which fuel filter?

richard m · 01 November 2005, 13:07

I want to install a fuel filter with a clear bowl on my boat
I have looked at old messages about fuel filters for below deck tank installation. Has anyone had problems using CAV diesel filters for petrol outboard engines?
The alternative is to use the RACOR filter that costs twice as much and the replacement filters are 6x the price as the CAV filter.
regards
richard m
down under

Pete7 · 01 November 2005, 13:15

Richard hi,

Been using them on the club dive rib and my own since about 95 time. Never had a problem with petrol going through a diesel filter and cheap as chips for replacement cartridges.

Pete

Downhilldai · 01 November 2005, 13:26

Same here - I'm using one I salvaged from a dead lorry. Works a treat and as Pete says, filters are cheap - about a quid or two each. Keep a spare filter on board, just in case.

danny · 01 November 2005, 13:37

I have had them installed on several outboards now for some years without any problems.

A few months ago an optimax dealer told me that the glue wich is used for these replacementfilters could possibly come a bit loose. Tiny bits could come free.
That could couse a problem on high pressured engines on the injectors, so I undertood.
Therefore I took the filter out this time.
I really think you can use them on any carburated engine without any problem.
They are excelent for keeping water out of your fuel and as I remember can keep dirt out at 6 microns in stead of 25 microns for the normal, exspensive filters like Yamaha etc.
Keep in mind that they alow a fuelflow of 90 liter max when 8mm fittings a used.

Biggles · 01 November 2005, 14:02

Whilst on this subject, which I have been looking in to for my own outboard, Could any of you kind gentlemen provide a link to a website that sells these filters.

Many thanks.

richard m · 01 November 2005, 14:06

I think I have answered my own question.
Thanks for the quick replies. I was web surfing while you were replying and found that the cav 296 filters were orginally were made for diesel and petrol, but are only made for diesel now (so they say). But you can get a ryco filter for petrol that replaces the cav 296 cartridge for the same replacement price as the cav cartridge .I am going to bed it's 0030.
regards
richard m
down under.

Scary Des · 01 November 2005, 14:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biggles

Whilst on this subject, which I have been looking in to for my own outboard, Could any of you kind gentlemen provide a link to a website that sells these filters.

Many thanks.

Look on Ebay

Des

richard m · 01 November 2005, 14:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biggles

Whilst on this subject, which I have been looking in to for my own outboard, Could any of you kind gentlemen provide a link to a website that sells these filters.

Many thanks.

I know its on the other side of the world. but try this site and click on related products aswell.
http://www.bla.com.au/product_group.cfm?id=1193&s=2
I really am going to bed now
regards
richard m

CJL · 01 November 2005, 19:57

If i recall Optimax engines should not be fitted with fuel seperators.....however I've always had one and no problems.

But if your under warranty perhaps you should be thinking about it???

Chris

pressman · 01 November 2005, 20:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by CJL

If i recall Optimax engines should not be fitted with fuel seperators.....however I've always had one and no problems.

But if your under warranty perhaps you should be thinking about it???

Chris

You should always fit a water seperator on any engine.

Raycor are designed as suction side filters, CAV are not, you may pay more for the replacement elements but, what is cheaper, a new element or a new engine??

Hugh Jardon · 01 November 2005, 20:19

is there any benefit in fitting two filters in series? just for added safety?

pressman · 01 November 2005, 20:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hugh Jardon

is there any benefit in fitting two filters in series? just for added safety?

Every engine should have its own filter mounted, but you should always fit a primary.

You can fit a duplex system so if one filter blocks, you can quickly change over to the other with a valve.

Remeber, the more unions you fit, the more problems tou may have to solve!

danny · 01 November 2005, 20:33

Now I have always tried to keep any tank as clean as possible. Anyway I've never found much, if any dirt in my fuelfilters.
Always replaced them every 100 hours or year.

By my idea the only problem that could occur is water in the tank especialy if you use cans to fill your tank.

The Optimax has the inside filter that also gives warning when there could too much water inside the filterunit.
For me, I think that a warning is always too late and prevent is the keyword for safe use of an outboard on long distances and especialy at sea.

An extra filter mounted outside the engine can give visual indication of any water in the fuel. Once you have water in the filter, It's easy to drain water out without havin' the enginhood taken of at sea and you hanging over the engine.

So a good solution for Optimax could be a simpel but big glas waterseperator outside the engine on an easy place to drain.
Am I wrong ?

danny · 01 November 2005, 20:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by pressman

Every engine should have its own filter mounted, but you should always fit a primary.

You can fit a duplex system so if one filter blocks, you can quickly change over to the other with a valve.

Remeber, the more unions you fit, the more problems tou may have to solve!

I have always made this system with two filterunits. Never used it but could be very usefull when you are at some point that the engine stops and there is no time to change it.

Hugh Jardon · 01 November 2005, 20:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by pressman

Every engine should have its own filter mounted, but you should always fit a primary.

You can fit a duplex system so if one filter blocks, you can quickly change over to the other with a valve.

Remeber, the more unions you fit, the more problems tou may have to solve!

i quite like the idea of two filters with a bypass switch, might be a bit of overkill but what price safety and keeping the engine fuel tip top clean

anyone come across the best place to buy the units, filters with visable sight glasses in the uk? like the idea of the using diesel ones being cheaper....cool

pressman · 01 November 2005, 20:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hugh Jardon

i quite like the idea of two filters with a bypass switch, might be a bit of overkill but what price safety and keeping the engine fuel tip top clean

anyone come across the best place to buy the units, filters with visable sight glasses in the uk? like the idea of the using diesel ones being cheaper....cool

The racors are not cheap to buy (£130 quidish each) but, they are exellent filter units.

You can get a few different micron elements dependant on how fine you require the fuel to be filtered, you need to get the right filter to suit your max fuel flow to the engine ( plus a little extra).

It is easy to set up a duplex system, can give you a diagram if you wish.

Scary Des · 02 November 2005, 09:53

It doesn’t pay to over filter a fuel system

Diesels and some injected petrol engines need to be well filtered because of the fine tolerances in the injection system but over filtering can cause problems and introduces ‘something else to go wrong’

Follow the manufactures recommendation they tend to know best

Water in fuel is an issue and can be avoided by keeping the tank full and filtering all the fuel before it goes into the tank, Racor make funnels with built in filters.
Equally regular checking for water in float chambers or separators will catch a problem early.

Des

CJL · 02 November 2005, 10:08

I'm sorry guys but you are wrong.

If you look at the Optimax manuals it clearly says you should not fit additional filters in the fuel system.

The engine has its own filters and seperators so it does not need any more externally mounted.

Chris

Scary Des · 02 November 2005, 10:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by CJL

I'm sorry guys but you are wrong.

If you look at the Optimax manuals it clearly says you should not fit additional filters in the fuel system.

The engine has its own filters and seperators so it does not need any more externally mounted.

Chris

Chris that is the point I’m trying to make don’t over filter. If the manufacturer recommends a particular set up that is the one to go for

Des

jwalker · 02 November 2005, 10:17

Lancing Marine do a filter/water trap with a reusable stainles element and a water drain. Clear or solid bowl. All I can tell you is mine works well. They come with a stainless mounting bracket but you have to select your union size to suit your fuel lines.

Lancing have redone their web site and it's now downloadable pdf manuals. It's all in there.

http://www.lancingmarine.com/pricedownloads.html