[C320-list] Primary fuel filter

[John Kivel via C320-list]

Hey everyone,

Stupid question here - I known nothing at all about diesel engines, and I have a westerbeke 30B in my 1995 320.

I’ve signed up for a bunch of webinars through the Great Lakes Cruising Club.
The introductory webinar gave a checklist of things to do before you start the engine every time (and after you start the engine).

The only one I’m hung up on is checking the primary fuel filter.

Isn’t it under the bed?

The rest of the checklist I think I can accomplished between the access port on the side and removing the housing under the stairs, but I’m pretty sure I’d have to unmake the bed and remove the mattresses to pull up the floorboards to check the fuel filter. Do you do that every time you start your engine?

Because making that bed is a pain!

Thanks,

John Kivel,
Ann Arbor, MI

[Timothy Woods via C320-list]

I shine a light behind and look through mine every time. I have to lift the
front mattress to get to the engine water sea cock there.

Tim, hull #375

[Babak Minovi via C320-list]

I've considered installing an affordable, wide-angle, waterproof, USB,
webcam with LED lights in that space to check multiple items quickly in a
pinch, but--not surprisingly--haven't found that combo of features yet.

Babak Minovi
Romance, #720
Chesapeake

[John Stetson via C320-list]

John - It is not a stupid question at all. I was so frustrated with not
being able to service the primary fuel filter that I relocated it to the
aft lazarette, just above the fuel tank. We had decided to replace the fuel
tank and associated hoses before any leaking began and relocated it at that
time. I check it periodically during the season, and service it in the
spring and fall, if needed. It is easy to get to and easy to service. I
followed the description provided by David Veeneman, titled Refitting the
C320 Primary Fuel Filter. It also includes input from Jack Brennan.


John Stetson
Morning Star Again #578
jbstet...@gmail.com
802-343-5233 (C)


On Mon, Apr 6, 2026 at 1:10 PM Babak Minovi via C320-list <

[Niki Rembo via C320-list]

Don't you close the sea cock "under the bed" when not using the boat?
Yes it's a pain. But very necessary.