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Author Topic:   Changing Fuel Filters

skred posted 10-07-2009 04:22 PM ET (US)
My boat a Tempo brand filter in the rear compartment where the battery is located and the cabling comes from the console. I want to change the filter element or inspect the filter element, but I'm not sure what will happen when I unscrew the filter element. Since my permanent fuel tank is located in the bow locker, will the fuel run unrestricted out of the input port of the filter head? If so, how would one replace the filter, unless the entire tank and fuel line were drained first? Maybe if the trailer coupler were on the ground, that would make the tank location lower than the filter, thus preventing any flow.
Buckda posted 10-07-2009 04:38 PM ET (US)
Dennis -
If the top of the filter is below the top of the tank, then you will have a siphon effect.
If the tank is below the top of the filter bracket, then you won't have any problems.
Dave
White Bear posted 10-07-2009 06:30 PM ET (US)
While you have it apart it might be a good idea to install a valve in the fuel line so that you don't have to worry about this problem again.
jimh posted 10-07-2009 08:39 PM ET (US)
In most small boats the fuel tank is below the level of the fuel filter. Fuel only flows to the filter when there is suction in the fuel hose. The suction is provided by the fuel lift pump in the engine. As soon as you begin to unscrew the filter element, any suction in the fuel system will be released. Fuel will not flow up hill on its own.
contender posted 10-07-2009 09:37 PM ET (US)
If your tank is above your filter pinch off your fuel line and install a shut off valve in front of the filter or by the fuel line on the tank....
deepwater posted 10-07-2009 09:41 PM ET (US)
If you not sure ,,Lower the trailer tongue untill its on the ground to make sure the fuel level is lower ,,And install a shut off valve
skred posted 10-08-2009 12:54 PM ET (US)
Thanks for the responses - I figured my high school physics was correct....
jimbob28 posted 10-08-2009 11:56 PM ET (US)
If you have a non-vented fuel cap, open the cap to releave any vapor pressure that be pressurizing your tank.

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Author	Topic: Changing Fuel Filters
skred	posted 10-07-2009 04:22 PM ET (US) My boat a Tempo brand filter in the rear compartment where the battery is located and the cabling comes from the console. I want to change the filter element or inspect the filter element, but I'm not sure what will happen when I unscrew the filter element. Since my permanent fuel tank is located in the bow locker, will the fuel run unrestricted out of the input port of the filter head? If so, how would one replace the filter, unless the entire tank and fuel line were drained first? Maybe if the trailer coupler were on the ground, that would make the tank location lower than the filter, thus preventing any flow.
Buckda	posted 10-07-2009 04:38 PM ET (US) Dennis - If the top of the filter is below the top of the tank, then you will have a siphon effect. If the tank is below the top of the filter bracket, then you won't have any problems. Dave
White Bear	posted 10-07-2009 06:30 PM ET (US) While you have it apart it might be a good idea to install a valve in the fuel line so that you don't have to worry about this problem again.
jimh	posted 10-07-2009 08:39 PM ET (US) In most small boats the fuel tank is below the level of the fuel filter. Fuel only flows to the filter when there is suction in the fuel hose. The suction is provided by the fuel lift pump in the engine. As soon as you begin to unscrew the filter element, any suction in the fuel system will be released. Fuel will not flow up hill on its own.
contender	posted 10-07-2009 09:37 PM ET (US) If your tank is above your filter pinch off your fuel line and install a shut off valve in front of the filter or by the fuel line on the tank....
deepwater	posted 10-07-2009 09:41 PM ET (US) If you not sure ,,Lower the trailer tongue untill its on the ground to make sure the fuel level is lower ,,And install a shut off valve
skred	posted 10-08-2009 12:54 PM ET (US) Thanks for the responses - I figured my high school physics was correct....
jimbob28	posted 10-08-2009 11:56 PM ET (US) If you have a non-vented fuel cap, open the cap to releave any vapor pressure that be pressurizing your tank.