Re: [Cal_Boats] Diesel Fuel Filters, etc.

Al: My 1988 Cal 33 has the filter mounted at the rear of the engine compartment ,centerline of the engine, sounds like the same place yours is. It could really be located in a better place as you have to lean over the engine to access the filter. I have not used filters in series but I would like to add a filter in parraell with valves to issolate each. This would allow you to switch filters when one plugs without breaking into the fuel system. My has only plugged while underway and always in the worst place to lose the engine. I too just came out of Hurricane mode and had no damage. How did yo fare and where do you keep your boat? We are now preparing for the Harvest Moon Regatta begining this Thursday. Ron S/V Stellar of Course Kemah,Texas From: "aw… [at] bellsouth.net" <aw… [at] bellsouth.net> To: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, October 11, 2008 11:29:35 PM Subject: [Cal_Boats] Diesel Fuel Filters, etc. Ok, went down to the boat today (1985 Cal 33) to get out of hurricane secure mode and get ready to go out tonight for some moonlight and a club floating pizza party. Last thing before leaving the boat, I decided to crank the engine and make sure the cooling elbow was flowing freely. It was, but I let the engine run a while at about 2K rpm while I went over to another dock to check on the 25. When I came back, as I approached the boat I could hear the alarm whistling. After several attempts I got it started and the speed would hunt between 2K and barely running. I'm guessing my fuel filter is clogged. I really don't like the way my filter is mounted (on the rear of the engine compartment on the fixed but removable back part of the engine cover), so as long as I'm going to be in there to change the filter I want to re-route it to make it easier to reach. Also, I've read that its a good idea to have a vacuum gauge between the engine and the filter so you can see the problem coming. When I left the boat I and bought a vacuum gauge. At the moment I have a single filter, but I've also read recommendations for dual filters, the first one to catch the big stuff followed by a finer filter. So I have the following questions: 1. Particularly for the Cal-33 owners, where is your fuel filter mounted? 2. For everyone, how many have a vacuum gauge installed, and what are the typical readings? 3. Also for everyone, how many have two filters in cascade, and what micron rating are they? Joe D. please weigh in...the engine is a Yanmar 3GM27. Thanks, Al

Well, on a vote of two, it looks like the filter location is standard and hard to change. Ron, I'm in Melbourne Beach, FL and keep the boat in Melbourne Harbor. Thanks for the reply. Darr, good to hear from you. I see you posting here occasionally. Still in Cincinnatti? Boat still in Annapolis? Hope you get over to use it occasionally. What vacuum does your filter run at normally, and what is your change threshold? In my case it's way past time to change the filter, so I'm pretty sure that's what the problem is. I'm in the middle of replacing the diesel tank and have been using a home-made day tank. The fuel that came out of the main tank was NASTY. But this fuel is new so I was kinda surprised to have filter trouble on it. Must have been enough junk in the filter from the old tank. I wonder if this problem is related to my low max RPM issue. I have previously had trouble with the throttle linkage binding and not getting full throttle. I just assumed that was what the problem was this time. I can't get more than 2K in neutral. I've heard that older injectors need recalibrating, so maybe that's next on the list. Thanks, all, for the data and suggestions. Al

Hi, Still there and boat in Annapolis, but moving next summer to take a job in Baltimore. The boat is doing well. Have not had it in the water, but will next summer when we move there. I am gong to keep it in Annapolis for a year or two, at least. Not sure if there are any places that are as nice in Baltimore area. It is only going to be a 20 minute longer drive to Annapolis, than where I would keep the boat in Baltimore, and that is worth it!!! I had a similar problem after Hurricane Ivan messed up the boat. The stuff down in the bottom of the fuel tank got sloshed around and then went downstream and clogged the filter. I have had the injectors replaced since then. The tanks are made somewhere in Florida. http://www.floridamarinetanks.com/ Just give them the model number and they have the specs and can do one in a day. I had my tank steamcleaned and it does a lot better now. In retrospect, I wish I had replaced the tank and would not have as many worries. I put on the Racor vacuum gauge and just watch it until it gets into the yellow. I either buy or find the replacement filter. When it hits the red, I swap out. Have you put a Max prop on your vessel? If so, what size did you go with? Thanks Darr _____ From: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com [mailto:Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of aw… [at] bellsouth.net Sent: Sunday, October 12, 2008 11:23 AM To: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Cal_Boats] Diesel Fuel Filters, etc. (Ron, Darr) Well, on a vote of two, it looks like the filter location is standard and hard to change. Ron, I'm in Melbourne Beach, FL and keep the boat in Melbourne Harbor. Thanks for the reply. Darr, good to hear from you. I see you posting here occasionally. Still in Cincinnatti? Boat still in Annapolis? Hope you get over to use it occasionally. What vacuum does your filter run at normally, and what is your change threshold? In my case it's way past time to change the filter, so I'm pretty sure that's what the problem is. I'm in the middle of replacing the diesel tank and have been using a home-made day tank. The fuel that came out of the main tank was NASTY. But this fuel is new so I was kinda surprised to have filter trouble on it. Must have been enough junk in the filter from the old tank. I wonder if this problem is related to my low max RPM issue. I have previously had trouble with the throttle linkage binding and not getting full throttle. I just assumed that was what the problem was this time. I can't get more than 2K in neutral. I've heard that older injectors need recalibrating, so maybe that's next on the list. Thanks, all, for the data and suggestions. Al

Anyone know the suspected hull speed of a CAL Cruising 36? So. I was having two problems with the engine. First, the engine would stall and eventually die if run at full throttle, without ever getting up to 3000 listed max rpm, ususally starting to die at about 2200. Second, if warm, it would die if throttled all the way back to the idle stop. I decided to see about increasing the idle speed by adjusting the idle stop. To hard to do, so gave up. HOWEVER, I noticed the throttle lever on top of the injector pump was loose so I tightened it. I hoped the loose throttle lever was allowing the throttle to be shut down too far causing the stall at idle when warm. Results yesterday and today? Engine seems to idle down just fine now. AND runs at full throttle without dieing or overheating! Maxes out at about 2500 rpm, but seems to have hit hull speed before 2500 rpms. For you diesel afficionados, Could that loose lever assembly have contributed to both those problems? Watching the sun go dowm at anchor in Biloxi tonight. The beer's cold and Barbara is cookin' somethin' which smells really good! May head for The Big Easy! Are you lurking, Janet? Reggie SV "Submit" CC36

Hi Reg and Barb, 1.34 X square root of the water line length is theoretical max. Sounds like you fixed the problem. Maybe I should buy the two 4 -108,s. Not to worry, "FreeTow" is standing by. Down here in the Redneck Riveria we have 3 towing services, BoatUS, Sea Tow and FreeTow. That's me and my pontoon boat "Chico Limo" , the only 'toon with push knees. Where have you stopped so far? How was Pirate's Cove? I will send Janet's phone # off the list. Tom and Bobbie --- On Sun, 10/12/08, r good <my… [at] hotmail.com> wrote: From: r good <my… [at] hotmail.com> Subject: [Cal_Boats] hull speed, 4-107's, and maybe more! To: ca… [at] yahoogroups.com Date: Sunday, October 12, 2008, 7:09 PM Anyone know the suspected hull speed of a CAL Cruising 36? So. I was having two problems with the engine. First, the engine would stall and eventually die if run at full throttle, without ever getting up to 3000 listed max rpm, ususally starting to die at about 2200. Second, if warm, it would die if throttled all the way back to the idle stop. I decided to see about increasing the idle speed by adjusting the idle stop. To hard to do, so gave up. HOWEVER, I noticed the throttle lever on top of the injector pump was loose so I tightened it. I hoped the loose throttle lever was allowing the throttle to be shut down too far causing the stall at idle when warm. Results yesterday and today? Engine seems to idle down just fine now. AND runs at full throttle without dieing or overheating! Maxes out at about 2500 rpm, but seems to have hit hull speed before 2500 rpms. For you diesel afficionados, Could that loose lever assembly have contributed to both those problems? Watching the sun go dowm at anchor in Biloxi tonight. The beer's cold and Barbara is cookin' somethin' which smells really good! May head for The Big Easy! Are you lurking, Janet? Reggie SV "Submit" CC36

Tom Vandiver wrote: > > Hi Reg and Barb, > > 1.34 X square root of the water line length is theoretical max. > I've been reading this rule for years. If my Cal 20 has a waterline length of 18 feet, the theoretical top speed is 4.24 (statute or nautical???) miles per hour. She'll exceed that if the crew breathes heavily, as measured by GPS in current-free waters. This is not one of the CCA rule boats with long overhangs that supposedly immerse the ends when they heel and gain LWL (I've become suspicious of that theory too). What do others know about this theory? Is it akin to the obvious truth that the sun orbits the earth? Chris Campbell > >

Tom Vandiver wrote: > > Hi Reg and Barb, > > 1.34 X square root of the water line length is theoretical max. > Oops. I forgot to multiply the 1.34 factor. That brings hull speed up to 5.68, which she exceeds, too, but not as readily. Chris Campbell > >

If you read Francis Chichesters Gypsy Moth around alone story he uses 1.34 to 1.36 depending on if the boat is a "modern type racer" or a "cruiser". I'll try to find the section to quote it, but is does make a menial, not-obvious difference. I too have noticed that my boat, a first Gen cal 25, seems to exceed the theoretical hull speed as long as there is wind. George ups.comFrom: cl… [at] charterinternet.comDate: Mon, 13 Oct 2008 13:49:09 -0400Subject: Re: [Cal_Boats] hull speed, 4-107's, and maybe more! Tom Vandiver wrote: Hi Reg and Barb,1.34 X square root of the water line length is theoretical max.I've been reading this rule for years. If my Cal 20 has a waterline length of 18 feet, the theoretical top speed is 4.24 (statute or nautical???) miles per hour. She'll exceed that if the crew breathes heavily, as measured by GPS in current-free waters. This is not one of the CCA rule boats with long overhangs that supposedly immerse the ends when they heel and gain LWL (I've become suspicious of that theory too). What do others know about this theory? Is it akin to the obvious truth that the sun orbits the earth? Chris Campbell Stay up to date on your PC, the Web, and your mobile phone with Windows Live. http://clk.atdmt.com/MRT/go/msnnkwxp1020093185mrt/direct/01/

There are some studies that have been done. If anyone is really interested I might be able to find one or two, but google might do just as well as me plowing through old notes. Anyway, as I recall, the variation is pretty large, more on the order of 10% than on 1%. Also, it has been suggested that the 'theoretical hull speed' varies for any one boat depending on whether it is close hauled, broad or running, or under power. td From: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com on behalf of george macon Sent: Mon 10/13/2008 2:34 PM To: ca… [at] yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Cal_Boats] hull speed, 4-107's, and maybe more! If you read Francis Chichesters Gypsy Moth around alone story he uses 1.34 to 1.36 depending on if the boat is a "modern type racer" or a "cruiser". I'll try to find the section to quote it, but is does make a menial, not-obvious difference. I too have noticed that my boat, a first Gen cal 25, seems to exceed the theoretical hull speed as long as there is wind. George ups.comFrom: cl… [at] charterinternet.comDate: Mon, 13 Oct 2008 13:49:09 -0400Subject: Re: [Cal_Boats] hull speed, 4-107's, and maybe more! Tom Vandiver wrote: Hi Reg and Barb,1.34 X square root of the water line length is theoretical max.I've been reading this rule for years. If my Cal 20 has a waterline length of 18 feet, the theoretical top speed is 4.24 (statute or nautical???) miles per hour. She'll exceed that if the crew breathes heavily, as measured by GPS in current-free waters. This is not one of the CCA rule boats with long overhangs that supposedly immerse the ends when they heel and gain LWL (I've become suspicious of that theory too). What do others know about this theory? Is it akin to the obvious truth that the sun orbits the earth? Chris Campbell Stay up to date on your PC, the Web, and your mobile phone with Windows Live. http://clk.atdmt.com/MRT/go/msnnkwxp1020093185mrt/direct/01/ DISCLAIMER: Important Notice ************************************************* This e-mail may contain information that is confidential, privileged or otherwise protected from disclosure. If you are not an intended recipient of this e-mail, do not duplicate or redistribute it by any means. Please delete it and any attachments and notify the sender that you have received it in error. Unintended recipients are prohibited from taking action on the basis of information in this e-mail.E-mail messages may contain computer viruses or other defects, may not be accurately replicated on other systems, or may be intercepted, deleted or interfered with without the knowledge of the sender or the intended recipient. If you are not comfortable with the risks associated with e-mail messages, you may decide not to use e-mail to communicate with IPC. IPC reserves the right, to the extent and under circumstances permitted by applicable law, to retain, monitor and intercept e-mail messages to and from its systems.

Downing, Thomas wrote: > > There are some studies that have been done. If anyone is really > interested I might be able to find one or two, but google might > do just as well as me plowing through old notes. > > Anyway, as I recall, the variation is pretty large, more on the order > of 10% than on 1%. Also, it has been suggested that the 'theoretical > hull speed' varies for any one boat depending on whether it is close > hauled, broad or running, or under power. > You're right about a Google search. Near the top of the list when I did it are these interesting links: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hull_speed http://www.boatdesign.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1220 It's safe to conclude that the deceptive specificity of 1.34 x square root of LWL is just deceptive. Chris Campbell >

I know that it is not hard to get some Cals way above hull speed. Especially a Cal 20. We surfed two hrs and 10 min. about 8-10 knots with a Southerly Storm wing and wing from Avalon Harbor - LA Light with wind at about 25 knots steady and 6-8" seas. Surfs Up wave after wave! It also helps to put some gear up in the bow...it helps a lot! Not once did we come close to rounding up or dipping the bow below water level. We did however, swamp the fiberglass dingy that we were towing. It went right down like a fishing lure several times. But we winched it up to the cock pit, lifted and rolled the water out, set it back in the water and away we continued....... ----- Original Message ----- From: Downing, Thomas To: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, October 13, 2008 1:21 PM Subject: RE: [Cal_Boats] hull speed, 4-107's, and maybe more! There are some studies that have been done. If anyone is really interested I might be able to find one or two, but google might do just as well as me plowing through old notes. Anyway, as I recall, the variation is pretty large, more on the order of 10% than on 1%. Also, it has been suggested that the 'theoretical hull speed' varies for any one boat depending on whether it is close hauled, broad or running, or under power. td -----Original Message----- From: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com on behalf of george macon Sent: Mon 10/13/2008 2:34 PM To: ca… [at] yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [Cal_Boats] hull speed, 4-107's, and maybe more! If you read Francis Chichesters Gypsy Moth around alone story he uses 1.34 to 1.36 depending on if the boat is a "modern type racer" or a "cruiser". I'll try to find the section to quote it, but is does make a menial, not-obvious difference. I too have noticed that my boat, a first Gen cal 25, seems to exceed the theoretical hull speed as long as there is wind. George ups.comFrom: cl… [at] charterinternet.comDate: Mon, 13 Oct 2008 13:49:09 -0400Subject: Re: [Cal_Boats] hull speed, 4-107's, and maybe more! Tom Vandiver wrote: Hi Reg and Barb,1.34 X square root of the water line length is theoretical max.I've been reading this rule for years. If my Cal 20 has a waterline length of 18 feet, the theoretical top speed is 4.24 (statute or nautical???) miles per hour. She'll exceed that if the crew breathes heavily, as measured by GPS in current-free waters. This is not one of the CCA rule boats with long overhangs that supposedly immerse the ends when they heel and gain LWL (I've become suspicious of that theory too). What do others know about this theory? Is it akin to the obvious truth that the sun orbits the earth? Chris Campbell __________________________________________________________ Stay up to date on your PC, the Web, and your mobile phone with Windows Live. http://clk.atdmt.com/MRT/go/msnnkwxp1020093185mrt/direct/01/ DISCLAIMER: Important Notice ************************************************* This e-mail may contain information that is confidential, privileged or otherwise protected from disclosure. If you are not an intended recipient of this e-mail, do not duplicate or redistribute it by any means. Please delete it and any attachments and notify the sender that you have received it in error. Unintended recipients are prohibited from taking action on the basis of information in this e-mail.E-mail messages may contain computer viruses or other defects, may not be accurately replicated on other systems, or may be intercepted, deleted or interfered with without the knowledge of the sender or the intended recipient. If you are not comfortable with the risks associated with e-mail messages, you may decide not to use e-mail to communicate with IPC. IPC reserves the right, to the extent and under circumstances permitted by applicable law, to retain, monitor and intercept e-mail messages to and from its systems. __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 3518 (20081013) __________ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com

Hi, Reg. The Bacon's database sez your waterline is 27.0. So that put's your hull speed at just a skosh (sp?) under 7 knots. Tom gave the calculation. Cheers Charlie From: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com [mailto:Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of r good Sent: Sunday, October 12, 2008 7:10 PM To: ca… [at] yahoogroups.com Subject: [Cal_Boats] hull speed, 4-107's, and maybe more! Anyone know the suspected hull speed of a CAL Cruising 36? So. I was having two problems with the engine. First, the engine would stall and eventually die if run at full throttle, without ever getting up to 3000 listed max rpm, ususally starting to die at about 2200. Second, if warm, it would die if throttled all the way back to the idle stop. I decided to see about increasing the idle speed by adjusting the idle stop. To hard to do, so gave up. HOWEVER, I noticed the throttle lever on top of the injector pump was loose so I tightened it. I hoped the loose throttle lever was allowing the throttle to be shut down too far causing the stall at idle when warm. Results yesterday and today? Engine seems to idle down just fine now. AND runs at full throttle without dieing or overheating! Maxes out at about 2500 rpm, but seems to have hit hull speed before 2500 rpms. For you diesel afficionados, Could that loose lever assembly have contributed to both those problems? Watching the sun go dowm at anchor in Biloxi tonight. The beer's cold and Barbara is cookin' somethin' which smells really good! May head for The Big Easy! Are you lurking, Janet? Reggie SV "Submit" CC36

Thanks, all. we saw a little surfing up int the mid 8's on the short waves. fun! Reggie To: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.comFrom: hu… [at] bah.comDate: Mon, 13 Oct 2008 18:41:34 -0400Subject: RE: [Cal_Boats] hull speed, 4-107's, and maybe more! Hi, Reg. The Bacon's database sez your waterline is 27.0. So that put's your hull speed at just a skosh (sp?) under 7 knots. Tom gave the calculation. Cheers Charlie From: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com [mailto:Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of r goodSent: Sunday, October 12, 2008 7:10 PMTo: ca… [at] yahoogroups.comSubject: [Cal_Boats] hull speed, 4-107's, and maybe more! Anyone know the suspected hull speed of a CAL Cruising 36? So. I was having two problems with the engine. First, the engine would stall and eventually die if run at full throttle, without ever getting up to 3000 listed max rpm, ususally starting to die at about 2200. Second, if warm, it would die if throttled all the way back to the idle stop.I decided to see about increasing the idle speed by adjusting the idle stop. To hard to do, so gave up. HOWEVER, I noticed the throttle lever on top of the injector pump was loose so I tightened it. I hoped the loose throttle lever was allowing the throttle to be shut down too far causing the stall at idle when warm.Results yesterday and today? Engine seems to idle down just fine now. AND runs at full throttle without dieing or overheating! Maxes out at about 2500 rpm, but seems to have hit hull speed before 2500 rpms.For you diesel afficionados, Could that loose lever assembly have contributed to both those problems? Watching the sun go dowm at anchor in Biloxi tonight. The beer's cold and Barbara is cookin' somethin' which smells really good! May head for The Big Easy! Are you lurking, Janet? ReggieSV "Submit" CC36

so far, we spent the first night at the southeast anchorage near fort mcrae, nice night and quiet after the navy shut down Roberts Bayou, with cold beers and burger for late lunch at Pirates Cove. nice quiet nite at anchor. crossed Mobile Bay just before the wind piped up. anchored Dauphine Island for a windy, 20+ gusts, rocking night but no problems anchored in Biloxi just east of commercial ship channel, between the old highway 90 bridge and the CSX swing bridge. well protected from the easterlies and a nice night. last night at point cadet marina. no electricity or restrooms or showers, etc. $1.07 per ft plus tax probably headed to bay stlouis from here then on to Mandeville or New Orleans. does Bobbie have surgery scheduled yet? R

Sounds like you are having fun! We have stopped at all of those places. Bobbie's MRI is Saturday, then surgery?? Enjoy, T & B --- On Tue, 10/14/08, r good <my… [at] hotmail.com> wrote: From: r good <my… [at] hotmail.com> Subject: RE: [Cal_Boats] hull speed, 4-107's, and maybe more! To: ca… [at] yahoogroups.com Date: Tuesday, October 14, 2008, 8:27 AM so far, we spent the first night at the southeast anchorage near fort mcrae, nice night and quiet after the navy shut down Roberts Bayou, with cold beers and burger for late lunch at Pirates Cove. nice quiet nite at anchor. crossed Mobile Bay just before the wind piped up. anchored Dauphine Island for a windy, 20+ gusts, rocking night but no problems anchored in Biloxi just east of commercial ship channel, between the old highway 90 bridge and the CSX swing bridge. well protected from the easterlies and a nice night. last night at point cadet marina. no electricity or restrooms or showers, etc. $1.07 per ft plus tax probably headed to bay stlouis from here then on to Mandeville or New Orleans. does Bobbie have surgery scheduled yet? R

I'm surprised Joe DeMar hasn't chimed in on this 2. I've been told to change the filter when it reaches 5 psi. Mine reads almost zero since installing a whole new Racor system in 2003. The fuel in the bowl is almost perfectly clear/clean. I'm very anal about my fuel sources and I only purchase fuel at car gas stations so I can clearly inspect what I'm putting into my tank before I pour it from jerry jugs. 3. I don't think putting filters in series is the best solution. Parallel is the way to go so that can quickly change filters when one clogs up. Dave 80 Cal 35 Runnin Late Coyote Pt, SF Bay From: "aw… [at] bellsouth.net" <aw… [at] bellsouth.net> To: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, October 11, 2008 9:29:35 PM Subject: [Cal_Boats] Diesel Fuel Filters, etc. Ok, went down to the boat today (1985 Cal 33) to get out of hurricane secure mode and get ready to go out tonight for some moonlight and a club floating pizza party. Last thing before leaving the boat, I decided to crank the engine and make sure the cooling elbow was flowing freely. It was, but I let the engine run a while at about 2K rpm while I went over to another dock to check on the 25. When I came back, as I approached the boat I could hear the alarm whistling. After several attempts I got it started and the speed would hunt between 2K and barely running. I'm guessing my fuel filter is clogged. I really don't like the way my filter is mounted (on the rear of the engine compartment on the fixed but removable back part of the engine cover), so as long as I'm going to be in there to change the filter I want to re-route it to make it easier to reach. Also, I've read that its a good idea to have a vacuum gauge between the engine and the filter so you can see the problem coming. When I left the boat I and bought a vacuum gauge. At the moment I have a single filter, but I've also read recommendations for dual filters, the first one to catch the big stuff followed by a finer filter. So I have the following questions: 1. Particularly for the Cal-33 owners, where is your fuel filter mounted? 2. For everyone, how many have a vacuum gauge installed, and what are the typical readings? 3. Also for everyone, how many have two filters in cascade, and what micron rating are they? Joe D. please weigh in...the engine is a Yanmar 3GM27. Thanks, Al

My 2GM Yanmar has a secondary fuel filter mounted on the engine; I'd be surprised if yours doesn't also. IIRC, the size (a Yanmar part) is 2 microns. The primary Racor filter, IIRC, is 30 microns. The last time I changed the Racor filter, there were signs that the filter had done its job, as the filter and fuel in the bowl were dirty. There was no sign that the 2-micron filter was taking out additional contaminants, although I changed it anyway as PM. From: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com [mailto:Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of biggs dave Sent: Tuesday, October 14, 2008 10:55 AM To: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Cal_Boats] Diesel Fuel Filters, etc. I'm surprised Joe DeMar hasn't chimed in on this 2. I've been told to change the filter when it reaches 5 psi. Mine reads almost zero since installing a whole new Racor system in 2003. The fuel in the bowl is almost perfectly clear/clean. I'm very anal about my fuel sources and I only purchase fuel at car gas stations so I can clearly inspect what I'm putting into my tank before I pour it from jerry jugs. 3. I don't think putting filters in series is the best solution. Parallel is the way to go so that can quickly change filters when one clogs up. Dave 80 Cal 35 Runnin Late Coyote Pt, SF Bay From: "aw… [at] bellsouth.net" <aw… [at] bellsouth.net> To: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, October 11, 2008 9:29:35 PM Subject: [Cal_Boats] Diesel Fuel Filters, etc. Ok, went down to the boat today (1985 Cal 33) to get out of hurricane secure mode and get ready to go out tonight for some moonlight and a club floating pizza party. Last thing before leaving the boat, I decided to crank the engine and make sure the cooling elbow was flowing freely. It was, but I let the engine run a while at about 2K rpm while I went over to another dock to check on the 25. When I came back, as I approached the boat I could hear the alarm whistling. After several attempts I got it started and the speed would hunt between 2K and barely running. I'm guessing my fuel filter is clogged. I really don't like the way my filter is mounted (on the rear of the engine compartment on the fixed but removable back part of the engine cover), so as long as I'm going to be in there to change the filter I want to re-route it to make it easier to reach. Also, I've read that its a good idea to have a vacuum gauge between the engine and the filter so you can see the problem coming. When I left the boat I and bought a vacuum gauge. At the moment I have a single filter, but I've also read recommendations for dual filters, the first one to catch the big stuff followed by a finer filter. So I have the following questions: 1. Particularly for the Cal-33 owners, where is your fuel filter mounted? 2. For everyone, how many have a vacuum gauge installed, and what are the typical readings? 3. Also for everyone, how many have two filters in cascade, and what micron rating are they? Joe D. please weigh in...the engine is a Yanmar 3GM27. Thanks, Al