Jon Mendez delivers a step-by-step guide on how to change the primary and secondary filters on a diesel engine
Changing fuel filters is something every boat owner should be able to do and is easily within the scope of the DIY mechanic. Our “How to…” video guides you every step of the way.
Most boats have two filters per engine, a primary one to separate water and catch coarser debris and a secondary fine filter to eliminate smaller particles.
Depending on your set-up, the coarse one can be between ten and 30 microns and the fine one as small as two. Diesels, especially modern common rail engines, like really clean, well-filtered fuel.
There are two types of filter – a disposable cartridge-style screw-on filter or and opening one with a paper-style element. Make sure you order the micron size recommended by your engine manufacturer.
The filters should be changed annually at the very least but are often neglected. Unless you have clear bowls on the bottom of the filter housing, it’s hard to see what’s going on without taking them apart.
If this all sounds a little complicated, fear not, Jon’s video above explains the process perfectly.
You can see all of our step-by-step guides in the How to… section of the website.
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