Diesel engine fuel filter. Delphi HDF 29 . All you need?

[StoneBay]

My new boat has a Kubota based 10HP engine. It appears to have just one filter, a Delphi HDF 296 with water separator. No secondary fuel filter...
Is that enough ? Or do I need to get a secondary one put in asap ?

NB

 

[Malish]

Cars only have one filter but most yacht engines will have two, one on the engine and another on the bulkhead. Chances are that one (with a pukka Delphi HDF296 filter not a copy) will be fine but diesels like clean fuel and hence if you have room I would recommend an additional filter to polish the fuel. Whilst you are there I would also recommend you look at a switchable twin system so that you can switch from one primary filter to another should one block. Others will no doubt steer you towards Racor but if you want a simple upgrade then switch from a 296 head to a 496 head which accepts a screw in filter element, the pipe fittings are identical.

 

[rotrax]

The big advantage of the Racor-and the excellent Chinese copies-are that they are top loading and are easy to change filters in without spilling too much fuel. The pot can be topped up with fuel before fitting the top to keep bleeding to a minimum.

I purchased a Chinese copy recently for £45.99. It takes the far better Racor elements-the supplied one looks OK but unlike the genuine article it has "0" rings above and below as the fit is loose on the centre tube.

Good value for money IMHO.