Volvo 2030 fuel filter change - bleeding

[Never Grumble]

Would putting a primer bulb in the rubber return line to tank stop all this mess - shut the tank supply valve off and crack open the bleed on the primary filter. Then pump the primer bulb which would then pump all fuel out of the system. Replace filters, open the tank supply and reprime the whole system with the primer bulb. I've not tried this yet but is there a problem with the theory (would it be able to draw through the hp p/p for example)

I need to check but think I have a flexible hose leading to the injectors from the engine filter, was thinking that a hose clamp on that might stop it draining backwards ... I will have another look on Thursday when down at the yacht.

 

[gregcope]

See post #16

You mean my cut down milk bottle right? I used that on the CAV and it worked well. However it was still full of the CAV at the time.

 

[gregcope]

If there isn’t a fuel cut off valve between the filters and the tank and the tank (or fuel level in the tank) is higher than the filters (or the pipe loops higher than the filters) then the fuel will drain out of the filter once you’ve removed it. Either fit a valve ( proper job) or have a larger container ready to catch the fuel (easier job, but not proper).

I do have a shutoff valve, at the tank end.

The filter is probably the lowest point, so I get your point of possibly lots of the fuel in the lines. The engine to tank is about 3M of lines, so 6M there and back.

Not to self, larger container to jam between the pipes, cables and filter. Then wait for it to drain!

 

[gregcope]

There's a valve on the top of my tank which I did shut off, still seemed to be a lot of fuel that came out.


is a photo of a filter?

In a cut off milk bottle

 

[Quandary]

Not sure if this is relevant or not but the boat safety scheme rules outlaw any fuel line components within the engine compartment which are not fire resistant. I even had to change the wee nylon drain cock on my filter for a metal one to get the cert. so rubber bulbs might not be an option if wanting to comply.

 

[gregcope]

The OP asked about the above, I have only done mine once (only owned the boat yacht for one maintenance cycle) and I experienced the same, is there a way to stop all this fuel draining from the system when you remove the engine filter?

@Never Grumble and I both seem to have the same issue. Specifically that when changing the engine mounted fuel filter there is allot of fuel that seems to want to come out.

Is there a way to stop this OR do we just need a biggest container to catch it? Ie we just need to set expectations and accept it?

I think next time I will have a cutdown milk bottle tight under the filter and loosen the filter as this will make it drip down the filter and into that container. My issues of fuel was due to; a) loosening the bleed bolt meant the fuel was dripping over the filter fitting plate and was hard to catch and b) removing the filter and letting the remaining fuel to leak out. Net result for me was fuel everywhere.

In other news I may have to invest in a new washing machine as I now have complaints due to washing smelling of fuel.

 

[black mercury]

Does the level in the fuel tank sit above the engine? What can sometimes happen is the fuel can siphon back to the engine via the fuel return line. You have a stop valve in the fuel feed, but you may need one in the return to prevent this.

 

[duncan99210]

Reading over the descriptions of the fuel exiting the filter housing, I think it’s the contents of the fuel line between the primary and secondary filters. It drains/siphons out of the housing the primary filter is higher/more or less the same height as the secondary filter. You can stop the dump by changing the secondary (on engine) filter first with the fuel tap off and the primary filter still in place: very little or any fuel will exit the pipe if you do that. Change the primary filter after you done got the new secondary filter in place and that’ll keep most of the fuel in the pipes as opposed to dribbling out.

 

[gregcope]

Hi @duncan99210 Good idea (for next time). I had changed the primary first as I thought it was the bigger job due to the CAV orings and fun location of mine in the depths of a berth whilst also trying to hold it together....