Fuel Filter

[terry_thatcher]

I am sick of fighting with the secondary fuel filter hung off the back of my Perkins 4-108. I already have a Racor 500 series primary filter. I will install a smaller filter in the engine room, head of the lift pump. I will leave the old filter on but no longer have to service it.
Questions:
1)What filters have others used? I am considering a small Racor with 2 micron filter element. But they all seem to have water separators, which I don't really need because of the primary filter.
2) I may install either a Racor filter with a priming button or a small electric pump for priming. BUT, I have also read that priming with an electric pump (or maybe the Racor filter with the priming pump) will damage the Perkins lift pump. Any thoughts on that question?

Thanks.

 

[royaltern]

While the mechanics didn't agree because it would clog faster, I put a 2 micron filter in my Racor 500 filter under the galley sink. No problems with the filter on the engine.

 

[dave_a]

Terry, I had 2 old school Racor 500's in line. I picked one up cheap on Ebay, rebuilt it and replaced the under sink water separator. Its usual practice to have a water drain on a diesel filter. I ran a 10 mic under the sink, 2 mic Racor in the engine compartment, then the Perkins 10 micron on the engine. Never had to change the engine filter, and monitored the fuel vacuum with a gauge. I think the key to trouble free motoring was the thorough cleaning I gave the Morgan tank. I never had any reason to change the Racor 10 or 2 mic filters.
I recently read running a 2 micron filter puts a strain on the mechanical lift pump, and can cause failure. Lots of opinions out there. I had no problem.
As far using an electric pump: I see it as a back up to the lift and a priming aid. But IF the electric pump develops too much pressure it might eventually damage the lift pump diaphram. If your lift pump fails, it likely has a ruptured diaphram. Either the pump stops working and/or it leaks fuel into the crankcase. If you turn on the electric pump it will do the same thing I think. You might need a lift pump bypass plumbed in to use an electric pump. I'm over my depth, so I suggest speaking to a diesel injector expert about using a Facet or similar electric pump in the system and what pressure it should develop.