Primary fuel filter

[ngleadow]

Greetings fellow boaters:

My "water in fuel" alarm has been sending false readings recently. (i.e. there is no water in the fuel when I check the bowl) so I disconnected it. I would like to replace the bowl with one that I can see through so as to visually check it, preferably one to which I could reconnect the alarm circuit. If at the same time if I could use a primary filter other than Yanmar's, then that would be a bonus.

Thanks

Norm on Blue Socks

 

[NorthernFocus]

When you say "primary filter" presumably you mean the one that is engine mounted? If so, there may not be an option of one that has a clear bowl on bottom. IMO if the clear bowl is plastic the usefulness is questionable anyway. There has to be a LOT of water in it to see it. Draining the bowl into a glass jar works well. Granted it's messy. Back in the day the bowls were glass but I think the CG made them stop making those.

One option is to eliminate the engine mounted filter all together. Not sure how it is mounted on the Yanmar. But if it is simply a housing bolted to the engine with hoses for fuel in/out, then it's easy to simply remove and connect the inlet/outlet hoses directly together. Then there are multiple options for installing two stage filtration in the location of your choice. Racor makes housings specifically for two stage filtration or you can simply use two (less expensive) housings connected in series. If the existing engine mounted filter includes the priming pump then you'll need to make sure you account for that in choosing the off-engine housing.

Even if the engine mounted filter isn't easily removed you can do the above and have a empty bowl made to fit the filter housing or simply pull the guts out of one. You''d effectively have a wide spot in the line but it wouldn't create any additional pressure drop.

 

[knotflying]

I am pretty sure Racor makes one. That would mean most likely changing the whole assembly because the threads on the filter housing may not be compatible so check that out also.
Just something to consider, I was having a false alarm issue as well. It seems that sometimes the additive products put in the fuel, primarily Valvetec, can cause an erroneous alarm.

 

[ngleadow]

Hi;

My understanding is that primary filter refer to the first filter, and secondary to the second filter (the one mounted on the engine). BTW my engine is a 4BY2 150 hp. Anyone know of substitutes for the primary?

thanx
Norm

 

[scross]

I'm coming up on my 500 hour service on my 4BY2 150 HP Yanmar and here's what I have found on the fuel filters:
• Replace primary fuel filter - Yanmar Primary Filter P# YAN120650-55020 (Can use Racor R20T 10 micron filter)
• Replace secondary fuel filter - Yanmar Filter P# YAN120651-55020 (Can use Mann WK 1150/2 filters)

Here's where you can get Yanmar parts - if they will ship to you. There are some crazy restrictions on where they can ship.
http://marinedieselparts.com/store/4by.htm

If anyone has better info I'd love to hear it too!

PS: The Racor R20T is used on my boat now as the primary fuel filter. Installed by prior owner. I don't see any modifications to the mounting that were needed to get it to work.

 

[ngleadow]

thanks for the suggestions about the Racor and Mann substitution filters. I will be buying them and then finding a transparent bowl for the Racor primary filter.

Norm

 

[knotflying]

Just be careful using the Mann filter for the secondary. I was never able to verify the microns on it, plus I seem to remember a few people having an issue with it leaking. The secondary is an important filter. My twist (no pun intended) on it is, I am saving money doing the work myself, why take a chance and use something that may not be doing the right job and create a bigger problem. I would rather pay the higher price for the Yanmar filter and save money on something else.