fuel filter access

[charlesson]

I'm attempting to change my screw on cannister primary fuel filter on the starboard side of the engine and have found access to be really tough. I can get my hand on the old filter either from the front of the engine compartment or from the access panel just inside the aft cabin. However, I can't get enough leverage for a tool or removal  by a strong counter clockwise twist.
Its interesting that the old filter is the same  brown color of the engine which makes me wonder if the previous owner had ever changed the filter. Could this be the original filter or does Westerbeke sell brown as well as grey replacement filters?

Thanks in advance,

Ken Heyman "wholesailor"
1988 c34
Chicago

[Stu Jackson]

Ken

It is doable, but very difficult.  What you need is a small strap filter wrench, since the diameter of the filter is smaller than the regular oil filter sized wrenches.

First, figure out which way the strap wrench goes by trying it out on the new filter in your hands.  You can either work it through the access door, or from above.  All you need to do is to get it started (off), and then you can get it off by hand.

Same thing in reverse when you put the new one on, do it by hand until you can't turn it anymore, and then use the strap wrench.

Can't help about color, sounds right, but the engine could have been repainted sometime, too.

Also, I do not suggest that you fill the filter with fuel before you put it on.  The electric pump will bleed the system for you very well, it only takes a bit longer (like, 20 seconds instead of 10).  That way you have less chance of spilling diesel fuel back where it's a bear to clean up.

Stu

[c34member]

I use a big ol' pair of Channel-Lock #440 pliers.  They will scrape up the old filter, but this shouldn't matter as you will be disposing of it).

For the Racor I fashion a home-made strap wrench out of a leather strap and a pair of Vice-Grips.