Fuel Filter

The link the Chuck sent you is a good place to get a top of the line fuel
filter/water separator set up. Since you have already thought about the
concerns of the plastic bowl set-up, no more needs to be said except that
metal blows are available from Racor as you can see. However, there some
other alternatives. It sounds like you already have filter separators, the
transom mounted spin-ons are usually 10 micron filters/ water separators
that function the same as the spin-on Racor replacement elements. ( am
referring to the Racor elements that will screw on to your existing heads).
The main difference in their functionality is the Racor's ability to be
drained via a pet cock. With your existing spin-ons you can just spin them
off and dump them in a bucket. If you do this, be sure to put the elements
back on ASAP as the rubber gaskets starts to swell quickly once removed
making their refitting a problem.
But what I would be most concerned about is what is causing the water
problem in the first place? Maybe you have an above deck poly tank? if so,
then pay some attention the vent. If it can be closed, then close it while
not underway. If the tank is constantly being splashed with water then
something to deflect the splash, maybe have some vinyl tank covers made or
maybe some simple plywood covers like an inverted box that could also be
used as a seat?. I think with some "looking into" you will find a better
solution than just being able to more conveniently drain a bowl. Anyway, I
don't think better(more expensive) filters are necessarily the answer to the
problem.

--
Ron White
Boat building web address is
www.concentric.net/~knotreel
 >> Stay informed about: Fuel Filter 

"Ron White" <knotreel(no-spam)@bellsouth.net> wrote in message
news:VlQIf.46418$697.31334@bignews3.bellsouth.net...
> The link the Chuck sent you is a good place to get a top of the line fuel
> filter/water separator set up. Since you have already thought about the
> concerns of the plastic bowl set-up, no more needs to be said except that
> metal blows are available from Racor as you can see. However, there some
> other alternatives. It sounds like you already have filter separators, the
> transom mounted spin-ons are usually 10 micron filters/ water separators
> that function the same as the spin-on Racor replacement elements. ( am
> referring to the Racor elements that will screw on to your existing
> heads).
> The main difference in their functionality is the Racor's ability to be
> drained via a pet cock. With your existing spin-ons you can just spin them
> off and dump them in a bucket. If you do this, be sure to put the elements
> back on ASAP as the rubber gaskets starts to swell quickly once removed
> making their refitting a problem.
> But what I would be most concerned about is what is causing the water
> problem in the first place? Maybe you have an above deck poly tank? if so,
> then pay some attention the vent. If it can be closed, then close it while
> not underway. If the tank is constantly being splashed with water then
> something to deflect the splash, maybe have some vinyl tank covers made or
> maybe some simple plywood covers like an inverted box that could also be
> used as a seat?. I think with some "looking into" you will find a better
> solution than just being able to more conveniently drain a bowl. Anyway, I
> don't think better(more expensive) filters are necessarily the answer to
> the
> problem.
>
> --
> Ron White
> Boat building web address is
> www.concentric.net/~knotreel
>
And if all else fails try a "water removing" diesel additive. I am not sure
what it will do to the carbs (if the engine is not injected), but if it gets
water through diesel filters then I recon it will pass it straight through a
petrol fuel system.

If your filter/water separator has a drain plug on it, it should an almost
daily routine to draw a sample to see how much water is in the bowl. The
only think is that I do not think I would like petrol fumes sloshing about
in the bottom of the boat, but I assume its open without sparks &
flames, so it is not as bad as in an enclosed boat.


--
Tony Brooks
www.TB-Training.co.uk
 >> Stay informed about: Fuel Filter 

The modern plastics on fuel filters are made for commecial mishandeling
I have used them in engine rooms and lorrys. if you can see water you
can drain it. test the fittings and polycarbonate bowles by smacking
them with air bottles etc on dry land if it breakes you have lost the
fitting but the alternatives are still available alloy etc. good luck
ajw wrote:
> A bit of advice would be appreciated.
>
> I use two 5m Zodiacs as part of a SCUBA club but we seem to have
> continuous problems caused by water in fuel.
>
> We currently have sealed metal fuel filters mounted on the transoms of
> the boats however as these are sealed it is not possible to see what is
> going on, if water is accumulating etc.
>
> I have been thinking about changing these for clear plastic filters
> (also transon mounted) with valves on the bottom to drain any
> water/crud.
>
> Has anyone had any experience of using these type of filters in this
> environment and have anything to recomend or steer clear of?
>
> Also is the plastic stong enough to withstand rough treatment of both
> divers and their equipment!? If not it might be necessary to construct
> some sort of cage around the filter.
>
> All advice gratefully recieved
>
> Anthony
 >> Stay informed about: Fuel Filter 

ajw wrote:
> A bit of advice would be appreciated.
>
> I use two 5m Zodiacs as part of a SCUBA club but we seem to have
> continuous problems caused by water in fuel.
>
> We currently have sealed metal fuel filters mounted on the transoms of
> the boats however as these are sealed it is not possible to see what
> is going on, if water is accumulating etc.
>
> I have been thinking about changing these for clear plastic filters
> (also transon mounted) with valves on the bottom to drain any
> water/crud.
>
> Has anyone had any experience of using these type of filters in this
> environment and have anything to recomend or steer clear of?
>
> Also is the plastic stong enough to withstand rough treatment of both
> divers and their equipment!? If not it might be necessary to construct
> some sort of cage around the filter.
>
> All advice gratefully recieved
>
> Anthony

In addition to what others have said, topping the fuel tanks at the end of
the day will help eliminate condensation inside the tanks.

--
I don't care to belong to a club that accepts people like me as
members. Groucho Marx
 >> Stay informed about: Fuel Filter 

"Scraggy" <scraggy.TakeThisOut@abuseisgoodforyou.org.be> wrote in
news:coidnZIvquWr-WneRVnyvg@brightview.com:

> In addition to what others have said, topping the fuel tanks at the
> end of the day will help eliminate condensation inside the tanks.
>
>

Oh, no. They'd never do that. They park the boat for weeks with the tanks
empty just so it can breathe in all those wet night airs and rot the bottom
out of the tank.

You're talking about something that takes real work on their parts, landing
twice with the fuel dockage, when they're all tired out from sailing all
day with a boat now filled with grumpy, drunk passengers who want to go
ASHORE...and who will abandon the captain to dock himself at his slip
because the fuel dock is SO close to the parking lot!...(c;

No wonder they don't stop to fill up and prevent condensation......
 >> Stay informed about: Fuel Filter 

Larry wrote:
> "Scraggy" <scraggy.TakeThisOut@abuseisgoodforyou.org.be> wrote in
> news:coidnZIvquWr-WneRVnyvg@brightview.com:
>
>> In addition to what others have said, topping the fuel tanks at the
>> end of the day will help eliminate condensation inside the tanks.
>>
>>
>
> Oh, no. They'd never do that. They park the boat for weeks with the
> tanks empty just so it can breathe in all those wet night airs and
> rot the bottom out of the tank.
>
> You're talking about something that takes real work on their parts,
> landing twice with the fuel dockage, when they're all tired out from
> sailing all day with a boat now filled with grumpy, drunk passengers
> who want to go ASHORE...and who will abandon the captain to dock
> himself at his slip because the fuel dock is SO close to the parking
> lot!...(c;
>
> No wonder they don't stop to fill up and prevent condensation......

I have to agree, life is a bitch.

--
I don't care to belong to a club that accepts people like me as
members. Groucho Marx
 >> Stay informed about: Fuel Filter 

Well...it seems that just because one draws off the water/contaminates from
the bottom of the fuel filter bowl, doesn't mean that one should just let it
drain into the bilge. Draining it into a cup/bottle (i.e. that won't 'melt'
from the diesel fuel). Also, Diesel is significantly different from
Petrol/Gasoline...one can pretty much put out a cigarette in diesel while
this is not very adviseable with gasoline.

Glenn.

"Tony Brooks" <tony.RemoveThis@tb-training.co.uk> wrote in message
news:dt1i6f$ga3$1@nwrdmz02.dmz.ncs.ea.ibs-infra.bt.com...
>
> "Ron White" <knotreel(no-spam)@bellsouth.net> wrote in message
> news:VlQIf.46418$697.31334@bignews3.bellsouth.net...
> > The link the Chuck sent you is a good place to get a top of the line
fuel
> > filter/water separator set up. Since you have already thought about the
> > concerns of the plastic bowl set-up, no more needs to be said except
that
> > metal blows are available from Racor as you can see. However, there some
> > other alternatives. It sounds like you already have filter separators,
the
> > transom mounted spin-ons are usually 10 micron filters/ water separators
> > that function the same as the spin-on Racor replacement elements. ( am
> > referring to the Racor elements that will screw on to your existing
> > heads).
> > The main difference in their functionality is the Racor's ability to be
> > drained via a pet cock. With your existing spin-ons you can just spin
them
> > off and dump them in a bucket. If you do this, be sure to put the
elements
> > back on ASAP as the rubber gaskets starts to swell quickly once removed
> > making their refitting a problem.
> > But what I would be most concerned about is what is causing the water
> > problem in the first place? Maybe you have an above deck poly tank? if
so,
> > then pay some attention the vent. If it can be closed, then close it
while
> > not underway. If the tank is constantly being splashed with water then
> > something to deflect the splash, maybe have some vinyl tank covers made
or
> > maybe some simple plywood covers like an inverted box that could also be
> > used as a seat?. I think with some "looking into" you will find a better
> > solution than just being able to more conveniently drain a bowl. Anyway,
I
> > don't think better(more expensive) filters are necessarily the answer to
> > the
> > problem.
> >
> > --
> > Ron White
> > Boat building web address is
> > www.concentric.net/~knotreel
> >
> And if all else fails try a "water removing" diesel additive. I am not
sure
> what it will do to the carbs (if the engine is not injected), but if it
gets
> water through diesel filters then I recon it will pass it straight through
a
> petrol fuel system.
>
> If your filter/water separator has a drain plug on it, it should an almost
> daily routine to draw a sample to see how much water is in the bowl. The
> only think is that I do not think I would like petrol fumes sloshing about
> in the bottom of the boat, but I assume its open without sparks &
> flames, so it is not as bad as in an enclosed boat.
>
>
> --
> Tony Brooks
> www.TB-Training.co.uk
>
>
 >> Stay informed about: Fuel Filter 

"Glenn A. Heslop" <wiseideas411***NOSPAM***@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:Vj4Jf.19995$sa3.356@pd7tw1no...
> Well...it seems that just because one draws off the water/contaminates
> from
> the bottom of the fuel filter bowl, doesn't mean that one should just let
> it
> drain into the bilge. Draining it into a cup/bottle (i.e. that won't
> 'melt'
> from the diesel fuel). Also, Diesel is significantly different from
> Petrol/Gasoline...one can pretty much put out a cigarette in diesel while
> this is not very adviseable with gasoline.
>
> Glenn.
>
> "Tony Brooks" <tony DeleteThis @tb-training.co.uk> wrote in message
> news:dt1i6f$ga3$1@nwrdmz02.dmz.ncs.ea.ibs-infra.bt.com...
>>
>>
>> If your filter/water separator has a drain plug on it, it should an
>> almost
>> daily routine to draw a sample to see how much water is in the bowl. The
>> only think is that I do not think I would like petrol fumes sloshing
>> about
>> in the bottom of the boat, but I assume its open without sparks &
>> flames, so it is not as bad as in an enclosed boat.
>>
>>
>> --
>> Tony Brooks
>> www.TB-Training.co.uk
>>

It never crossed my mind that anyone would be that stupid - note I said
petrol fumes, which people often seem to forget about - still I suppose its
what you get with cross posting to several groups.


--
Tony Brooks
www.TB-Training.co.uk
 >> Stay informed about: Fuel Filter 

I still don't understand...why should one have Petrol sloshing around the
bottom of one's boat? Do you simply drain water and impurities into your
bilge sir?

Glenn.

"Tony Brooks" <tony.TakeThisOut@tb-training.co.uk> wrote in message
news:dt4297$nts$1@nwrdmz02.dmz.ncs.ea.ibs-infra.bt.com...
>
> "Glenn A. Heslop" <wiseideas411***NOSPAM***@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:Vj4Jf.19995$sa3.356@pd7tw1no...
> > Well...it seems that just because one draws off the water/contaminates
> > from
> > the bottom of the fuel filter bowl, doesn't mean that one should just
let
> > it
> > drain into the bilge. Draining it into a cup/bottle (i.e. that won't
> > 'melt'
> > from the diesel fuel). Also, Diesel is significantly different from
> > Petrol/Gasoline...one can pretty much put out a cigarette in diesel
while
> > this is not very adviseable with gasoline.
> >
> > Glenn.
> >
> > "Tony Brooks" <tony.TakeThisOut@tb-training.co.uk> wrote in message
> > news:dt1i6f$ga3$1@nwrdmz02.dmz.ncs.ea.ibs-infra.bt.com...
> >>
> >>
> >> If your filter/water separator has a drain plug on it, it should an
> >> almost
> >> daily routine to draw a sample to see how much water is in the bowl.
The
> >> only think is that I do not think I would like petrol fumes sloshing
> >> about
> >> in the bottom of the boat, but I assume its open without sparks &
> >> flames, so it is not as bad as in an enclosed boat.
> >>
> >>
> >> --
> >> Tony Brooks
> >> www.TB-Training.co.uk
> >>
>
> It never crossed my mind that anyone would be that stupid - note I said
> petrol fumes, which people often seem to forget about - still I suppose
its
> what you get with cross posting to several groups.
>
>
> --
> Tony Brooks
> www.TB-Training.co.uk
>
>
 >> Stay informed about: Fuel Filter 

I know when sampling fuel from aircraft tanks that we just fling the sampled
fuel into the air... maybe not the best practice, I know. But in American
waters, it's not just bad practice but is illegal to put fuel or oil into
the water. A clearly labeled small gas can is the place to dump fuel
samples. Don't ask me what to do with it when the sampling gas can is full,
nobody's ever come up with a solution for disposing of bad fuel (for
consumers) that I know of. At my place, we generally dump it along a fence
line during the dry summertime when it's very unlikely that ground water
exists to carry it anywhere. I don't imagine that leaving it open to
evaporate or burning it off is any better for the environment. May as well
kill some weeds.

Brian D



"Glenn A. Heslop" <wiseideas411***NOSPAM***@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:byyJf.37446$B94.27170@pd7tw3no...
>I still don't understand...why should one have Petrol sloshing around the
> bottom of one's boat? Do you simply drain water and impurities into your
> bilge sir?
>
> Glenn.
>
> "Tony Brooks" <tony DeleteThis @tb-training.co.uk> wrote in message
> news:dt4297$nts$1@nwrdmz02.dmz.ncs.ea.ibs-infra.bt.com...
>>
>> "Glenn A. Heslop" <wiseideas411***NOSPAM***@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>> news:Vj4Jf.19995$sa3.356@pd7tw1no...
>> > Well...it seems that just because one draws off the water/contaminates
>> > from
>> > the bottom of the fuel filter bowl, doesn't mean that one should just
> let
>> > it
>> > drain into the bilge. Draining it into a cup/bottle (i.e. that won't
>> > 'melt'
>> > from the diesel fuel). Also, Diesel is significantly different from
>> > Petrol/Gasoline...one can pretty much put out a cigarette in diesel
> while
>> > this is not very adviseable with gasoline.
>> >
>> > Glenn.
>> >
>> > "Tony Brooks" <tony DeleteThis @tb-training.co.uk> wrote in message
>> > news:dt1i6f$ga3$1@nwrdmz02.dmz.ncs.ea.ibs-infra.bt.com...
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> If your filter/water separator has a drain plug on it, it should an
>> >> almost
>> >> daily routine to draw a sample to see how much water is in the bowl.
> The
>> >> only think is that I do not think I would like petrol fumes sloshing
>> >> about
>> >> in the bottom of the boat, but I assume its open without sparks &
>> >> flames, so it is not as bad as in an enclosed boat.
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> --
>> >> Tony Brooks
>> >> www.TB-Training.co.uk
>> >>
>>
>> It never crossed my mind that anyone would be that stupid - note I said
>> petrol fumes, which people often seem to forget about - still I suppose
> its
>> what you get with cross posting to several groups.
>>
>>
>> --
>> Tony Brooks
>> www.TB-Training.co.uk
>>
>>
>
>
 >> Stay informed about: Fuel Filter 

Brian D wrote:
> I know when sampling fuel from aircraft tanks that we just fling the sampled
> fuel into the air... maybe not the best practice, I know. But in American
> waters, it's not just bad practice but is illegal to put fuel or oil into
> the water. A clearly labeled small gas can is the place to dump fuel
> samples. Don't ask me what to do with it when the sampling gas can is full,
> nobody's ever come up with a solution for disposing of bad fuel (for
> consumers) that I know of. At my place, we generally dump it along a fence
> line during the dry summertime when it's very unlikely that ground water
> exists to carry it anywhere. I don't imagine that leaving it open to
> evaporate or burning it off is any better for the environment. May as well
> kill some weeds.
>
> Brian D

Leave it in a can for a week or so to settle. Siphon as much as possible
off the top without getting any dirt or water and filter through a
genuine chamys leather. (let the chamys dry afterwards then wash
according to its care instructions) Add between 2% and 5% anhydrous
isopropanol and shake well. Use in an old tech engine e.g. a non fuel
injected, non catalyst car. Dont worry about 2 stroke oil at less than
50:1. Even 20:1 doesnt cause any trouble unless the car's tank is
totally empty.

Next line the filter funnel with a couple of sheets of kitchen roll.
Siphon any water out of the bottom of the can without getting any fuel.
Put it through the funnel into a glass jar and check its fairly clear
with no more than a slight sheen on top. If its got a slight sheen, add
one drop of detergent and shake well. If there is more than a trace of
fuel, drop a dry tissue on the surface, lift it out and bin it. Now
you've got water thats OK to dispose of except in the most ecologically
sensitive areas.

Any emulsified or rusty muck left in the can is officially hazardous
waste and should be taken to an appropriate disposal facility in a
solvent resistant sealed container. From my experience of a 25 litre
outboard fuel tank that was approx 50% contaminated with muddy river
water, you'll have less than 1/4 litre of residue. I cannot suggest
that you should let it evaporate outdoors in a shallow tray a long way
from any naked flame or ignition source or burn it off in a can half
full of dry sand at least 5 meters away from anything flammable as that
would probably count as hazardous waste treatment for which you would
require a license .




--
Ian Malcolm. London, ENGLAND. (NEWSGROUP REPLY PREFERRED)
ianm[at]the[dash]malcolms[dot]freeserve[dot]co[dot]uk
[at]=@, [dash]=- & [dot]=. *Warning* HTML & >32K emails --> NUL:
'Stingo' Albacore #1554 - 15' Early 60's, Uffa Fox designed,
All varnished hot moulded wooden racing dinghy.
 >> Stay informed about: Fuel Filter 

"Glenn A. Heslop" <wiseideas411***NOSPAM***@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:byyJf.37446$B94.27170@pd7tw3no...
>I still don't understand...why should one have Petrol sloshing around the
> bottom of one's boat? Do you simply drain water and impurities into your
> bilge sir?
>
> Glenn.
>
> "Tony Brooks" <tony DeleteThis @tb-training.co.uk> wrote in message
> news:dt4297$nts$1@nwrdmz02.dmz.ncs.ea.ibs-infra.bt.com...
>>


snip


> The
>> >> only think is that I do not think I would like petrol fumes sloshing
>> >> about
>> >> in the bottom of the boat, but I assume its open without sparks &
>> >> flames, so it is not as bad as in an enclosed boat.
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> --
>> >> Tony Brooks
>> >> www.TB-Training.co.uk
>> >>
>>
>> It never crossed my mind that anyone would be that stupid - note I said
>> petrol fumes, which people often seem to forget about - still I suppose
> its
>> what you get with cross posting to several groups.
>>
>>
>> --
>> Tony Brooks
>> www.TB-Training.co.uk
>>


This appeared on Uk.Rec.waterways where I would never have believed anyone
would do anything other than drain into a suitable container, but as soon as
you let petrol fall through the air you get heavy fumes - note the word
FUMES, not petrol - and many people forget about this.

Unless you have a completely enclosed draining system (as you are supposed
to in garages) you will get fumes falling into the bottom of the boat.
Unless you stick your nose into the bilge or under the floor you may well
not notice they are still hanging around until - boom

As I said, this is the sort of misunderstanding you get with cross positing.
If I had the slightest inkling that anyone who would consider draining the
said filters into the bilge would have been reading I would not have
replied.out of safety concerns.


--
Tony Brooks
www.TB-Training.co.uk
 >> Stay informed about: Fuel Filter 

"Brian D" <briandixon7NS DeleteThis @comcastNS.NScom> wrote in message
news:18mdnURuAr6p0GrenZ2dnUVZ_v2dnZ2d@comcast.com...
>I know when sampling fuel from aircraft tanks that we just fling the
>sampled fuel into the air... maybe not the best practice, I know. But in
>American waters, it's not just bad practice but is illegal to put fuel or
>oil into the water. A clearly labeled small gas can is the place to dump
>fuel samples. Don't ask me what to do with it when the sampling gas can is
>full, nobody's ever come up with a solution for disposing of bad fuel (for
>consumers) that I know of.

We sent all ours back ashore once a week. Not a problem as we also sent all
the water that was drained off the bottom of the fuel pods after they had
been allowed to stand and settle for 24 hrs. It was all put in a return used
fuel pod and sent back for reprocessing.

--
Brian Ancient Order of Sewer Ants
 >> Stay informed about: Fuel Filter