fuel filters

[terraplane]

WhenI put my 25 up for the winter i winterized, changed oil, added fuel preservative, etc. but did not change fuel filters . Should that be done before i run her for spring? I fear that the diesel fuel sitting over the winter, might clog things up...even with the additive in the tank. If i need to change fuel filter(s) what do i need. and is that info in the Yanmar manual?

The best thing about this site is you can ask anything!!!!

tom

 

[NewMoon]

I wouldn't worry about the filter getting clogged up just sitting there - it would have to have fuel moving through it to clog. I'd decide when to change it based on engine hours and experience. I run my 260hp Volvo diesel 300+ hours per year, and usually don't change fuel filters every year, but I do have dual switchable Racor's mounted between the tank and the engine-mounted filter, so I have a fail-safe mechanism that would help if a filter ever did clog. If you use and refill your fuel several times a year, it should stay clean as a whistle. I've cut filters open several times after replacing them, and they're never very dirty.

 

[terraplane]

Thanks Richard,
I tend to be a worrier...

I'll keep an eye on it.

tom

 

[NewMoon]

Hi Tom,

I worried about all sort of things for the first year or two in our diesel boat - the C-Dory was so much simpler. After the initial bugs got worked out and I learned a bunch by diagnosing, fixing, talking with and watching mechanics, and re-rigging and tinkering myself, my worry level receded significantly. By now there's hardly anything on the boat I haven't taken apart at least once.......