Primary Fuel Filter with visible bowl and drain cock

[Shano]

I just added this to our CW30. The last bowl was not see-thru and had an awkward drain plug. Photo is in our album. The part numbers are for the Marine Bowl: RRK15405 and for the Marine Bowl Ring: RRK15035-02. If you DIY make sure you have some "sticky grease" to hold the gasket in place while you put it together. A pretty easy modification to make so that if you get a "water in fuel" message while underway it makes it a lot easier to drain off the water in this filter (that is if you can see it). It is also easier to not make a mess! You still may have to drain off a little fuel from the fuel water separator in addition to draining this one. The sensor is on the engine mounted filter so you may want to drain that one first. The one time it happened to me was in flat calm water so it wasn't a problem but this set-up makes it a lot easier -- it is a little surprising that this is not a stock item just like it was on our last two diesel boats. I usually drain both the primary filter and the fuel water separator filter while at dock every once in a while because it is so much easier.

 

[dclagett]

That is a nice setup, however in the US I don’t believe that configuration is legal in the engine space without a pan. Racor does make a similar filter with a metal pan under the plastic bowl which I believe is legal in the US. Maybe someone that knows the Coast Guard regulations would chime in.

 

[TexasEye]

That is a nice setup, however in the US I don’t believe that configuration is legal in the engine space without a pan. Racor does make a similar filter with a metal pan under the plastic bowl which I believe is legal in the US. Maybe someone that knows the Coast Guard regulations would chime in.

Diesel Fuel Systems: The USCG does not regulate diesel fuel systems for recreational boats. However, ABYC does have a standard for Diesel Fuel Systems in ABYC H-33. Contact ABYC (http://www.abycinc.org) for a current copy. There are also ISO ( ISO 10088 can be obtained through ABYC) and Canadian Standards http://www.tc.gc.ca/publications/en/tp1 ... p1332e.pdf) for Diesel Fuel Systems.

USCG and EPA Guidline for fuel systems
http://www.uscgboating.org/assets/1/Ass ... 002.01.pdf

I do see one point on the photo that needs a closer look. The line to the elbow in the photo may need a support to take vibration loads off the elbow. May be fine...Looks like an easy way to drain water from fuel...

 

[dclagett]

Texaseye,

Now I remember, it is a heat shield (deflector) required to meet ABYC ANSI/UL1105 heat test for filters with plastic bowls installed within engine compartments.

These heat deflectors are available from Racor and I believe can be added to the configuration pictured.

 

[TexasEye]

Texaseye,

Now I remember, it is a heat shield (deflector) required to meet ABYC ANSI/UL1105 heat test for filters with plastic bowls installed within engine compartments.

These heat deflectors are available from Racor and I believe can be added to the configuration pictured.

Yep, I think there is a 3 minute fire protection required for all fuel systems, this would include gascolator installations.

 

[NorthernFocus]

That is a nice setup, however in the US I don’t believe that configuration is legal in the engine space without a pan. Racor does make a similar filter with a metal pan under the plastic bowl which I believe is legal in the US. Maybe someone that knows the Coast Guard regulations would chime in.

For private/recreational vessels(i.e.not used to carry passengers for hire or other commercial purposes) virtually anything is "legal". ABYC supposedly fills the regulatory gap by providing manufacturing standards which are required by most financial institutions and/or insurers for newly manufactured vessels/equipment. After point of original sale the only level of control (beyond practical considerations) are terms of coverage by one's insurance company.

Diesel Fuel Systems: The USCG does not regulate diesel fuel systems for recreational boats. However, ABYC does have a standard for Diesel Fuel Systems in ABYC H-33. Contact ABYC (http://www.abycinc.org) for a current copy. There are also ISO ( ISO 10088 can be obtained through ABYC) and Canadian Standards http://www.tc.gc.ca/publications/en/tp1 ... p1332e.pdf) for Diesel Fuel Systems.

USCG and EPA Guidline for fuel systems
http://www.uscgboating.org/assets/1/Ass ... 002.01.pdf

If one imagines that voluntary compliance with regulatory and/or industry standards ensures the most robust design that would be inaccurate. Having served on industry standards committees and participated in the process for generating regulatory requirements I can assure you that the optimum/safest/most useful design rarely survives to point of publication.

I do see one point on the photo that needs a closer look. The line to the elbow in the photo may need a support to take vibration loads off the elbow. May be fine...Looks like an easy way to drain water from fuel...

The subject line appears to be rubber hose which is one of the most effective methods of vibration isolation.

Texaseye,

Now I remember, it is a heat shield (deflector) required to meet ABYC ANSI/UL1105 heat test for filters with plastic bowls installed within engine compartments.

These heat deflectors are available from Racor and I believe can be added to the configuration pictured.

If one is truly concerned about designing for fire resistance a filter with metal bowl is a better option(per CG requirements for commercial vessels). The value of see through plastic bowls is questionable at best as they quickly become less than transparent. Glass bowls are much more useful but pose their own set of fire safety issues. In any case water is very difficult to see in the bowl unless there is a good bit of it (i.e. ounces rather than drops)

 

[TexasEye]

Dan,

I agree in principle, voluntary compliance poses some interesting design and engineering. But, let's be honest, the most abused element of private Boat ownership is maintenance, the gascolator example here is minor compared to the lack of and the quality of routine maintenance. It's all only as good as the conscience of the individual responsible. This is why I think this forum is so important. I've been an aircraft mechanic and Inspector since 1971. Some of the crap I've seen on Certified Aircraft used in Commercial Operations would scare the crap out of you. Boats are rarely Inspected to discover dangerous maintenance.