Primary fuel filter

[Jotun]

On my 20-year-old C-27 there is no primary fuel filter. The gurus, of course, recommend that you have one. Is it truly necessary? It's not like I am crossing oceans.... Can you recommend one that is good but not overly expensive? Thanks in advance.

[k1vsk]

It is a good idea to have, some would consider it essential. It is easier to monitor and maintain than the secondary, will provide a better level of protection for the fuel system and can trap water which the secondary (engine mounted) filter will not. Racor is the most popular although there are cheaper alternatives.

[sailingdog]

Umm... a good RACOR would be a nice start. I would definitely install one. If contaminated fuel gets through to the engine... you can clog or damage the fuel injectors. That's a lot more expensive than installing the filter would cost you.

[PBzeer]

Do you need one? No. Should you have one? Yes. Much like the old Fram commericals, you can pay now, or you can pay later. At some point though, you will pay.

My boat came with an old style CAV 296 fuel filter system. I buy my filters at any auto parts store for a few bucks each.

[sailingdog]

BTW, IMHO, your primary fuel filter should also act as a water fuel separator... but that's just my opinion.. .

[teshannon]

Ditto all of the above, I wouldn't motor out without one.

[Freesail99]

I have a somewhat strange set up. My primary filter which is right outside the fuel tank is 12 inches long and takes 3 oil furnace type filters. I then have a normal size diesel filter near the engine.

[Jotun]

Thanks all. I agree with you, but was surprised that the boat never had one installed before I bought it. So what about these type models:

http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|311|302335|107095|699530&id=133942
or
http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|311|302335|107095|699530&id=133761
or does it have to be something like this:
http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|311|302335|107095|699530&id=133671

Or something else?

[sailingdog]

Personally, I'd go with one like this: CLICK HERE
This one will allow you to visually see if there's water in the filter, without having to open it to inspect it... It also allows you to drain the water from the bottom of the bowl, making maintenance chores simpler. Although the unit is a bit more expensive than some of the others, the replacement filters are less expensive, so this is going to save you money in the long run.

[TrueBlue]

That's the exact Racor model I have on my boat sd and the paper filters are easy and inexpensive to replace.