Changed the Racor fuel filters, Good or Bad

[Spark600]

This is my first season with a diesel boat QSB 6.7 HO, So I did a lot of research here as well as the internet.
From what I see fuel management is as important as changing the oil.
I attached a picture of the Racor fuel filter I changed, Should I be concerned about the black on this filter or is it normal, I read they should be pink.
Should I start treating my fuel tanks for fuel contamination ?

 

[Carpediem44DB]

There are a few variables to consider.
Additives are a good idea especially if the boat will sit for long periods with out use.
How long has it been since the last filter change?
Do you buy your fuel from a source that has a large volume of sales or sells very little diesel?
I would consider replacing the filters at shorter intervals and see what they look like.
If you are really concerned you could look into either installing a fuel polishing system or having it done dock side.
Carpe Diem

 

[Spark600]

There are a few variables to consider.
Additives are a good idea especially if the boat will sit for long periods with out use.
How long has it been since the last filter change?
Do you buy your fuel from a source that has a large volume of sales or sells very little diesel?
I would consider replacing the filters at shorter intervals and see what they look like.
If you are really concerned you could look into either installing a fuel polishing system or having it done dock side.
Carpe Diem

That filter has 50 hours on it.
I changed it in the beginning of the season.

 

[SeadawgVB]

You may also want to consider using a diesel fuel treatment to help with any potential algae growth. I use Biobor JF.

 

[Jeremygavin]

I follow Frank’s fuel treatment system and my filters come out pure red with no black at all and I never have had a fuel issue.
This includes the following at each fill up. Power systems Diesel Kleen
Standyne Lubricity
Power systems Bio Kleen.
There are other options that Frank’s recommends for each of these categories. I can’t find a link to the post but if you search Frank’s posts you will find it.

 

[b_arrington]

I follow Frank’s fuel treatment system and my filters come out pure red with no black at all and I never have had a fuel issue.
This includes the following at each fill up. Power systems Diesel Kleen
Standyne Lubricity
Power systems Bio Kleen.
There are other options that Frank’s recommends for each of these categories. I can’t find a link to the post but if you search Frank’s posts you will find it.

Here’s the link. You have to be a paid member to view it.
http://clubsearay.com/index.php?threads/diesel-fuel-management.84670/

 

[b_arrington]

Bare minimum is some sort of biocide at every fill up. Preventing bio growth is much better than trying to remedy the effects later on.

 

[fwebster]

In the article look for this topic heading:

"I’ve got problems with dirty fuel ---Now What Do I Do?"

It gives you the first steps to clean up a dirty system with commonly available additives and should take care of your problem as long as you begin using the recommended fuel system management procedures/additives.



Frank

 

[Spark600]

Thanks Frank
Just get done reading most of the articles, Will finish tonight and then do some ordering on line

 

[Spark600]

In the article look for this topic heading:

"I’ve got problems with dirty fuel ---Now What Do I Do?"

It gives you the first steps to clean up a dirty system with commonly available additives and should take care of your problem as long as you begin using the recommended fuel system management procedures/additives.



Frank

Frank quick question
Being the motors are 2015 and made to run on today's fuel right out of the pump ( ULSD ) should I be doing anything different.

 

[bbwhitejr]

The pic you post looks purely clean compared to what I started with on my current boat last fall. I followed Frank's instructions to the letter and now mine are pink.

Good stuff!

Bennett

 

[ttmott]

There is nothing wrong with those filters; they look normal, in fact probably should still be installed.
With that said get on with the fuel treatment regimen and keep your fuel tanks full.

 

[Spark600]

There is nothing wrong with those filters; they look normal, in fact probably should still be installed.
With that said get on with the fuel treatment regimen and keep your fuel tanks full.

Thanks for the input, I was getting ready to start treating the tanks with 911, Biocide Etc.
In the past I would put in the Biocide every two or three tanks, Put now I will follow fuel treatment regimen.

 

[ttmott]

Thanks for the input, I was getting ready to start treating the tanks with 911, Biocide Etc.
In the past I would put in the Biocide every two or three tanks, Put now I will follow fuel treatment regimen.

Both of my diesel boats had an algae problem when I bought them with one requiring the fuel to be conditioned after a really bad batch of fuel from Rosies in the Abaco Bahamas. My experience has landed me on Biobor JF for the microbio treatment and using @fwebster cetane and lubrication enhancers. I add biocide every time I fuel; after the time and cost in dealing with the problem, I've learned. Most importantly it is essential to keep the fuel tanks full. Ullage in the fuel tanks will bring in atmospheric moisture due to the tank breathing and that is the basis of an algae problem.

 

[my3sons]

That filter has 50 hours on it.
I changed it in the beginning of the season.

That would explain why it looks so good. If you really want to keep track of what's in your tanks and filters, and know when to change your filters because they are plugging, get yourself some drag needle vacuum gauges. The drag needle allows you to see the maximum vacuum that has been pulled on the filters without having to go into the ER and looking while the motors are running at cruise or wot. I've never had fuel filters on the mains that pink, but I don't run so few hours in a season. I agree with Tom, there's no real reason to change that filter except you already had it out so go for it.
My filters had 213 hours on them from when I changed them in the fall 2020. They were very dark colored compared to yours, yet they were nowhere near "needing" to be changed as per the vac gauges. So, a dark color isn't really a good indicator of filter plugging, but if they are nice and pink like yours, they don't need to be changed. Your tanks are fine.

Photo of the vac gauge right before changing fuel filters this fall. 213 hours on the filters.