Replacing Fram fuel filter

[John #126]

I have a Fram fuel filter on my 25D (1GM) and I am planning to change the filter. Looks like a spin off body. The new filter came with a gasket. From previous posts, it sounds like you need to fill the filter body with diesel before you reinstall it.
Anything else I need to be aware of? How do you bleed the air from this filter?
I gather that others have changed to a Racor filter but I am not going down that road yet.
Thanks
John

[tjr818]

Those Fram filters have served our boats well for over thirty years, however I find it far easier to deal with our Racor filter. A new element, a plastic bag, and one paper towel is all that is required.

[Steve Laume]

For my first Fram filter change, I disconnected it and installed a Racor. The old Fram just looked a bit too beastly to deal with. I considered keeping it as a dinghy anchor but tossed it instead. It just didn't seem worth fussing with. I am sure it is a great filter and if it was mounted on a farm tractor or some other land bound device I would have had no qualms with keeping it. The Racor filters seem to be available, just about everywhere. The Fram elements are a bit harder to find. I like the fact that I can see what is going on with the Racor and could easily drain any water that might make it's way into the bowl. It also takes up a bit less room in an already small engine compartment.

If you are thinking about eventually changing, why wait? Even though the Fram would probably work for a multitude of lifetimes, it still might not make it worth keeping, Steve.

[marilou]

I added a primer bulb (like on outboard motor) next to fuel tank, works very well, the Westerbeke engine has a self priming fuel pump, but it still speeds the process. Where did you purchase the replacement filter?

[Paul D.]

I have used the Fram for twelve years and it works fine. It does leak a wee bit though. I would clamp the fuel line to the filter from the tank, drain the fuel, unscrew slowly, dump the old element and clean out, insert new element and fill with diesel. Then screw back on. The Universal motor would work through bleeding the air but if not I would bleed at the motor.

[John #126]

I found a replacement Fram filter at Autozone.

[frankfurder]

John,

I have had the Fram primary filter in Water Music for many years, trick to bleeding and refilling with fuel is to unscrew the top mount and lower the filter body by hand after you have changed the element. this allows air and fuel to bleed out the top vent.

Probably not as easy as a Racor, but it works for me.