2 filters in series

[FF]

It is normal that liquid pumps push better than they pull.

The use of a rubber bulb is a far better idea than any electric pump if needed before a filter bank.

The electric pump can easily mix any water with the fuel making the filters work much harder.

The rubber hand pump will do less shredding and mixing , so is probably a better installation, although an electric pump would be fine if pulling rather than pushing.

 

[kapnd]

You are correct. However, if I were to open up the fuel lines ahead of the filters in order to install the squeeze bulb, I would end up making a mess. I'm not a very accomplished mechanic and can find new and interesting ways to make a mess of things.

Isn’t there a shutoff valve at the tank?
In most usual circumstances, you will only be dealing with a cup full or so of diesel fuel. Cover the area with oil absorbent diapers and get a catch container handy and do it. Spray som Fabreeze when you’re done!
A squeeze bulb is incredibly simple and effective, gives much better control than a motorized pump when performing potentially messy tasks like topping off a Racor.

 

[CaptFun6068]

Is it OK to use nylon hose barbs in my fuel filtering system? I'm having a hard time finding brass 3/8 inch, ID, 90's??

 

[Lou_tribal]

Is it OK to use nylon hose barbs in my fuel filtering system? I'm having a hard time finding brass 3/8 inch, ID, 90's??

Not sure of the fitting you are searching for but here great chance you will find

https://www.new-line.com/fittings/b...serts-splicers-menders-tees/brass-barb-x-mnpt

Also instead using barb why not to get hose made with flare or JIC fittings?

L

 

[psneeld]

Wait till the "brass doesn't belong on a boat" police wake up.....

 

[Autoteacher]

Seaboard has many good ideas and products

https://www.sbmar.com/articles/marine-fuel-filtration-the-seaboard-way/

Here are two racor 1000s with switch on a mainship

https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipOTEMe51HilZF_ttI77sz1z8KUZu6BfRIxujA0

 

[Transaxial]

Seaboard has many good ideas and products

https://www.sbmar.com/articles/marine-fuel-filtration-the-seaboard-way/

Here are two racor 1000s with switch on a mainship

https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipOTEMe51HilZF_ttI77sz1z8KUZu6BfRIxujA0

There are unlimited different ways of filtering fuel but I think Tony is right on the money with his simple but effective approach and using a minimum of 3 stages with progressively finer filter media ending up at 2-5 microns. There is not a lot wrong with a $3000 Racor or Reverso pre made system but you can end up with a better system that can fit a smaller space for a few hundred with some thought and work. My 40 year old Farrel 40' has a 120 HP Mitsubishi 6D14 and 2 250 gallon fuel tanks. No water in the sumps and decently clean fuel but I wanted to design a fuel polishing system that gives me the ability to completely empty one tank and filter it into the other tank when the fuel level is below 1/2. With 2 ball valves on a T I can select the source and with a $150 Stewart Warner 60 gph pump I can draw all the fuel through a common and cheap Fleetguard FS1212 as a 20 micron pre filter, then through a Racor 900 with 10 micron water repelling element, and finally after the pump, through a huge Cat 26 gpm, 5 micron 1R 0755 with hand primer pump that I was given. These are used on 3512 and 16s in 3-400 ton rock trucks with 2-3000 hp. With a selector valve after the 755, I can return to tank(s) or pressure feed to the engine filters as an alternate source and to bleed engine filters. I have a 3 way switch to be able to turn the pump on/off in the er or the helm as well as a master at the helm. The pressure gauge after the pump and before the 755 shows 4-5 psi so if the pre filters are plugging, pressure drops, and if pressure rises, the 755 must be plugging. The whole system, including new 1R0749 Cat 2 micron final engine filter (which is used on most Cat truck engines and lots of Cat equipment and available everywhere as well as in other brands), cost about $300 plus some hose and fittings for a system that gives me lots of filter capacity and lots of options when underway. The filter bases are from NAPA for about $25 with one inch and 14 tpi. I will still add a second remote pressure gauge to watch filter condition while underway. Tony's suggestion of a mechanical timer on the circulating pump is very good too.

If anyone wants pics or info I will email from my phone

 

[Sugardog]

Makes sense. Mine is pretty simple, but I added labels as well. I’ve been known to make mistakes when distracted.

Haven’t we all. Simple and well labeled. As a pilot how many have feathered the wrong engine at the most inopportune time. The silence is incredible.

 

[alfamike]

Old style RACOR parallel Fuel Filters work great

These old style RACORS that are not the single handle new style, but use 4 ball valves can be had as used items at various marine consignment stores for a reasonable cost & work astonishingly well.

The filters are in PARALLEL - not series.

Good luck.

Alfa Mike

 

[Rain Dog]

I'm running progressive filters. A 27 micron big Fleetguard into a 10 micron Racor and on to a 2 Micron engine filter (with an Aux 10 micron Sierra for the cleaning cycle) When I re-did the system last year I added in a Pass thru style Walbro Pump and a 3 way valve so I can clean/polish, or shift fuel from tank to tank. Works great and less than $200 for all the hardware..

Nice setup. I want to replace my whole system. This seems like a great idea for my boat.

Why did you add the Sierra instead of using the Racor when polishing?

 

[CaptFun6068]

Thank you, Thank you, one and all. I made a portable system that I hook-up when I'm at the boat and a permanent pair of racors mounted to a bulkhead at the base of the stairs. If you remember my original issue, I had to lay over the motor in order to reach the single filter.
The portable system is mounted to starboard with a HD diesel fuel pump. I've used the portable system on my fuel storage at home. Very cool idea, well worth the effort. The "Forum" is the place to go.