Fuel filter and re-prime

[Trevethan]

This weekend will see me and (maybe) SWMBO changing the fuel filter on our Lister HRW4 for the first time (after running tank pretty much dry following failure of fuel return pipe...... cleaning that up was fun...)...

Anyway what tips/hints/advice (other than paying someone who knows what they are doing to do it ) does the panel have?

I have the service manual and it seems fairly straight forward but.....

 

[Sinbad1]

Assuming that the fuel filter is secured by a nut on the top of the casting for the filter top, then use and empty icecream container to fit under and around the filter as you take it off. This will collect all drips.

If its in an awkward location and you can't get a plastic container around it, then use a plastic bag from pedal bin or similar. These have no air holes in the bottom!

When new filter fitted you have to bleed system. Its easy. Look at service manual. Turn engine over and open and then close bleed screws starting with the filter and working through to the injectors. When no more bubbles on last bleed screw....you are finished. Start engine and run in gear to make sure that you haven't missed an air lock that will reappear just as you are entering/leaving marina on strong ebb/flood tide.

Listen to purr of engine and congratulate yourself. Its easy.

 

[jeanette]

Everything is easy when you know how and this job is one that must be learned in case of problems at sea.

Having learned this lesson myself recently I can tell you that it is easy if you are prepared for lots of mess and fuel everywhere. If you try to keep it clean, then it takes ages.

Make sure your battery is fully charged before you start.


Jeanette

 

[brian_neale]

My last boat did not have much height between the fuel tank and the filter, and fuel was reluctant to start flowing after changing the filter element. One trick that worked for me was to find the fuel tank breather pipe and blow down it, to pressurise the fuel slightly and persuade it to start moving. That was the only way that I could bleed the fuel filter.

 

[Trevethan]

Thanks for teh advice.. And my engine will purr? Wow... that will be a change!

Thanks again!

Nick

 

[ParaHandy]

There will be either an O ring or gasket sealing the filter bowl. There's a slight chance that you might break the seal. So, just to be safe, get a spare seal. Not a bad idea to change the seal with the filter anyway.

 

[dickh]

My diesel has a primer lever on the fuel pump which you can use to pump the fuel to the injection pump & injectors, much easier than cranking the engine and less messier. Use plenty of cloths to catch any drips. Make sure fuel flows without bubbles from the filter and then crack each injector in turn to get rid of any air. Turn the key and it will start!! Good luck.

dickh
I'd rather be sailing...

 

[Trevethan]

since the bottom of the boat recently held a good 10 gallons of diesel from the return pipe, and I have just pumped it out and then dumped washing up liquid in it, prior to another rinse then steam clean, and not too concerned with mess!

thanks!

 

[summerwind]

I usually fill the filter bowl with clean fuel before re-assembly. This saves a bit of pumping.

If you have the opportunity, its not a bad idea to have an in-line cock either side of the filter body. That way you can isolate the filters without too much spillage and without too much air in the system when you make the filter change.

The process then is: 1) Warm up engine for easier re-start, 2) Isolate filters with in-line valves, 3) Change filter element, 4) Fill bowl with clean fuel and reassemble, 5) Open in-line valves and then re-start keeping revs fairly high. The engine might cough and splutter a couple of times but because you have kept the air to a minimum, will often circulate the air through the system and out back into the tank through the bleed off system.

Good luck with your efforts to get rid of the smell.

 

[david_bagshaw]

I would add

dont panic if the engine doesnt start firsttime afterwards, just re bleed.

dont panic if the engine doesnt start the second time, after it has been running after a filter change, as some times bubbles get trapped & move after the engine stops.

if it same again happens look for a poor seals , air leak etc.

I did my first filter change when I was 12, & still can remember the stomach pains of will it work, or will Dad have to speak to the yard!!!!

good luck

David
www.euroboating.net