Fuel filters

[killick]

On my 12 hp Westerbeke diesel motor I have two inline cartridge fuel filters with a watertrap. On the motor there is a further smaller filter which is difficult to acsess and for which I cannot find the correct relacement element. The existing element, which looks like cardboard and which the dealer says is actually an air filter, has been in use for a few hundred hours and shows n o dirt but I susspect that it is restricting fuel flow as the maximum refs at present is only 2700rpm. Would it ,in any way, be detrimental if I removed this element from its chamber and rely only on the existing two filters?. Thank You

 

[DaveS]

On my 12 hp Westerbeke diesel motor I have two inline cartridge fuel filters with a watertrap. On the motor there is a further smaller filter which is difficult to acsess and for which I cannot find the correct relacement element. The existing element, which looks like cardboard and which the dealer says is actually an air filter, has been in use for a few hundred hours and shows n o dirt but I susspect that it is restricting fuel flow as the maximum refs at present is only 2700rpm. Would it ,in any way, be detrimental if I removed this element from its chamber and rely only on the existing two filters?. Thank You

Do you know the filter rating (microns) of the other 2 filters?

 

[cryan]

The filters should be progressively finer so the final filters should remove the finer particles than the first stage. Removing that filter could allow particulates into the injectors which are of built to very fine tolerances. Any contamination in the injectors could damage the needle valve in the nozzle which will lead to poor spray patterns and eventually leakage. The cardboard looking filter could well be the correct one as many older fuel filters used a card bodied element. If you know what the base engine was you can approach the filter company like Fram and they will be able to tell you what filter you require.

 

[superheat6k]

+1 so why not install a 10 micron filter assy after the primary filter. Or see if you can find another makers filter that will fit in the space.

For Westerbeke try Advance Yacht Systems of Romsey Near Southampton. Ask for Rod - very helpful.

 

[Burnham Bob]

this is the oarts list for what i think is the 12 hp marine engine

http://www.westerbeke.com/OnlineManuals/34908_R2_W46-15BTD_Parts.pdf

i'd be amazed if there isn't a fuel filter by one of the normal filter manufactureres that matches - after all westerbeke would hardly make a special part when whatever you need is available off the shelf

 

[pmagowan]

You can put all your filters in a neat row and bypass the ones on the engine if you like. The first can be with water trap and the last a suitable low micron ?2-5 alternative to the engine mounted one. This makes them easy to change.

 

[prv]

You can put all your filters in a neat row and bypass the ones on the engine if you like. The first can be with water trap and the last a suitable low micron ?2-5 alternative to the engine mounted one. This makes them easy to change.

This is pretty much what I've done, except that the last one is in fact the engine one, the filter head being only bolted onto the engine and easy to remove and place elsewhere.

The original location guaranteed a bilge full of diesel at every service.

Pete