Regards....

In a message dated 12/29/04 11:42:44 AM, pjr@netsense.net writes: > I use 2 micron on my RACOR pre-filters and (2) 2 micron on each Lehman (CAV > Filters). My strategy is to catch the crap at the front door and seldom > change the Lehman CAV filters. I alternate normal replacement times of the > pre-filters so that both engines won't go "tango uniform" at the same time. > I've gone as long as 638 hours on the pre-filters without changing them, and > years on the CAVs. > > I'm currently experimenting with not changing them until the engine stops > just to see what the real duty cycle is given the places I normally > refuel... > > Regards.... > > Phil Rosch > Old Harbor Consulting > M/V Curmudgeon MT-44TC > Currently moored in Marsh Harbor, Abacos, Bahamas > Phil I understand your reluctance to change your fuel filters. There's the joy of bleeding the Diesel fuel line and the necessity to dispose of the fuel filter and the diesel spoils! 638 hours is quite a long time on 2 micro filters, especially with Lehmans. You must have very clean tanks and use biocide regularly. I have gotten about 200 hours tops between filter changes, or two years whichever comes first. At this point, I can see the vacuum gauges start to creep up. I presently use the 30 micron's on the Racors and 2 micron's on the diesel itself. I have had ALL of my filters moved inboard so I can get to them myself. I've also got a pair of Diesels, those outboard filters were a nightmare to get to. I've got a photo of my Racor Vacuum gauges, and I was going to send it to you "off list" but see your in the Bahamas and don't want to add to your Internet bill. If you interested its posted @ http://www.maxumowners.org/Engines.html And I commend you on your choice of doing them one at a time. Its a job I only want to do once every two years. I do do the oil every year at the end of the season. I'm still reading posts trying to get a feeling if I want to try 10 Micron filters in place of my 30's on my Racors or even 10's. So far, I have not seen any compelling reason to change from the manufacturers recommendations, but I am willing to keep an open mind on the subject. Thanks for the post. I've also just finished redoing our boating home page http://www.maxumowners.org/MVSS.html, if you have time to take a look. Regards, Capt. James Clausen, MV Summer School Orlando, Fl 32819 "At sea a fellow comes out. Salt water is like wine, in that respect." - Herman Melville