Frequency of Fuel filter changes.

Vara

Vara

Well-Known Member
Joined
20 Feb 2004
Messages
7,015
Location
Canterbury/Dover
Visit site
Yesterday was engine servicing day, when changing fuel filters, I thought why am I changing these, since last years change they have only filtered 50l of diesel, the same filters in a van would do that in a day.

So would it be better to change fuel filters on an amount basis or do they decline in efficiency over time.

Would be nice to do it less often as the primary Lucas filter is a pain to access.

Volvo 2003, if that would have a bearing, 2l/ph consumption.
 
Vara said:
Yesterday was engine servicing day, when changing fuel filters, I thought why am I changing these, since last years change they have only filtered 50l of diesel, the same filters in a van would do that in a day.

So would it be better to change fuel filters on an amount basis or do they decline in efficiency over time.

Would be nice to do it less often as the primary Lucas filter is a pain to access.

Volvo 2003, if that would have a bearing, 2l/ph consumption.
Click to expand...

i have often thought the same as you.
there is more fuel sent to the injector pump than is used so much more fuel is filtered than actually used
 
A techhie bod will be along soon but l don't see why, but whilst changing the oil every year it seems an obvious thing to do. Realistically if you left it a couple of years it probably would be fine, just keep a check on the bowl for water etc
 
Vara said:
So would it be better to change fuel filters on an amount basis or do they decline in efficiency over time.
Click to expand...

They gradually get blocked by dirt and debris, leading to reduced flow. I fitted a vacuum gauge, which shows the increased suction which the engine lift pump has to create to overcome the restricted filter. Now, I just change the filter when the gauge shows the beginning of restriction. I've got a Volvo 2003 too.
 
pvb said:
They gradually get blocked by dirt and debris, leading to reduced flow. I fitted a vacuum gauge, which shows the increased suction which the engine lift pump has to create to overcome the restricted filter. Now, I just change the filter when the gauge shows the beginning of restriction. I've got a Volvo 2003 too.
Click to expand...
Out of interest, how often do you now have to change the filter?
 
Marine fuel tends to get dirtier than automotive fuel. Not because of a difference in fuel quality, but due to a lack of turnover and generally grubbier fuel tanks.

I would change a primary filter once a year cos it's cheap and easy to do when safely tied up in the marina. Having to change one at sea because it is blocked is not much fun.
 
Vara said:
So would it be better to change fuel filters on an amount basis or do they decline in efficiency over time.
Click to expand...

Most engine manufacturers seem to specify fuel filter at 200hrs, oil at 100hrs BUT, that could mean several years for some and changing more regularly can forewarn of problems such as developing bug. If low use, I would change every winter.
 
I changed mine annually until I fitted a Vetus twin filter unit with a vacuum gauge. My starboard tank (starboard filter) still draws well in the white zone with no issues. However, the port tank (port filter) is now drawing in the yellow zone. Both filters were fitted at the start of 2011.

Both tanks were filled at the same time from the same source. However, I emptied a small diesel tank from a diesel heater into the port tank. Towards the end of the pouring the fuel turned a murky orange colour. So I suspect that the port tank has the bug or something which is contaminating the port filter.

Unless you can tell whats going on I would stick with the annual change. Having said that, if you exercise good control over the diesel supply by filtering through a funnel and treating, then you could assume that the filter is good and extend to two years.
 
Most of the comments so far seem to concern the primary fuel filter. My routine is to change that every year, as it gives an indication of what is perhaps happening in the tank.
But the OP mentioned changing fuel filters – the secondary (on the engine) filter should last a great deal longer.
My Beta handbook says change after 750 hours (provided that a primary filter/water trap is fitted).
 
BabaYaga said:
Most of the comments so far seem to concern the primary fuel filter. My routine is to change that every year, as it gives an indication of what is perhaps happening in the tank.
But the OP mentioned changing fuel filters – the secondary (on the engine) filter should last a great deal longer.
My Beta handbook says change after 750 hours (provided that a primary filter/water trap is fitted).
Click to expand...

I was going to mention secondary filters but thought better of it. FWIW, I agree. Change primary filter annually and base your secondary filter change on how dirty the primaries look. I would probably change secondaries every other year regardless, simply because again they are cheap and it's easier to change in the marina.
 
I tend to check the bowl of the secondary when I change the primary annually. On a Yanmar, you can do that without disturbing the element. The bowl should be clean if the primary is working, so the filter should do a few years.
 
lw395 said:
I tend to check the bowl of the secondary when I change the primary annually. On a Yanmar, you can do that without disturbing the element.
Click to expand...

That's interesting - I'm fairly sure I can't inspect the bowl on my 2GM20 without taking the whole thing off the engine, including the filter.

Which Yanmar are you talking about, and is there a trick I'm missing?

Pete
 
prv said:
That's interesting - I'm fairly sure I can't inspect the bowl on my 2GM20 without taking the whole thing off the engine, including the filter.

Which Yanmar are you talking about, and is there a trick I'm missing?

Pete
Click to expand...

3GM30F AFAIK.
I can just unscrew the bowl using a small 'boa' wrench.
All standard parts I believe.
I would want to be able to change this at sea, personally.
 
I change both once a year, probably only need to change the pre-filter and leave the fine filter for every other year. But as I have to go through the process of pumping the fuel through after, regardless of whether I change one or two filters I just bite the bullet and do it. May change my routine next year.
 
lw395 said:
3GM30F AFAIK.
I can just unscrew the bowl using a small 'boa' wrench.
All standard parts I believe.
I would want to be able to change this at sea, personally.
Click to expand...

I can unscrew the bowl, but it can't be fully removed by dropping downwards as part of the engine is in the way. It has to go down a bit and then sideways, which can only be achieved by taking the filter with it. As I remember it, anyway; it's months since I last undid it.

Maybe the configuration is subtly different between the two engines.

Pete
 
P3290001.jpg


I have just changed these,they have been in since 2004, clean as can be,


I have been running on Soltron for the last 16 years.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top