Fuel Shut off Valve

[ss2016]

The fuel shut off between the tank and the Racor 500 on my boat (VP D6-400) is at the tank which is hard to get to. It seems to me that a shut off valve at the Racor would make the process of changing the filter much easier. Is this common practice or is there a reason why not? I have been told the tap/valve would introduce resistance in the fuel line but I don't see why this should be the case. Is there in fact a standard fitting?

 

[Plum]

The fuel shut off between the tank and the Racor 500 on my boat (VP D6-400) is at the tank which is hard to get to. It seems to me that a shut off valve at the Racor would make the process of changing the filter much easier. Is this common practice or is there a reason why not? I have been told the tap/valve would introduce resistance in the fuel line but I don't see why this should be the case. Is there in fact a standard fitting?

If the additional valve at the Racor is a "full flow" vave it will not restrict the flow but the fittings will introduce additional opportunities for leaks due to additional fittings. I had the same problem but fitted a remote operating handle to the hard to reach valve. You can just see the handle in this photo....


Www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

 

[Momac]

The fuel shut off valve should be easily accessible so its easily closed in an emergency.

 

[ss2016]

Yes,it's not easy to get to. You have to remove a mattress on a double bed, then a partition then crawl to the valve. Hence I need a valve at the Racor. Anyone know of a suitable one?

 

[snowbird30ds]

Can you drill the handle and have a rod linkage to somewhere accessible?
A dummy handle on a bellcrank is easy to fabricate.

 

[Freebee]

just install a full bore ball valve at the racor

 

[superheat6k]

On my last boat I moved the Racor filters to a separate compartment and installed two cycle brake cable innerspring linked to an old fashioned pull choke situated on the dash panel that could be pulled to close off both tanks together.

I'm in the process of installing a fuel polishing system to the somewhat complicated triple tank system on my Grand Banks, where access to the valves in a fire would be impossible so I am looking at a similar arrangement right now, but with the tanks situated aft of the engines, routeing to the dash area will mean far longer cables. I am considering using a solenoid or actuator to close the valves, but this will require a fire resistant cable to guarantee power will be available in the event of an engine room fire.

 

[ss2016]

Thanks guys. I was just hoping someone knew if there was a Racor part.

 

[QBhoy]

Is the filter actually lower than the tank ? Probably not ideal, if so.