When to change fuel filters...

[EdEssery]

I'm laying up a boat for the first time in a couple of weeks time.

I'm planning to change the oil and oil filter before she is lifted and to flush the cooling system immediately after she comes out.

The question is when should I change the fuel filters - when I do the rest of the work as she comes out - or in the Spring as she goes back in?

I will, of course, make sure the fuel tank is full before she comes out.

Thanks,

Ed


Skybird - MG C27

 

[stretch33]

Normally do mine when it comes out, that way l know i've done it before the mad rush to launch.

 

[DepSol]

Only had to have mine done once in 2 years cos of warranty and engineer said it didnt need changing but had to do it under warranty instructions.

Dom

I am boating again ;-)

 

[vyv_cox]

There would seem to be arguments on both sides:

Before layup - the job is done, no chance of forgetting it at launch, no water left in the separator over the winter, hence no bugs.

After launch - if you do get settlement or bugs in the tank over the winter it would be a shame to clog a new filter. This did happen to me once, when I had bought a boat lying ashore.

On balance, I think I would drain any water from the primary filter but leave it in situ, and change the secondary.

 

[gunnarsilins]

Every two years...

...maybe fine as long your fuel and tank is clean. But by changing filters much more often you´ll get a earlier warning if there is something nasty in the tank. I would do it at least once a year if you have low annual engine hours.
I change my primary filter approx for every 100 engine hours, this normally equals 2 times a year, and my secondary after 200 hours. If looking into the used filter element I can see if everything is fine!
A few extra pounds for a filter is cheap compared with the hassle if your engine suddenly stops because of a silted filter!

 

[DepSol]

Re: Every two years...

I am very careful who I bunker with and use Soltron all the time. Do about 100 hours a year minimum. Filter looked like new when it came out.

Dom

I am boating again ;-)

 

[oldharry]

Re: Every two years...

Because the filter is capable of stopping the engine dead in its tracks - always at the worst moment too - change it every year regardless. Boast stand idle for a lot of the time, allowing nasties to collect in the fuel tank, and marine outlets are not renowned for ensuring their tanks are clean and free of water.

I always leave it to the spring, and change it AFTER the first run of the season - that way I get advance warning of any contamination that has occurred over the winter which could cause problems later.

And 99 times out of 100 they come out as clean as they went in - its the consequences of that 100 th time that you cannot legislate for!

 

[DepSol]

Re: Every two years...

Not worried at all I have so much faith in Soltron I know it wont happen to me but thanks all the same. See PBO filters after they did there test on Soltron.

Dom

I am boating again ;-)

 

[EdEssery]

NO! - every year - even with S*****n

I'm with Old Harry and am inclined to take his advice. The cost of a couple of filters is a drop in the ocean of the cost of running the boat. It's just part of the insurance policy.

Before DepSol comes back and says it's unneccesary, I should add that I use his product as well! Belt and Braces!

Ed


P.S. Harry, If you've only seen 1 dirty filter in a 100 changes and you change your filters in the Spring - you must be VERY old! ;-)

 

[DepSol]

Re: NO! - every year - even with S*****n

Always keep a spare never needed it so far.

Dom

I am boating again ;-)

 

[oldharry]

Re: Every two years...

OK Depsol, I won't renew our argument on your favourite additive.

But filters still need to be changed regularly. Nothing wrong with belt and braces - its called seamanship!

 

[oldharry]

Re: NO! - every year - even with S*****n

Arr, well Ed, there it is then....

But when you work afloat, you come across blocked fuel filters a lot more than once each season!

 

[DepSol]

Re: Every two years...

No no argument necessary, you do it your way etc etc.

Was told by Alan Priddy after going 23000 miles in a diesel RIB using Soltron and picking up loads of crappy fuel that he didnt need to change his filters, but kept spares in case.

Was told by my engineer that my filters were fine. remember I know who I bunker with and check my seperator regulary even tho it is spotless.

Dom

I am boating again ;-)