fuel filters change outs

[McTug]

I am looking at my spring tune up for the ranger tug. I would like some input on my fuel filters. We have a 2007 R-25 with the Racor R45P 10 M filter and the Yanmar 129574-55711 filter. How often do seasoned ( I don't want to be adrift with clogged filters) boaters change each of these. We are new to having all of these options. Our Grady only had a porta- potty and a single fuel filter. Sometimes I get overwhelmed with all the nice things that we have on the tug.

 

[Stella Maris]

On Solitude we changed them every season which meant about every 100 hours. That is probably more often than needed but I once had to change the fuel pump on Maureen's Suburban at a cost of $700.00 because I did not change the fuel filter often enough. I figure it is cheaper to change a fuel filter to often than to wait until it is too late........

On Karma we are approaching the 100 hour mark and I will change the fuel filters to insure that we have no fuel related issues. I will also change the oil for a second time. Yanmar recommends every 250 hours. The first though at 50. I would prefer to do it too often than not often enough. Again, the cost from not doing it often enough normally outweighs the cost of doing it too often.

 

[commander bill]

One comment, I have owned several diesels with older type mechanical injection pumps (tractors) and one newer type common rail design engine (Ford F250 Powerstroke). The $700 cost for repair of a mechanical injection pump might be a little higher today. However, repairs to the newer common rail design would likely be much much higher. Reworking the 8 direct injectors on my Powerstroke engine is estimated at $4000+. These engines usually have no injector pump but have separate direct injectors which have higher tolerances than the old mechanical injectors. As such fuel quality is more critical. My R25 has the older Yanmar with mechanical injection pump so it would be more forgiving. I assume the newer Yanmars and Cummins engines all have common rail design.

 

[j&lgray]

McBoat,
Welcome to Tugnuts and the great world of owning a Ranger 25. This forum has had quite a bit of discussion on fuel filters that you can explore but your question is timely nonetheless. The Yanmar operator's manual is quite specific on when to change filters: every 12 months or 250 hours which ever comes first. The Racor operator's manual follows the same guidelines. Doing the filter change out now is a good practice.