Speaking of fuel issues, I recently drained my Racor MA 500 (?) fuel/water separator and replaced the filter element. The bottom of the bowl had what looks like several black 'balls' in it about 1/2" in diameter which do not fit thru the drain. I have no clue what they are but guess maybe some compound made from diesel fuel (or contaminants within it). Without disassembling the unit, I don't know how to get them out or dissolved or whether I need to. This Racor is almost impossible to reach in my engine compartment so whatever I do will be a PITA. Any suggestions on what to do--if anything? Charlie NelsonWater Phantom1995 C&C 36 XL/kcb -----Original Message----- From: Dennis C. via CnC-List <cnc-list@cnc-list.com> To: CnClist <CnC-List@cnc-list.com> Cc: Dennis C. <capt...@gmail.com> Sent: Wed, May 29, 2019 11:15 am Subject: Stus-List Fuel filter maintenance stories
I was on the pier couple weeks ago when a neighbor boat owner told me he was coming in off the lake and couldn't get full rpm on his diesel. He asked if I thought it could be the fuel filter being blinded. I said yes and asked when was the last time he changed the element. His reply? 35 years! I asked if he knew where it was. :) He did. It was an old Perko 209. Google it for a picture. We couldn't remove the screw on top with it in the boat. The entire unit twisted and it started coming off the bulkhead. We removed the unit to the dock and used a large wrenches to take it apart. Inside was a ceramic permanent element. I was unbelievably plugged up. About 1/8 inch of crud all around it. I told him to go get a can of carburetor cleaner and clean it. Took him a few applications of the cleaner but it cleaned up. Reinstalled it and diesel runs fine. On the other hand, I had to change the fuel filter element on Touche' this weekend on the way to Pensacola. I have vacuum gauge on it. It started easing into the red. There was only 100 hours on it. The previous element lasted over 400 hours. Very strange. I had just removed the fuel tank couple months ago and the fuel looked very clean. You just don't know. A batch of bad fuel perhaps? Dennis C.Touche' 35-1 #83Mandeville, LA_______________________________________________ Thanks everyone for supporting this list with your contributions. Each and every one is greatly appreciated. If you want to support the list - use PayPal to send contribution -- https://www.paypal.me/stumurray
_______________________________________________ Thanks everyone for supporting this list with your contributions. Each and every one is greatly appreciated. If you want to support the list - use PayPal to send contribution -- https://www.paypal.me/stumurray
