Rich,

I wish that you would consider the emperical evidence rather
than just spouting theory, specs and standard tests. Have you ever used
a TP filter? Although theoretically they may not work because the
nature of the filter element has no quality control and other
characteristics, the bottom line is they do work. Why not look into
understanding why they do work rather than just, poo-pooing those
that do siting theory that is not supported by reallity. I understand the
bumble bee can't fly but I got stung by one while filtering questionable
fuel into my uncleanable tanks.

Doug
s/v Callista

"Rich Hampel" wrote in message
...
All this discussion about filtration is actually misleading. If you
periodically inspect and or clean the tank occasionally, you will have
minimal problems.

Inspecting the tank periodically in my case is very impractical. Inspection
ports are in the side and are bolted and bedded into place. Cleaning
the tank periodically cost $600 a pop.

Buy only 'fresh' fuel. Clean your tank every now and then. Use a
recirc. filtration system. Dont worry, be happy.

Good theory. Not the reallity though. Bad fuel is a fact of life.

Fuel Oil ages and with time polymerizes into particulate which adhere
to the tank walls only to break loose when you dont want it to.
Bacterial infect the oil, use the iron components and oil as nutrients
and then form slimes that adhere to the tank walls. When these bacteria
die the cellular components make a thick soup. All these particles are
'grown' in the tank. The more the particles the more will form.
Occasional tank cleaning will keep the particulate load low and reduce
the need for filters.

And so will polishing. Tank cleaning is high effort and expense. Running a
polishing
system and changing the filters is less effort and lower cost.

The real answer is to get in and inspect & clean the tank on a routine
basis. Steam works best and you can usually get into most of the
hidden places even behind baffles, etc. If you cant get steam, then a
long handled brush and elbow grease will be of benefit.

I just haven;t been able to find an outfit that has steam cleaning equipment
in the out islands. Doing it myself using elbow grease isn't practical even
if
I could reach the whole tank using a long handled brush. When I'm out on
the hook, what do I do with the cruddy fuel. None of the places I have
visited has any practical means of disposing of bad fuel.

Most fuel in the USA is quite clean.

Sooooooooo WRONG. Most of the bad fuel I got came from the US
along the ICW.

If you buy 'fresh' fuel from a
high volume distributor you will get very little 'old' oil.

In the islands and along the ICW you buy fuel where you can find it.

Dont
'store' lots of fuel in your tankage, buy what you need, and dont top
off the tank every time you need it.

I've always been taught that partially filled tanks encourage condensation
and
topping off is the best way to prevent it. My tanks are what they are (95
gal ea).
I burn 1 GPH so 'storing' fuel is in effect a unavoidable situation.

Find a way to drain the water
from the tank to retard bacteria growth.

I have a drain cock at the lowest point in each tank. I drain them
periodically.
Water has never been a real problem.

Then ..... if you have a clean tank, fresh fuel .... the challenge to
the filters will be VERY minimal.

NO KIDDING! But I am forced to live in the real world!

If anyone wants to see a schematic of my filtration system (with
independent recirc. system and emergency 'day' tank) send me an eMail
at remove the NOSPAM to send.

Thanks, Rick! I'll send an email.

My recirc.
system does virtually all the work, its so efficient that I'm thinking
about removing the complicated 'Racor Train' for a single small Racor
and a 'guard' filter. My 'day' tank will permit 2+ hours of running
without even changing a fully plugged filter

But why do you neeed all this stuff since you clean your tanks regularly
and only buy clean fuel from a high volume distributor? Did I miss
something?

- If I cant solve a fuel
problem in 2 hours, I shouldnt be sailing.

At least you didn't say that if the rest of us are so ungifted we shouldn't
be sailing.

My fuel system is a
pressure sytem instead of the typical vacuum system to enhance the
filter lifetime.

Good idea from what I have been told. Although I was told that Raycors
are intended to be on the suction side. Is that wrong?

I use gauges to monitor filter performance ....

So have all the polishing systems I have seen.

and so
far I havent had ANY challenge to the Racors in almost 5 years. I
clean out the tankage every two years.

Your tanks must be more amenable to cleaning than mine. I wish I had
the luxury.

When I start travellilng to
the 'third world', I add a Baja filter to the delivery pipe to keep out
all the rocks stick and feathers.

Of course.

Hope this helps.
:-)




In article , LaBomba182
wrote:

Subject: Fuel transfer/polishing pump
From: "Doug Dotson"

One poster mentioned that Raycor type filters
don;t make good polishing filters because they are surface filters and
clog up quickly.

Well, they would be wrong.
Like Glenn said, you need to use the right size filter for the job.

The paper towel and toilet paper types are better
for polishing.

Yeah no doubt. Things designed to wipe your kitchen counter and wipe
your ass
will beat a Racor for filtering fuel everytime.

Next you'll be adding an Algea-X into the mix. :-)


Capt. Bill