Speaking of filters

Kevin Henderson · July 13, 2011, 09:03:23 PM

As noted in a previous post I recently changed out my Racor fuel filter. Sitting here surfing the internet I went to browse the online catalog at WM. In there I stumbled across a Fuel filter funnel used when refueling. I'm wondering if anybody else uses these and if it's a good idea or too much hassle. My gut instinct tells me its probably a good thing to get the initial filtering out of the way even before filling the tank and ultimately the primary and secondary fuel filters.
Thoughts?

Stu Jackson · July 13, 2011, 09:36:14 PM

Kevin, the WM units have been reported to be more trouble than they're worth because of the difficulty of cleaning them. This is compared to the "original" Baja filters, still available if you Google.

The ONLY reason to use them is if you suspect or better yet KNOW that your fuel source is questionable. Or if you're goin' to Mexico tomorrow.

If not, then that's the reason I haven't bothered with one for 13 years...

mainesail · July 14, 2011, 04:04:08 AM

In the US these are usually not necessary. I believe in most states fuel & gas has to be filtered from the storage tank and then also at the fuel station pump. Sometimes these filters can be seen on the outside of the fuel pump in-line with the hose but usually they are inside the jacket. Most of these filters are either a 10 or 30 micron and the fuel fill funnels start at about 80 mic if I recall correctly. I have a Racor funnel and never caught a darn thing even in Canada. Of course when I asked I found out they too filter at the pump with spin on filters..

If going outside the US a Baja or Racor filter is a good idea to carry but both are a PITA to clean and keep odor free...

waterdog · July 14, 2011, 07:21:09 AM

I use a baja filter. Mostly because the oil company got nervous and shut down most of the local fuel docks to avoid liability associated with potential spills. Great for the environment huh? Now eveybody drags jugs down to their boats and motors out into the slop to refuel because the marina won't allow refueling at the dock. That or people motor five miles burning extra fuel. Environmental genius...

I digress. Baja works good. I've had zero fuel issues. But I think I would have had zero without it.

Stu, stop bashing Mexico. Their fuel delivery infrastructure is decades newer than the US. The fuel stops are delivering high volume excellent fuel out of gleaming brand new above ground double walled tanks. I must dig up a picture I took for you and post it. But in general, I would gladly buy fuel at most of the fuel docks I've seen in Mexico over most of the ones I've seen on the West coast of the United States.

The difference in Mexico is that you can have Hilda deliver beer, pick up your laundy and fill your diesel jugs. God knows where she takes them, but I suspect it is the gleaming Pemex up the street...

waterdog · July 14, 2011, 07:30:20 AM

Stu. I am sorry. That was unfair. I didn't give you any alternatives.

If you do want a backwards third world country to pick on, I suggest Canada...

Kevin Henderson · July 14, 2011, 08:54:27 AM

Wow.. Lots to chew on especially wrt fueling in Mexico or Canada. Neither of which I will likely be doing in the near future. However, another good point is brought up. That is.... Would it also make a difference on whether a person is fueling (Diesel) from a marine fuel dock or filling up a 5 gallon jug from a local auto/truck filling station. Is there a difference in in-line filtering from the pump?
This is all probably a moot point especially considering our tighter than tight regulations concerning all things Petroleum here in California, but interesting non-the less.

Stu Jackson · July 14, 2011, 08:55:56 AM

Not to worry, Steve, we're rapidly catching up, er, down.

Maybe Enviro Canada will buy all of you Super Siphons.

Michael Shaner · July 14, 2011, 09:07:05 AM

Kevin,

I'm told perhaps the most notable difference between the fuel dock and the truck stop is high sulfur (off road) vs. low sulfur (over the road) diesel. Your auxillary would much prefer the added lubricity of the off road diesel. Wait a minute...can you guys still get the good diesel in California or does one have to go to Mexico??

Stu Jackson · July 14, 2011, 09:14:34 AM

Yup, just to get good, clean fuel.

Ralph Masters · July 14, 2011, 10:08:27 AM

If you're worried about the lubercity of the fuel, make sure you get #2 diesel. As for sulphur, California has regulated that right out of the fuel. The funnels with those screens and filters in them are good if you are in Mexico and worried about the rocks and shale they have in their fuel, (the tanks are above ground cause they can't get good help to bury them). Oh, wait, the shale would be from Canada, note the last two letters there, da.......

Really as little fuel as we use if it makes you feel better using the filter funnel have at it.

Ralph
Ciao Bella

Mike and Joanne Stimmler · July 14, 2011, 03:52:20 PM

Steve I agree with you about Mexico. I recently flew down to LaPaz to help bring a Erickson 380 back to San Diego and all the fuel facilities we came in contact with were first rate, even the guys in the pangas at Turtle Bay delivered quality fuel. BTW, the sailing in and around LaPaz was great but the bash up the coast was "interesting" to say the least. My bunk was in the v-birth and I learned to sleep in mid air.
I must admit that I have never got fuel in Canada but I'll just have to remember to bring the Baja filter if I ever do.
The problem with the ones sold at WM is that when you are done fueling, you have a few ounces of fuel left in the bottom that you have to get rid of. I took mine back.

Mike

Terry Forshier · July 14, 2011, 04:24:17 PM

I have used one of the WM funnel filters for years. cheap insurance and no fuel problems.I carry fuel in 5 gal jugs to my boat in my backyard and try to go to active diesel fuel stations. (I also shop price) So you never know what is in the tank. When fueling at a marina here I do not carry the funnel.

Ron Hill · July 15, 2011, 06:33:13 PM

Kevin : I purchased one of the WM filters years ago. Never have used it, because I only buy marine diesel (red dyed off road) with hi sulphur content for my new engine - none of the local gas station low sulphur diesel for that new engine!! I only purchase diesel from a known high volume marina. I'm not penny foolish when it comes to that engine.

I keep that funnel/filter on-board as a "just in case". My thoughts