[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.

[Dave Hupe via C320-list]

Does relocating the Racor filter to a position above  the tank cause any issues .... is the suction from the engine pump sufficient to not cause a problem?
I hate the normal position under the aft bed. My 74 years old body doesn't  contort well for dealing with it. 

Dave Hupe 
1994 C320 #32
Holland MI 

Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer

On Mon, Apr 6, 2026 at 11:45 PM, John Stetson via C320-list<c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote: John - It is not a stupid question at all. I was so frustrated with not

[John Stetson via C320-list]

I followed the advice of others on this site and have had no issues during
the first season in operation.

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

[Jack Brennan via C320-list]

My Racor 500 is slightly below the tank level in the stern locker. There is a shut off switch on the tank for changing the filter. Works fine

Jack Brennan
Sonas
Tierra Verde, Fl.



Sent from my Galaxy

[ART HARDEN via C320-list]

There is a lot of talk about the existing shut off valve at the tank or relocating the fuel filter. I just installed and in line shut off valve right next to the fuel filter. It has served me well for 10 years.

The previous owner of Tortuga left the fuel on over the winter. There was some water in the bottom of the filter which froze and cracked the bottom sediment bowl. Diesel fuel leaked all into the bilge. After he cleaned it out, it’s still had a strong smell of diesel on the interior of the boat. He used candles and other smelly devices, to mask the odors. After I disposed of the candles and incense, I found out why he was using it. I bought some mechanics, laundry detergent, made up a strong solution in a spray bottle, and clean the boat. I removed the floor boards, cushions, and anything I thought could get wet and actually did a pressure wash of the inside of the boat. I used my wet wet dry shop vac to remove all the water. It was an extreme process, but it got rid of all the diesel smell.


Sent from my iPhone

Art Harden
Catalina 320 "Tortuga" 243
E-42
937.885.9380 (o)
937.477.5544 (m)

> On Apr 7, 2026, at 11:46 PM, Dave Hupe via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>
> Does relocating the Racor filter to a position above the tank cause any issues .... is the suction from the engine pump sufficient to not cause a problem?