Primary fuel filter on the 41/42/4460

[boat106]

I've indicated in a couple of previous posts on the old site about my having missed that there even was a primary fuel filter on the generator.

There wasn't on my 402 and Regal engineers in their infinite wisdom included one on my 4260. Unfortunately my dealer didn't know about it, my Volvo mechanic didn't know about it and I darn sure didn't. So, after fixing the leaking hatch hinges that caused the generators alternator failure and waiting for the new primary's to arrive I finally put one on over the weekend.

Being a fairly bright fellow who didn't really fit anywhere near where the filter is located (port side, aft, fastened to the stern just above the muffler) I carried some diesel fuel, filter wrenches and rags with me into the engine room. The first thing I did was to turn off the fuel going into the engine primary filters.

It took a couple of different filter wrenches but eventually I got it broke loose. Once loose a little fuel spilled. No big deal, that was the reason I had rags. Once the filter was removed the fuel POURED out and there was no room for a bucket to catch it, at least not any bucket I had with me. The filter is a two part assembly and it's necessary to take the plastic water separator off (two filter wrenches to do this), clean the separator, replace it on the new filter and put it back on.

In the meantime, fuel was running in the bilge. LOTS and LOTS of it. There is NO SHUTOFF!!!

There was no need to pre fill the filter as the fuel was RUNNING out of the assembly. I put it back on and the fuel quit. To make sure the filter was full I bled the air out and cleaned up a couple/three/four gallons of fuel from the bilge and that is GREAT FUN.

Starting the generator turned out to be a bit of a hassle. It cranked right up, ran for ten seconds and shut down. It sucked the fuel out of the secondary filter and that was that. I refilled the secondary, started it again and it kept running so now the problem is solved. For the moment.

I need to find a bucket that fits under the primary filter or change it the next time when my fuel tanks are low.

Since it had been three years the separator was dirty and needed cleaned. This is simply another fine example of Regal engineers getting their jollys by screwing over a customer. If I could fit in there I'd put a shut off valve on the line and may have the mechanic do it the next time I have something for him to do.

I will have a post in the next couple of days about the fine job the OEM canvas folks did providing the replacement canvas.

Mike, Palm Coast, FL, 04 4260 with a new generator primary fuel filter

 

[vic33004]

mike;

there is a shut off for the generator. go to the top of the tanks, there are three shut offs on the port tank on the aft end. one is for the generator, you should be able to see the fuel line. when it is shut off, the fuel filter can be changed out without drama. when you reinstall any new fuel filter, it is good practice to fill the filter with clean fuel before installing it. there will still be some air in the filter but it is easier to bleed it off. from a previos post i believe you also have an 8EOZ Kohler. there are two bleed screws, one on the backside of the on engine filter and one on the inlet side of the fuel pump. bleed the air from the engine filter first and from the fuel pump second. i believe they are metric sized nuts. easy to do and you'll be back in buisness with no fuss.

good luck

 

[boat106]

Thank you Vic, I've printed your post and will put it in my log. The unfortunate part is my size and couple that with my age and my flexibility plus a dollop of my patience and until I look again I'm not sure I can even reach the aft end of the port tank! My port leg (left) sports a 4" X 6" purple bruise (not sore) from simply gaining access to the filter. Apparently, since I have no memory of hitting anything, it's simply from the pressure of lying against something or other in the ungodly position I was in.

My mechanic, as long as I can keep him, has recently completed diesel mechanic school and is working full time for one of the better mechanics in the state of FL. I can get him on the weekends and evenings when necessary. He's talented, aggressive with a wrench and almost fits the perfect physical size for a marine mechanic. He's about 5'6 and 130 lbs. It's amazing the places he can fit. Me, I'm 6' and 230 pounds and three times his age. The pride I used to take in doing everything myself is going to the same place as my breaking 80 with any degree of regularity. I now take pride in my ability to be crotchety without effort, docking in most any weather or crowded situation and the fact that my grandkids are better than anyone else's grandkids.

This week I have simple goals. Repaint the dock (an annual event), change all the zincs and finish replacing the canvas. Then maybe I can talk the Admiral into going out for a few days.
Mike

 

[vic33004]

Mike;

you can also reach the valves on the port tank from the front. there is plenty of headroom above the tank there. i agree that i would prefer to see an inspection port from the cockpit to reach these in an emergency. Regal, are you listening!