Fuel bleeding

[alancollins]

At this time of year I normally replace both primary and secondary fuel filters on my Volvo Tamd 41 engine then bleed the system. With few hours on the clock I intend replacing only the Racor primary element. If I do this, then fill the filter housing with diesel, will I still need to bleed the system as usual? I ask only because it is a job I hate and spend more time cleaning up afterwards.

 

[kashurst]

If you only drain down a little fuel from the racor, so the fuel level stays above the inlet and outlet pipes, then you will not need to bleed the engines. Pull the filter out slowly so it can drain as it rises and hopefully zero mess.
Just top the racors back up either from a can or use the fuel shut off valves to allow fuel to run back in close to the brim.

 

[Freebee]

my thoughts are that you can carry on do what you propose.............. if it starts and runs -result , if not then bleed the system as normal

 

[simonfraser]

pull my racor out gently and replace
then fill it up with some diesel
never had to bleed them, yet

 

[Portofino]

pull my racor out gently and replace
then fill it up with some diesel
never had to bleed them, yet

+1 , either can or fuel cock if the fuel level in the tank is higher .

The only ones I bleed through are the 2 micron spin ons on the engine , switch on the ignition ( powers up the fuel pump ) open the 10 mm bleed screw .It bubbles then when it flows nip up .
Theres a collection bowl under and I can drain that off into a waste container or mop up thus keeping fuel out of the bilges .

back to the racor i wrap old fender socks round it and as it fills up simultaneously start screwing down the lid .A bit spills out into the wrapping .

They run with a bit of air anyhow , just stutter a bit for 10 secs if you have left some in .

When I do a full service I get one of those 5 L plastic cans full of diesel at hand to top off the racor etc and pre fill the spins on as well .

I think with a full service, oil + filter , fuel coolant there is an inevitability of getting blathered up .
My mate and myself were going well one year until he kicked the bucket over containing an old filter and say a pint or two of oil in between the engines ! Argh !! This is when babies nappies come in handy to mop up , they work for fuel spills as well .

 

[kashurst]

and pre fill the spins on as well .

I wouldn't do that, unless you pre filtered the diesel and the can is really clean.

 

[Portofino]

I wouldn't do that, unless you pre filtered the diesel and the can is really clean.

15 years later no adverse reactions , and sure cleanliness is king . 40:spins ons thus far .10x2 + 4 x5 .
Btw ever thought exactly how clean a fresh spin on is inside before it’s filled ? You can go on for ever risk managing a fuel contamination .

None CR .

Thinking aloud they need pre filling swilling out , pouring out , then refilling before fitting .As said never had any issues with clean kit .

 

[simonfraser]

does filtered fuel come out of the bleed screw at the bottom of the bowl ?
bleed some out and use that to fill the filter ?

 

[kashurst]

does filtered fuel come out of the bleed screw at the bottom of the bowl ?
bleed some out and use that to fill the filter ?

The diesel in the bowl is unfiltered - don't use that. The pre (racor) filters are filtering typically 30 microns or maybe 10 micron objects out of the fuel. The spin on engine filters are taking out 5 micron possibly 2 micron objects depending on engine type.
The paper filters inside the spin on cartridges take fuel in via the outside small holes and let it out into the injection pump via the larger central hole. If you prefill them via the central hole you have essentially bypassed all the engine filters. Better to just let the engine or hand pump do it the right way around.

 

[alancollins]

All useful advice. Thank you gentlemen.

 

[Plum]

At this time of year I normally replace both primary and secondary fuel filters on my Volvo Tamd 41 engine then bleed the system. With few hours on the clock I intend replacing only the Racor primary element. If I do this, then fill the filter housing with diesel, will I still need to bleed the system as usual? I ask only because it is a job I hate and spend more time cleaning up afterwards.

I have the same engine, as others have said, just top up the Racor to the brim, fit the lid and start the engine. No need to bleed.

Www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

 

[Plum]

I have the same engine, as others have said, just top up the Racor to the brim, fit the lid and start the engine. No need to bleed.

Www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

On one occasion, after changing the (secondary) filter on the engine, without thinking I went to start the engjne without bleeding. To my surprise the engine started, ran for a few seconds, faltered, missed a few beats, picked up and then ran perfectly without actually stopping!

 

[alancollins]

Thanks Plum. I hadn't realised they were that good- tempered.