Fuel filters

[skenn_ie]

I recently bought a twin Lucas filter unit with glass bowls, but was surprised to see the it is intended as a top-down filter. I think that it would be better used bottom-upwards so that water and most dirt settles without clogging the filter.
I would appreciate comments and opinions on this.

 

[rivonia]

Just out of interest. How do you know it is supposed to be "top down"? I have never known a FUEL filter to be top down, as you say the water settles and so you can bleed it.

 

[ribrage]

I recently bought a twin Lucas filter unit with glass bowls, but was surprised to see the it is intended as a top-down filter. I think that it would be better used bottom-upwards so that water and most dirt settles without clogging the filter.
I would appreciate comments and opinions on this.

Top down ?

Never seen a Lucas CAV or similar like that ? Got any pictures ?

 

[pmagowan]

There was an article in PBO about it. The water drips off the filter into the bowl. I prefer the Racor type both for ease of use and effect. They are waterproof but water and dirt are separated into the bowl before hitting the filter.

 

[ribrage]

There was an article in PBO about it. The water drips off the filter into the bowl. I prefer the Racor type both for ease of use and effect. They are waterproof but water and dirt are separated into the bowl before hitting the filter.

My boats at work have four switchable filters made by racor, which are fitted below tank level and self fill once you turn on the fuel taps , it's a good system BUT , the price of racor is eye wateringly expensive in comparison to Lucas stuff.

 

[bjl]

I reckon that it will filter your fuel.

 

[tcm]

I/We don't quite understand your use of "top down" and "bottom upwards" which arguably mean the same thing anyway. Normally if not invariably, when fitted, the glass bowl/s is/are the lowest part of filter, into which debris/water settles and can be bled off.

 

[pmagowan]

I/We don't quite understand your use of "top down" and "bottom upwards" which arguably mean the same thing anyway. Normally if not invariably, when fitted, the glass bowl/s is/are the lowest part of filter, into which debris/water settles and can be bled off.

Some filters start with the fuel going through the glass bowl and then through the paper filter on to the engine. Others the fuel goes through the filter first and then on to the bowl. The racors seem to have a centrifugal action by encouraging the fuel to spiral round the bowl before it hits the filter paper. The filter paper is impregnable to water anyway. They are more expensive but they are easy to change with the top opening rather than the bottom dropping off. They don't have loads of little seals and washers that drop out or are hard to re-seat. They are simple to prime as you can simply fill them from above. As far as I am concerned they are worth the money as you know that when you have a problem it will be in the worst conditions and messing around with a cav filter is going to be a nightmare.