fuel/water separator?

[jimmy]

Older Universal M-18. What is this filter thing on the front of the engine and how should it be cleaned? (I am a complete novice, so any help would be GREATLY appreciated!) [IMG]file:///Users/jamesbrown/Desktop/R0010996.JPG[/IMG]
(not sure the pictures were delivered, so viewable here: M-18 - Various and Sundry )

[JimsCAL]

It's an old Racor filter. Looks like the one I had on my previous boat. Turn the black handle on the top to loosen it, then to top comes off with the filter element attached. You need to replace the element. And judging by the looks of the filter, you might want to drain and clean it and refill with fresh diesel.

[capecodda]

Given the way that filter looks, you might want to consider what the condition is of the fuel in your tank as well. If there is an inspection port, I'd take a look. Bad/dirty fuel can cause all kinds of problems, and old fuel can grow bugs. Good luck with this!

[jimmy]

Thanks a lot!! I will do it ASAP.

[BarryL]

Hi Jimmy,

That's one of the dirtiest engines I have seen in a long time. Please do yourself a favor and give it a good cleaning. You don't need to go crazy, just spend some time with rags, paper towels, and a de-greasing spray. With a clean engine, it is a lot easier to see if something starts to leak - like coolant, oil, etc. Also, check the alternator belt, there seems to be a lot of dust in there. If the belt starts to slip it will overheat and break.

Good luck,
Barry

[jimmy]

I will do my best. :-)

[pdqaltair]

Seems to me the whole thing needs cleaning. 4 screws remove the bowl.

As others have said, that's about as bad as they get, and it didn't get that way just from solids. There is a very high probability the tank is infected with bacteria. This can be determined with test kits or simply by the feel of the slime; if if looks and feels like snot rather than grease, it's infected.

If so, you really need to clean the tank and then use a biocide. I posted some info here:

Sail Delmarva: Diesel and Biocides

... and you can find much more with Google (diesel + bacteria).

In the future you will want to focus on keeping your fuel very dry; they cannot live without water (though it takes very little).