250 HPDI Fuel Sys Maint Advice - The Hull Truth

bbogue · 06-29-2007, 11:17 AM

Andy,

I have always tried to provide the recommended fuel system maintenance on my 03 250HPDI, changing the Racor every 200 hours, draining it after every trip, draining the fuel filter on the engine every 50 hours and changing it every 200 hours as well. The engine now has 700 hours on it and runs well. (Early plug fouling problems were resolved by use of full synthetic oil, with average fuel to oil usage 60 to 1.) I think you recommend some additional fuel system/filter maintenance. May I please have your additional recommended fuel system service items, parts, prices, etc. as well as any other maintenance suggestions that occur to you. If there is a maintenance procedure I should follow to utilize these parts, that info would be great, too. I have a tech manual.

FYI, we use ethanol fuel in our area. When we started using it, the only change I noticed was that the 1/2 tsp or so of water I used to drain out of the Racor after a long trip (80-100 gal fuel used) has disappeared, apparently absorbed by the ethanol. Makes me wonder if I still need to drain it as often.

I assume you will contact me by private mail. Thanks.

Bill in Chesapeake, VA

bbogue · 06-29-2007, 11:44 AM

Andy,

In addition, I would like to get a stainless steel filter housing which fits the Racor S3213 filter elements. My current filter housing has a 3/8" hose from my fuel tank and smaller hoses (5/16" I would say) on each of 2 outlets (1 for the main engine and 1 for the kicker). Each outlet has a shutoff valve (which I would also like to replace) and just downstream of the valve leading to my main engine is the fuel management equipment. I'd like the housing, fittings and valves as necessary to replace everything except the hoses and fuel mgt equipment. I hope this is enough info for you to understand my situation. I'll call you if not.

Bill

SIM · 06-29-2007, 11:32 PM

Hi Bill,

I will email you what you need on Saturday. I am very much behind today. We had a couple of large projects finish up today and I am way behind on my messages and emails.

Thanks for your patience.

Andy

bbogue · 07-28-2007, 06:25 PM

Andy, I have not heard from you and would appreciate a response.

Also, I have recently had a fuel related issue. Your advice would be greatly appreciated. Here's a link to it.
http://www.thehulltruth.com/forums/t...sts=1#M1678164

Thanks.

Bill

SIM · 07-29-2007, 01:06 PM

Bill,

Sorry for the delay in responding.

We stock most of the parts, but doI just assume that everything is just straight in and out fittings? Do you have room for regular style ball valves or do you need the mini-types? Maybe email me a picture of where this is going to go and I can tell from that. parts@shipyardisland.com

We are lucky enough yet not to have to deal with E-10 fuels locally yet. I have heard all kinds of stories with water ect and the E's cleaning properties and dislodging all kins of stuff inside of fuel tanks. What I do know with water and Racors(or any water sep filter for that matter)...........if there is a lot of water present, it will pass through the Racors and go onto screwing up the engines fuel system. If it gets to the engine and effects how it runs, you will need to drain and flush everything with the engines fuel system. And do that as quickly as you possible can. Fresh water will effect it but if itissalt water, thatcan really screw things up.

My opinion is that if you have enough water to fill a water sep filter, I would be also checking other areas that water might be getting into the boats fuel system(mis installed fuel vent fitting, missing gasket on fill cap ect). Just don't assume that it is from using "E" fuels.

Andy

bbogue · 07-30-2007, 09:10 AM

Andy,

I'll get back to you with a picture as soon as I can.

I really don't think the Racor was actually full of water. The amount I drained at sea was only a couple of ounces and I could see no water in it. I fully drained the Racor after returning home but there was only a very little bit in the bottom of the jar I drained it into. Strange. Unless you think otherwise, I think I'll replace all my filters just to be on the safe side.

Thanks.

Bill

bbogue · 08-02-2007, 12:49 PM

Andy,

Thanks sooooo much for your expertise and patience during the series of emails which passed between us. Your excellent reputation is well-deserved. I look forward to receiving the parts and performing the engine and boat fuel system maintenance.

Bill