Purflux primary fuel filter - clean or replace?

[Matt341]

Hi All,

I currently have a Purflux primary fuel filter fitted adjacent to the diesel tank under the aft bed (awkward and restricted access), as part of the rountine maintenance I want to clean/replace/check this before the Winter.

I've had a good look at the unit and it seems to be the original fitted by Jeanneau. There is no glass bowl fitted but there is a small plastic screw fitted offset on the bottom of the casing which I opened into a container to check for any water (all seemed fine). I now want to replace with a new filter cartridge ready for next season but it looks as if it is designed to be cleaned rather than replaced.

The casing has a reference of "PP98DN" on it and what I can make out on the instructions printed to the casing is that the inner paper filter has a reference of "CN135", neither of which seem to bring up any products on the Purflux website. There is also another inner filter which the instructions show as being cleaned with fue rather than replaced. I have spoken to Purflux about this and they weren't able to provide any info/products based on the above references or description.

It looks as if the unit is held together with a bolt through the centre, although the head on the bottom is completely round (designed to be and not rounded through use). So at present I don't even know how to go about removing the filter casing from the fitting?

I will need to replace the inner paper filter but what should be used?

I don't like the fact that there is no way of visibly checking for water in the fuel so am now contemplating scrapping the unit and fitting a complete new assembly. However, it is mounted in a locker behind the engine with no bulkhead to separate so I don't know if the heat from this could cause damage to a filter with a plastic bowl? I'm also being cautious about any fuel leaks, the current Purflux unit is dry with no signs of drips etc.

Grateful for any advice/suggestions before I attempt to remove it next weekend with a multitude of tools ready!!?

Thanks
Matt.

 

[charles_reed]

It sounds as though it may be a simple settling chamber rather than a filter, hence Purflux inability to advise you of the replacement parts.
Though I've had several fuel blockages, never from a blocked filter. It's always been of bits of "tar" getting into the end of the intake in the tank. The inevitable method of cleaning has been to take out the tank and steam-clean it. I have a settling filter, and two other filters in my system. The 40mu one had never had any detritus and the fine engine filter, changed every 350 hrs has only once had any contamination - a minute trace of fine iron oxide.
Personally I'd leave well alone - if you want to have another filter in the line put one after the Purflux.

 

[Plevier]

It's not a throwaway paper element.
It's a fine nylon (or similar) washable gauze that concertinas up for increased surface area.
See http://www.inlinefilters.co.uk/Filters-Fuel/Cartridge/Round/FIN-FF30507 or http://www.accastillage-diffusion.com/catalog/Filtre-gasoil-Purflux-CN135,870987.html for a better pic. Riciculous price but then you don't replace it routinely.
Standard Jeanneau fit, I had one on an SO32.
Sorry can't remember which bolt holds it together. Is there one in the top?

Edit - it's the screw up from the bottom. Does it take an allen key perhaps if it's round?
See http://www.hostingpics.net/viewer.php?id=49437117F4.jpg

 

[CET1]

Our sunfast has a similar installation. The Purflux filter is washable to clean but is hopeless if you have any trace of debris in your fuel due to its small size 40mm dia 12mm high. We have always carried a spare filter but have never had to try to replace it at sea under the rear berth by removing the central 10mm bolt. We have now taken the route of replacing the Purfulx primary filter unit having suffered from a dose of diesel bug last year. Our new filter has been located so that it can be replace easily at sea and has a glass bowl with water separator incorporated.