Primary Fuel Filter and Fuel Pump

[shanagolden]

My 1986 #212 has the original Dahl-60 primary fuel filter and fuel pump (Facet-with a small paper filter element as opposed to the red plastic screen type). I keep reading how most boats today use Racor primary filters. Any reason to replace the old Dahl-60 which seems to work OK with a Racor? If so, what Racor filter works best? Also my fuel pump is first in line from the tank. Been that way for 28 years. Thanks for your thoughts and comments.

[Stu Jackson]

Sounds like a perfect case of "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."   

You may be very lucky in getting good fuel, although you don't mention when, if ever, you've had to service the fuel pump filter.  It would be wise to relocate the filter to after the Dahl, it takes two feet of fuel hose, a few clamps and a butt 3/8" hose connector.

The Dahl is a fine unit.  People use "Racor" simply instead of typing "primary fuel filter."  It's shorter!   

[sailaway]

There is  a screen type filter in the electric fuel  pump. I have 1986 with the Dahl it works fine for me. Charlie

[shanagolden]

thanks for the comments so far. i replace the little filter in the fuel pump at least annually.

shanagolden

[shanagolden]

I forgot to add that the little paper type filter that goes in my old facet fuel pump is a pain in the butt to remove and reinstall. Very tight fit for the little filter.

[KWKloeber]

My 1986 #212 has the original Dahl-60 primary fuel filter and fuel pump (Facet-with a small paper filter element as opposed to the red plastic screen type). I keep reading how most boats today use Racor primary filters. Any reason to replace the old Dahl-60 which seems to work OK with a Racor? If so, what Racor filter works best? Also my fuel pump is first in line from the tank. Been that way for 28 years. Thanks for your thoughts and comments.

I found the Dahl a PITA to service and so moved to a spin-on Racor 120 body (rated 30 GalPerHr) with a R12S (4-micron) filter.  No muss, no fuss.  But, there's nothing wrong with a Dahl if it works for you!

Recommend you definitely replumb the fuel line so that the primary filter is first off the tank, and the Facet "sucks thru" it.  The reason is that the Facet can emulsify the water into the fuel, and so it's more difficult for the primary filter to separate the fuel/water.

Would the screen-type filter fit your Facet?  It's NAPA p/n 610-1086.

Cheers,
Ken K

[Hugh17]

My 1986 #299 came with and still has a DAHL-60 primary fuel filter with a 2 micron element. The M-25 engine has the spin off Universal 298854. I've replaced these filters a couple times, but considering changing the DAHL to a Racor, or maybe even putting in 2 Racor filters with a valve between them for switching between filters in case of a blockage.

My question is about the Universal 298854. What Micron is it? I suspect it's a 10 micron, but not sure.

Thougths?

Thanks,
James Newsome
s/v CaiLeigh Anna
1986 #299

[KWKloeber]

James

See the tech wiki page on engine > fuel filters.  My post from years back explains the efficiencies of different manufacturers' filters (Racor, Universal, etc.)
Ask if you have questions about those but they are pretty self explanatory.

[Ron Hill]

James : Years ago I call a few of the spin -on fuel filter companies (Wix, Fram, Purolator and a couple of others).  Their diesel filtration varied between 10 and 15 micron filtration.

A thought

[Hugh17]

James

See the tech wiki page on engine > fuel filters.  My post from years back explains the efficiencies of different manufacturers' filters (Racor, Universal, etc.)
Ask if you have questions about those but they are pretty self explanatory.

If I'm in the right place, you wrote, "Universal 298854 (98% @ 25ų)." I assume this means the #298854 is a 2 Micron rating? What does the "25y" mean? 25 years?

Thanks,
James Newsome

[Dave Spencer]

Hi James,
The "ų" symbol is called "mu" and represents microns. So 25ų is 25 microns.

[Jim Hardesty]

. Any reason to replace the old Dahl-60 which seems to work OK with a Racor?

I would suggest checking out the cost of the Racor filters before you make a change just to change.  I replace my Racor yearly or when needed.  It works well so don't give much thought to changing to something else.  But,  IMHO it's highly over priced.  Guess it's because it's only made by Racor.
Jim

[Noah]

The filters for the Racor 500 turbine series are drop in and a lot less expense. They pencil out $-wise in the long run. Plus easier to see and drain off any water from the bowl.

[Ron Hill]

Shan : Like Stu said If it ain't broke Don't....   However, I can say that you and the PO/s must have frequently changed that paper filter in your Facet fuel pump (over the past 28 yrs)!! 

I'm not familiar with the Dahl - 60, but the Racor spin-filters are also water separator!!

A few thoughts