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Go here: wixfilters.com ---> filter lookup (classification): OFF HIGHWAY ---> select 'make' (Westerbeke) ---> (Equipment type) Marine Engine ---> type in YOUR engine Model Number, etc. etc. Then, go to fuel filters and its appropriate data section for µM ratings, etc.
Note: automotive type filters are 'nominally' rated, so there may be slight differences in µM ratings between manufacturers.
WixFilters is a high value filter supplier to the automotive aftermarket, many private branded filters used by engine manufacturers are 'probably' made by WixFilters.
Go here: wixfilters.com ---> filter lookup (classification): OFF HIGHWAY ---> select 'make' (Westerbeke) ---> (Equipment type) Marine Engine ---> type in YOUR engine Model Number, etc. etc. Then, go to fuel filters and its appropriate data section for µM ratings, etc.
Thanks for the pointer. Unfortunately they only have the oil filter listed. I believe the engine is the W27. I will verify the exact model as there are a couple similar versions.
Most marine diesel engines of that vintage were/are based on a '20µM' specification for their fuel. If the filter you are replacing is the *engine mounted* filter, then any µM between ~ 15 to 19µM (nominal rating) is typical. Some Volvos have different/'tighter' µM requirements.
Typical set-up: tank --> 30µM (Racor) optional --> 10µM (Racor) --> 15-19µM (engine mounted) --> engine.
The engine mounted filter is intended to be a 'guard' or 'last chance' filter that protects the high pressure pump, in case any of the preceding filters in the system has a 'breakthrough' or fails.
Most NAPA or other 'quality' automotive aftermarket parts stores can usually cross reference your Westerbeke part number to their filter 'brand'. Most NAPA filters are mfg. by Wix and similar higher quality automotive filter suppliers.
The on engine secondary filter is rated at 15-17 micron (source Joe J. & Bob B. Westerbeke engineers). Westerbeke does not want to see a primary filter any smaller than 10 micron before the secondary filter.
Thank you, this is what I suspected. My primary is a 2 micron and it clogs after less than 20 hours (usually when I'm trying to dock). I'm using 2 micron only because that's what the PO did, but I'm switching to 10 microns tomorrow.
Is the 2 micron standard a myth? It seems ridiculously small as 2 microns is about the size of an individual bacterium.
Here's a quick simple test to determine if your fuel is contaminated .... either by a dirty tank or fouled fuel supplier:
• suck out about 4-6 oz. of diesel fuel from your tank
• put the oil into a clean clear glass container
• hold up the glass of oil between your eyeball and strong white light and with the light source 'aimed' through the glass of oil towards your eyeball. (A thin focused beam 'mag lite' works best)
• if there is ANY noticeable HAZE in the fuel AND/OR the fuel is 'dark' in color .... either your tank is (still) dirty, or your usual fuel supplier is selling very contaminated fuel.
Note: if you did have your tank cleaned and you didn't add a biological stabilizer (BioBor, etc.) it is quite possible for the 'remnants' of that previous contamination to grow exponentially into a new 'crop' of crud .... usually on the tank walls / tank bottom.
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