On Sat, 08 Dec 2007 19:21:04 GMT, Rich Hampel
wrote:

Most tanks need to be
cleaned out on a regular basis - saves a hell of a lot of filter cost
and hassle at the wrong time.

hope this helps.

Thanks, interesting analysis. Let me play some of this back in my
words with a couple of extra details thrown in. My 10 micron Racors
are the largest size commonly available, Filter Element: 2020TMOR.

The engine mounted 2 micron filter is maufacturer specified, and
significantly smaller than the Racors, probably about 25% in size.

The engines are DD 4-71 2 strokes rated at 280 hp each, with normal
fuel burn is in the range of 2 to 5 gph each.

I think I heard you say that this was a reasonable configuration,
i.e., tank 10 2 lift pump engine. I do have an independant
polishing loop which I use when the boat is docked for extended times.
It cycles through a large Racor 10 micron and returns to the tank.

Something must be working reasonably well because I've been averaging
over 200 hours on the 2020TMORs before replacement.