Primary filter upgrade

Engines, Drive trains, Propellers, Steering, Ground Tackle and other mechanical system
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SunnyIsleMark
Posts: 60
Joined: Sun Oct 17, 2021 8:42 am

Primary filter upgrade

Post by SunnyIsleMark »

My Mull F28 has the original Fram primary filter base with canister and I gather that most people have replaced this with a more modern type water separator/clear base Racor style filter. I was wondering if there was any consensus on the best alternative? The Racor 500 is popular but rather large for this boat and perhaps overkill as well but the smaller Racors seem to have some reputation for being difficult to change out cartridges. My Yanmar wants to see a 30 micron primary and a 10 micron secondary. I can’t even find any documentation on what fits the Fram base. Thoughts or recommendations?
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seawolf82
Posts: 10
Joined: Fri Jun 27, 2014 10:27 am

Re: Primary filter upgrade

Post by seawolf82 »

Our Mull 28 has the Racor 30 micron filter (must have been replaced by a previous owner). I found this picture from our commissioning last spring if it helps. It works well and I'm thinking the inline mounting may be pretty easy to replace on your own.
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SunnyIsleMark
Posts: 60
Joined: Sun Oct 17, 2021 8:42 am

Re: Primary filter upgrade

Post by SunnyIsleMark »

Thank you for the info and photo seawolf!
Yes, I think it will be a fairly straightforward installation once I pick a filter housing. I think I will probably add a priming bulb at the same time to make bleeding a bit easier.
Today, I opened up the access port of the fuel tank to take a look and pump a quart from the lowest corner of the tank. Thankfully there was no sign of water or algae so new filters are next.

Clemson
Posts: 49
Joined: Mon Nov 22, 2021 9:00 am

Re: Primary filter upgrade

Post by Clemson »

I am also the new owner of a Mull 28 and will be heading out shortly to paint her hull and start working up the commissioning punch list. I was not aware of this upgrade and will check to see if it has been done yet. I am Glad Mark is here to seek advice and Seawolf for providing an answer . The photos are a huge plus and time saver, much appreciated.

Clemson
Posts: 49
Joined: Mon Nov 22, 2021 9:00 am

Re: Primary filter upgrade

Post by Clemson »

One thing I don't have to add to the list. Thanks again for the heads up
One thing I don't have to add to the list. Thanks again for the heads up
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SunnyIsleMark
Posts: 60
Joined: Sun Oct 17, 2021 8:42 am

Re: Primary filter upgrade

Post by SunnyIsleMark »

Thanks for the photo Clemson. That looks very similar to the one I picked up. Just a heads up on your filter however…that’s a 2 micron filter (S=2, T=10, P=30), so you may run the risk of clogging early if your fuel is not pretty clean. My manual suggests 30 primary and 10 secondary.

It’s good to see a few F28 owners here. There are only about 50 built, so it helps to share info!
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SunnyIsleMark
Posts: 60
Joined: Sun Oct 17, 2021 8:42 am

Re: Primary filter upgrade

Post by SunnyIsleMark »

Just a FYI for other F28 owners, the fuel tank is pretty easy to get to and the inspection port is well situated to see the lowest corner of the tank.
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seawolf82
Posts: 10
Joined: Fri Jun 27, 2014 10:27 am

Re: Primary filter upgrade

Post by seawolf82 »

Mark - thought this may help as well. The previous owner of my boat was an engineer and left some great detailed information about the boat for us. Here is an excerpt about the fuel tank. It was very helpful to know this and not risk running out of fuel; it really falls fast after 1/2 tank!
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SunnyIsleMark
Posts: 60
Joined: Sun Oct 17, 2021 8:42 am

Re: Primary filter upgrade

Post by SunnyIsleMark »

Wow, thank you seawolf! That is useful. Amazing range for such a small tank. I do intend to keep it above half full, but did not realize how non-linear the gauge is. I suspect that is not uncommon for many boats.

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