Fuel filter

[rappareems]

I called Catalina re fuel and oil filters the other day... they referred me to Hansen's Marine here in the NE... they send me the two filters I needed for the M25 engine ('86 Cat 34 vintage).   Question.  In reviewing posts and notes on this site before getting into the filter change a second fuel filter was mentioned beside the U298854 fuel filter... my wrench could not locate a second filter.  Would it have been an after market add on?  He has been all over that engine and system because he replaced my electrical harness as well and he does not recall a second fuel filter.  Are we missing something?

[Stu Jackson]

Mark,

There are two filters.  One is on your engine, it's on the port side of your engine, low down.  If you open the door to the oil dipstick and look aft, you'll see it.  We call it the secondary or engine mounted filter.

The primary filter, usually a Racor, is under your head sink.

[Ralph Masters]

Stu,
My oil dipstick and fuel filter is on the starboard side of the engine.  Are you looking at yours backwards??

Ralph

[Ron Hill]

Mark : Look at your M25 engine owners manual.  There is a picture that shows the engine (10/15 micron) fuel filter on the starboard side of your engine.  
If you look under your head sink you'll find the Racor (2 or 10 micron) fuel filter.

If you had looked at our web site you would have found equivilant filters (oil & fuel) that are 1/2 the price of the Universal and can be purchased at a local auto store.  I posted those 20+ yeras ago!!   A few thoughts

[Stu Jackson]

Stu,
My oil dipstick and fuel filter is on the starboard side of the engine.  Are you looking at yours backwards??

Ralph

I blew it.

STARBOARD side

[Stu Jackson]

Mark :

...web site you would have found equivalent filters (oil & fuel) that are 1/2 the price of the Universal and can be purchased at a local auto store.  I posted those 20+ years ago!!   A few thoughts

The C34 Tech wiki is a very handy tool.

Like this:

http://www.c34.org/wiki/index.php?title=Replacement_Filters,_Belts,_and_Lubricants

[Indian Falls]

Mark

You can get all three filters at Napa in Newfane.  The Racor takes Napa 1132.  My other cross refs are in my manual or I'd  give you the two numbers here.  The engine fuel filter is screwed into the bottom of the injector pump.  Maybe yours is like mine... original!  I replaced it for the first time in 2010, it was still painted the same color as the block.  Which may be why you can't find it.

Dan

[Roc]

Good source for filters and parts at good prices.

http://www.marinepartssource.com/index.asp

[rappareems]

Thanks Boys... you are tough task masters!!!  It was the raycor in the head we forgot.  Stu when I do a "search" on fuel filters for example I don't get that link you put up... ??

Mark

[Dave Spencer]

Mark,
If you are using the forum search tool, you won't find the link Stu posted.  Scroll to the top and pick the "Tech Wiki".  Different database.  Lots of good stuff in there. 

[Stu Jackson]

Mark,

The Quick Guide to this website is a "sticky" which describes how to use the website

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5260.0.html

[rappareems]

The filter that is under my head is a Dahl 60... just talked with my wrench and we are leaving it alone until the boat is on the hard in a couple of weeks then we will change out the element... they offer either a 2 or 10 micron element ... what do you guys suggest?

Mark

[Ron Hill]

Guys : Sorry, I forgot that most of the 1986 and some of the 1987 C34s can from the factory with a Dahl not a Racor filter!!

[Les Luzar]

Ron,
Since we are talking about the Dahl Primary fuel filter/water separator, if it is working fine, should we leave well enough alone? I have a Dahl. After reading all of the posts, I was wondering if I should at some point replace the Dahl with a Racor. Or should I simply add a Racor before the fuel pump, and then keep the dahl after the fuel pump? Currently my fuel lines go from my tank to the fuel pump, through the Dahl primary then to the engine secondary. This was the factory set-up. After six years, I have never had an issue with this set-up. But now I know too much and lay awake at night dreaming about whether or not to add this project to my exhisting list. If I re-route the fuel lines to the primary filter first, should I replace the Dahl with a Racor? Or can I keep the Dahl and do the same? Is there a reason to switch to a Racor? 

[Ron Hill]

Les : As I recall the Dahl has a replaceable inside filter element which is as good, but cheaper than the Racor.
 
If you are happy with what you've got I would not change it!!  My thought