Fuel Filter/Water Sep

[stretch33]

I'm in the process of fitting my engine and l had intended using the original filter/water seperator, thing is its one of those with the glass bowl. Are these still ok to use ? Got to have an ins survey in new year so might as well sort it now
Thx Phil Another thought any suggestions as to a good sparks East Coast my wiring
aaaaaagghh!!!!

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[TonyBrooks]

Sparks - no help I am affraid.

If you have no intention of venturing onto an "inland" navigation you can keep youtr glass/plastic bowl (however insurance companies are a law unto themselves).

For inland Navigation Authorities (possibly the EA in your case) you muis have a metal bowl and a metal drain. (Actually you can have a plastic bowl as long as it is marked as complying with the Boat Safety Scheme - but try getting it past once the marks have worn off!).

Because of the danger from falling/flying objects and fire, I woudl advise that it is good practice to fit a metal bowl. If your unit is a CAV one (head looks like an older fuel filter head) your local Lucas Service Centre or Diesel Specialist should be able to supply you with a metal bowl & drain screw.

If I am right about your water trap, it is actually a Sedimenter, and I would advise you to also fit an Agglomerator next to it on the engine side - just to do all you can to prevent any water from entering the lift pump & filter.

Tony Brooks


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[Trevor_swfyc]

As long as you are talking about a diesel water separator and it is still fit for purpose then it should be no problem see Volvo part 23.27 which I believe is still available.

Regards Trevor

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[chriscallender]

Hi stretch33,

Personally I would leave it alone since its a simple job to swap the bowl if the surveyor does make a recommendation on it. I don't expect he will as I had a survey done and no recommendations on replacing the glass bowled fuel filter last year... also ASAP supplies still sells new CAV type filters with glass bowls so they must still be "legal". I did hear from my neighbour at the marina that they are not allowed on inland waterways.

Of course if the bowl or filter is in poor condition it should be replaced.

The thing I found about surveys was that the surveyor doesn't usually come up with the list of things you expected him to come up with - which is good as it shows what a fresh pair of eyes can spot that you missed. My experience of the whole survey was pretty positive ... surveyor was thorough spotted a few important things I'd missed while not being picky on unneccessary details. Most of these guys have a lot of common sense about what does and doesn't need a recommendation. For that reason, I'd say that its not worth doing a lot of pre-survey preparation work except on things that you know are needing done anyway...

Chris

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[Talbot]

ASAP are selling reduced price Racor 215 filters at the moment which are a "spin-on" type filter and incorporate a primer. These are much better than the CAV style and easier to change the filter. I have had a lot of trouble with my brand new Cav, and have just traced it to being supplied with the wrong rubber gaskets. I am changing to the Racor cause it is a better filter, easier to seal and less messy. This one has a glass bowl. This is OK in UK tidal waters, not inland and not if you asre subject to USCG policing. You can also get a water detector to fit to this filter.

(I have no affiliation with either Racor or ASAP - but I am more than a little P*ssed of with my CAV filter)

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[dickh]

I too have the CAV Filter/Separator and have considered changing to the Racor 'spin on' type, but you then lose the 'separator' bit. And the filters are more expensive. I changed my filters last weekend and found the easiest way is to completely remove the filter assy - after draing of course, and changing the filter and sealing rings on the bench. Much easier and you can make a thorough job of it. This will only work if you can easily remove your filter..... In fact this was the first time I'd replaced the seals in the grooves and the seal under the central bolt. The only snag was that I made the mistake of removing the bleed screw in the filter head and discovered the copper washer mangled, tried straightening it out but had to replace with a stainless washer to stop it weeping.
Try ASAP Supplies for spares for CAV filter bits, you can buy metal bowls as a replacement for inland waters.


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I'd rather be sailing... /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

 

[steel_slug]

Fuel filters--ISO 10088 the standard for diesel fuel systems requires that fuel filters in the engine space be fire resistant. Some 'Glass' filters are certified as compliant with this standard , The WASP filter with the heat shield base is one , the CAV/Lucas/Delphi item is a truck filter and they would not certify the glass bowl as being fire resistant. However if the filter is not in the engine space then any type will do , as long it is correctly connected to the , fire resistant , fuel lines (dont ask I dont know either) then its ok and will pass a BSS

Paul M

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