Primary Diesel Filter

[JackFrobisher]

I had occasion to clear some water (and muck) out of my primary diesel filter a while ago, so I'm thinking of replacing it with one that has a sight-bowl so that I can see if there's any water in it. Does anyone have any views about the available types?

I have also thought about fitting two, so that I could switch between them in the event of a blockage that would otherwise require the engine to be stopped, when I needed it to go. Any views on that ... ?

 

[BAtoo]

Glass bowl is a good idea & tractor dealers will have a wide choice of these & will probably be cheaper than from Volvo etc; then you could afford to fit two!! Consider tho - when was the last time you needed to swithc between filters & two will add complexity to the system - elbows joints taps etc all of which can leak/fail etc.....

 

[duncan]

[ QUOTE ]
fitting two, so that I could switch between them in the event of a blockage that would otherwise require the engine to be stopped, when I needed it to go

[/ QUOTE ]
if you are running the engine 24/7 I could understand this but generally you will either change the filter often beofre setting out if you have a problem or find the problem when the engine actually stops!

Sight glass is usefull for water but a visual check of the priomary filter is so quick and telling for anything else.

 

[npf1]

I've got the dual set-up you mention and have found it very useful and no extra hassle. It uses the Racor spin on type filters, which aren't the cheapest to replace. Racor also do some with paper filters that are cheaper to replace than the spin on ones. I've seen them listed on eBay in the past.

 

[Stellina]

Like npf1 I recommend a Racor spin-on type. I have the 230 type with has a plastic bowl and a drain. If air gets in when you are draining (or you change a filter) you can prime the filter with the inbuilt pump and bleed screw so you don't need to remove air anywhere else. You can fit a water alarm to it as well if you like.

 

[duncan]

ah - I have the turbine series (well an early 500 one) so I can pop the top of and pull up the filter element really easily to either change or check - clearly not as simple with the spin on.

suspect the spin on will be cheaper to install but the turbine cheaper to run element wise.........