to any boat’s fuel system*, but it comes with the dual Racor assembly. The gauge tells, at a glance whether the filter is starting to load up and one can change filters prior to the engine starting to be starved of fuel.
My best, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy
*One way to clean fuel if you get a dirty batch is through multiple filters, but you may need a lot of them. They will all get used eventually and are light and easy to store. And in some/many countries they can be hard to source and, if found, quite expensive.
The gauge is a useful early warning device of a fuel filter starting to get clogged. It can be easily added to any fuel system just by placing one in the fuel line. Descriptions of its use and guidance for installation can be found at Steve D’Antonio’s web site (https://stevedmarineconsulting.com/) and search for the articles (among many other useful articles) in his E-Magazine.
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Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy
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oksana.casson Posts: 1
14 days ago
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Hi Dick,
Thank you for such a detailed response. I had a quick look at the Steve D'Antonio's website - looks very informative and interesting, I will have to spend a few hours on it - there is a lot of info that can be relevant to us.
We have been using the 30microns in our primary filter, but now looking at it, maybe it is better if we change for 10 micron. Do you know much about the differences/advantages of 10 over 30? I could not find any information in the engine manual.
The double Racor looks very interesting, but at the moment is pretty expensive, so we are looking at how we can update our system using the tools and equipment we have. Plus, as with any boat, one needs to be quite innovative in finding a space where to fit the extra stuff. The vacuum gauge would still be a great addition.
I note, that you use the filters before the fuel gets distributed to engine, generator and a stove, - does it not affect the fuel output if both generator and engine are run at the same time?
All of this gives us a lot of food for thought... What is best to do, - to change the spin on filter for the FG500 and add the emergency 3 way connection valve to connect both generator primary and the propulsion engine primary plus a vacuum gauge, or. bite the bullet and go for the ready made product, but then, we will need to see where we can fit it so that it is visible and accessible....
Thank you again,
Oksana
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Dick Posts: 413
13 days ago
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Hi Oksana,
Yes, you are likely to benefit from time spent reading Steve D’Antonio’s articles. I know of no one better than Steve who talks technical subjects in a way that the average skipper can understand.
As to 10 or 30 in the primary filter, I think either on the face of it is fine. The secondary filter (on the engine) is engine manufacture determined and likely 2 micro up to 5. Using a 30 may mean the secondary has to work a little harder. I use a 10, in part, as I polish my fuel a couple of times a season (or whenever my fuel source is doubtful) and usually my primary filter looks pretty clean when swapped out. I also know of one major manufacturer (Westerbeke) who recommends a 10 micron as a primary fuel filter
And, yes, finding real estate for mounting is often the most challenging part of the installation.
It is rare that I run both the generator and propulsion engine at the same time: really never nowadays. In the past, when we bought our boat, the PO had a weird set up and we needed to occasionally run both at the same time and it worked fine (and it was a far bigger genset). I worried more that their raw water came from the same skin fitting, but again, it was fine doing so.
My best, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy
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Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy
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