Secondary fuel filter relocation

[brettportzer]

On my 43, there are some unused brackets welded to the engine stringers, near where the fuel pump is.

It seems like it was made to mount the fuel filters, as they will mount there, the holes are exactly right, etc.

Anyway, I am replacing the hoses and cleaning stuff up as I do over the winter and I am wondering if there is any issue with the secondaries being about 18” lower?

The top is essentially even with the fuel pump.

6-71Ns.

Pic shows the upper mounting location, and you can see the new location, and second pic is a detail of the new location.

 

[Captain Ralph]

Do you have enough room to R&R the can and cartridge?
You may want to consider a spin on filter assembly if your going thru all of this.

 

[brettportzer]

Yea, I figure that setup is smaller still so it should work in the location as long as the plumbing works.

 

[carolinacoast]

I moved to 2 micron as primary which keeps secondary very clean. Fuel flow is the same, and just go bigger if needed. It acts as a polisher. I recall that I got the idea from Sky some years ago. It's been great.

 

[brettportzer]

I have the Racors before these as primary, I have been running 30 though, going to try out a set of 10s I have.

Wanting to relocate the filter because it is very hard not to make a mess where they were located, and it turns out these mounts seem perfect.

 

[Captain Ralph]

and it turns out these mounts seem perfect.

Were they mounted there before and moved back up,,
Or, was your Original Detroit primary filter mounted down there and removed when the Racors were installed?

 

[brettportzer]

I suppose that is what it was, although I guess I assumed the Racors were original?

It doesn’t matter where the secondary is located, within reason, does it?

Instead of 1 foot higher than fuel pump, this is about 6” lower maybe, so a total of 18” lower than it was, but in an easier to access spot.

 

[Captain Ralph]

I suppose that is what it was, although I guess I assumed the Racors were original?

It doesn’t matter where the secondary is located, within reason, does it?

Instead of 1 foot higher than fuel pump, this is about 6” lower maybe, so a total of 18” lower than it was, but in an easier to access spot.

Well, Lots of fuel to leak out while the cartridge is open.
You have a big catch tray and a priming pump?
Give it a try, then please let us know.

 

[brettportzer]

Another question...

Being that this is a marine desert up here, I don't have any confidence that any place local will have the USCG fuel hose, etc...

I am looking into having hoses made by Seaboard Marine. I know in general people think highly of them, and they have a great ordering interface, price calculator etc, and it all seems reasonable.

So, curious of anyone's opinion on them/that?

The other thing is, I have the reusable fittings and the blue Aeroquip hose, and I am wondering if I should go the route of rolling my own?

Those fittings are very expensive, and they are in good shape overall, I took all of the hoses apart and threw away the hose.

Might not be worth the effort though, I don't have a feel for it.

 

[Captain Ralph]

Any hydraulic shop can make these hoses.

The secondary filter is pressurized. Sometimes up to 50psi. Not a place for a wimpy hose or barb/press-on hose ends or wimpy (cost reduced) hoses.

I am a big fan of re-using the hose ends and customizing the hose installation.
It is tempting and possible to make the hoses on board, but a big bench vice will make assembly SOOOOO much easier.

Once assembled, check over the internal ferrel well to make sure it did not crack.

 

[brettportzer]

I am not suggesting inferior parts, I am wondering if any one has experience with the Seaboard Marine offerings?

https://www.sbmar.com/product-category/fuel-systems/uscg-approved-fuel-line/

I learned of Seaboard Marine through this site, with regard to Tony Athens fuel filter setups that some people had switched to.

When researching fuel line, this link keeps coming up, and I didn't realize until I dug into it further that it is somewhat different than what I have in that I have the reusable ends already.

However, I look out hoses yesterday from 1987, so, wondering if it makes more sense to clean up these ends, and learn how to assemble new ones correctly, etc, and go that route...

Or if I should be these hoses from what seems like a reputable source?

Or, perhaps Cummins has a different need for fuel delivery, but, I don't think that is the case.

 

[drburke]

The factory Hatteras fuel hoses met USCG standard J1527 for inspected vessels and I suggest that you adhere to that elevated specification.

I made the mistake of replacing old hoses with new aircraft-style hose and promptly failed a survey needed for insurance since my new hose was not rated for 2.5/30 minute fire burn-through.

Thus, I had to find a local hydraulic shop to make up new ones. Some people are confused since the original hose is rated at 2000 psi but that is because the thicker material passes the flame resistance test, not for pressure reasons.

https://www.sae.org/standards/content/j1527_202201/
https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-33/chapter-I/subchapter-S/part-183/subpart-J?toc=1

I second the thought to use Tony Athens; I have been a satisfied customer for years.

 

[brettportzer]

Yea, so, this hose is from Tony Athens shop, and:

"Our BLUEFIN A360 hose is made specifically to meet and exceed the requirements of SAE J1527 USCG approved hose and applicable fittings. This is the spec that you must meet for inspected vessels."

I would just be abandoning my reuseable or perhaps rather "field serviceable" fittings.

But, it sounds like his hose offering is good, just wondering if I was missing something...

 

[Captain Ralph]

I have never done business with Tony.
Never heard or read anything negative either.
I did enjoy many of his videos and post on the SB website.
I would be confidant in working with his shop.