'Snapp' diesel filter: any views?

[FinesseChris]

The search is on for a replacement for the diesel filter, currently the basic 296 affair with the central rod and lots of O-rings. Which I always mess up when changing .

I've been offered a Racor "SNAPP" unit that's effectively a throw-away entire unit, element and all – it unclips from the fuel line, and you clip in a new unit. No tools, no O-rings, no mess. It says.

Anyone tried these? The engine is a Beta 20.

 

[LittleSister]

If I remember correctly it is only considered suitable (i.e. safe) if located outside of the engine compartment (presumably because of the plastic construction). The manufacturer's statement to this effect is not given any prominence in the advertising, but it's there if you rummage around the specs, etc.

It depends on your boat layout whether you can achieve a practical location for it outside the engine compartment.

 

[MOBY2]

Hi, I'm hoping to fit a FG500 filter, it's a Racor copy but heck of a lot easier to change and about 30 quid on fleabay if that's any help...

 

[penfold]

That's a "razorblades" marketing scam; £50+ for a fuel filter change? No thanks, I'll stick with spin-on disposables.

 

[Laysula]

Make life easy for yourself. Racor 500 type.

 

[RivalRedwing]

a direct replacement Delphi unit which takes a screw on filter (typically a HDF 496 filter) is your easiest swap, just ensure you order one with the same threads as your current fitting

 

[Refueler]

Brings thoughts of designing a new Mousetrap !!

 

[Stemar]

Anything with a spin-on cartridge would do as well and be a LOT cheaper. On Jissel (VP2003), I fitted two in parallel with taps so I ran on one and could change instantly to the other. The whole job, with filters from a car breakers and pipe and taps from ASAP didn't cost significantly more than what you'd pay for one SNAPP, but that was a good few years ago. Being able to switch to a clean filter instantly meant I didn't bother with annual filter changes, only when the cartridges became rusty enough to be a concern, making the system even cheaper to run

 

[FinesseChris]

Thanks everyone for advice. Will forget Snapp....