Yanmar 2gm20 / Racor filters?

[xeitosaphil]

Hi everyone,
I have a leaking CAV 296 filter solid bottom type. Not sure if it is the seals or the housing itself (shows drip under bottom of housing) as it is quite old?
Between the tank and 296 filter is a CAV glass particle /water separator, which still works ok and has no leaks giving a good indication of any water or particles present before the main filter.
This is a 1974 instalation so the system is of its time.
There has been lots of talk about Racor filters and I'm not sure which way to go with the leak.
Replace the 296 like for like with new housing and filter/seals, or look to replace with a Racor?
If I was to replace with a Racor without a water seperator, which type and model would I need, to give me the correct flow rate to match the CAV296?
Or shall I just replace with the same 296 again which would be a lot cheaper option .
The 296 system has worked for many years ok, but everybody keeps talking about Racor filters.

Thanks as usual for any input.

 

[wrr]

There used to be a CAV to Racor adapter which was fitted as simple screw-on assembly but it seems to have disappeared. However ASAP do a replacement head which accommodates spin-on filters (Spin On Fuel Filter Conversion Kit (CAV Replacement)). This would allow you to fit any brand of spin-on filter with the correct dimensions. To my mind, the proliferation of diesel bug makes a spin-on replacement highly desirable as I would not fancy attempting to fit a CAV 296 in the sort of rough sea that might stir up sediment in a fuel tank. Racor filters are good but they have become very expensive and, in my view, they probably represent overkill for a small diesel.

 

[PabloPicasso]

I had an article in a recent pbo about this very thing

Replace the cav with a racor copy if you have the space.

If space is tight you can get an RT12 type screw on housing with water separator bowl.

Order from Chinese websites or fleabay and they are incredibly cheap. Expect to pay less then £30

 

[xeitosaphil]

There used to be a CAV to Racor adapter which was fitted as simple screw-on assembly but it seems to have disappeared. However ASAP do a replacement head which accommodates spin-on filters (Spin On Fuel Filter Conversion Kit (CAV Replacement)). This would allow you to fit any brand of spin-on filter with the correct dimensions. To my mind, the proliferation of diesel bug makes a spin-on replacement highly desirable as I would not fancy attempting to fit a CAV 296 in the sort of rough sea that might stir up sediment in a fuel tank. Racor filters are good but they have become very expensive and, in my view, they probably represent overkill for a small diesel.

Thanks for the heads up and link.

Does delphi make a 296 screw on filter, or do you have to use a different supplier?

 

[wrr]

I am sure that Delphi make screw-on filters but I do not know whether they fit the head unit from ASAP. However, if you fit such a head unit, you can choose from a range of screw-on prefilters, with or without drains, from any one of the reliable manufacturers

 

[Malish]

Thanks for the heads up and link.

Does delphi make a 296 screw on filter, or do you have to use a different supplier?

CAV / Delphi don't do a 296 screw on filter that I am aware of but they do a 496 screw on which is approx the same diameter but about twice as deep as the 296 filter. I would stick with CAV / Delphi if you can or a decent equivalent make such as MAN or Fleetguard. If you do go for a screw on head then be aware that there are two thread sizes for the pipe fittings, an older, Imperial, 1/2" UNF size and a newer 14mm size. A 1974 boat is more likely to have the 1/2" fittings, especially if a UK built boat. Should be a straight swap with your existing head.

 

[xeitosaphil]

Thanks guys for all the good input and links.
I have ordered a 296 conversion screw on filter housing from ASAP + extra filter. Only had 1 in stock so lucky.

10 mins after ordering though I had a phone call from sales to say the only 2 filters to go with it in the stores, are damaged so cant send.
They did give me 3 x alternative filter part numbers though from different manufacturers which was very helpful.
Bottom line is, I managed to get 3 x Mann filters same spec £3 cheaper, than 2 from ASAP.

Result, filters arriving Sunday Amazon, 296 conversion unit coming by Evri so................
Thanks again for the excellent responses

Philip

 

[Malish]

Probably too late for the OP but this offering is attractive... a screw on head for 496 filters, the head has imperial threads on the inlet and outlet, a pump primer and a vent too:

BOSCH FUEL FILTER HEAD FOR SPIN ON FILTERS C/W HAND PRIMER TOP 1/2 UNF PORTS | RD Diesels

 

[xeitosaphil]

Job all done now with a nice dry no leaks spin on filter, great result thanks for all the input and links folks.

Always great full for great info and help with problems which seem to surface now snd then.

 

[snowbird30ds]

Too late I know but may be useful for others, the 296 type cav filters often leak if the seals are replaced without picking out the old seal which is surprisingly easy to miss in poor visibility locations.
I changed mine for racor 500 copies and it is so much easier and cleaner to change filters and no need for bleeding the system just top up the filter bowl above the outlet hole and pop the lid back on, got a couple of cheap sealable soup cups from B&M that hold a racor filter nicely so can drop the manky one in and deal with later if changing at sea with no mess.

 

[PetiteFleur]

I also fitted the Head for a screw on filter - so much easier than the CAV type. I took the cav filter and a proper inspection found there were TWO rubber washers in the housing. No wonder it was a b***** to seal.

 

[PabloPicasso]

I had an article in PBO recently.on this very subject!!

 

[xeitosaphil]

Just an update on my previous photo.

I replaced the standard problematic cav standard 2 sealing ring filter version (which has a tendancy to leak) with a cav spin on conversion unit, which is no different from the racor type spin on unit, but considerably cheaper. Also has the benefit of not having to replace all the original fittings, although I did just fof piece of mind.