Folks,
I spent a good chunk of time learning about and replacing the fuel lines on "Cricket" this weekend and I have a couple of questions before I wrap everything up:
1) I bought 5/16" diameter hose... but I'm starting to think I should have bought 1/4" hose. Other than making darn sure that the hose is well secured, is this a big deal?
2) Does anyone use double clamps? This seems like it would be better, but it might be overkill.
3) I'm pretty sure I've got the hoses connected properly... but just to be double sure... is the fuel line that leaves the starboard side of the fuel tank the fuel return line? If I had the lines crossed for some reason... would that matter?
Thanks!
Bob.
dugan@cs.rpi.edu
Cape Dory 25D Fuel Line Questions
Moderator: Jim Walsh
-
Bill
RE: Speaking of 25D Fuel System ??s
Hello Bob
I am curious as to why you want to reduce the size of you supply line??
And ask yet another fuel question. Who has replaced the OEM Fram Primary Filter (I think it the primary one, the BIG one)? That Fram is a bear to change.
Bill
Captain Commanding
S/V Rhapsody (the Original)
CD25D #148
Oklahoma Contingent of the NE Fleet of the CDSOA
Galley Wench S/V Evening Light
Kerr Lake, OK (Oklahoma's Outlet to the Sea)
cd25d@rhapsodysails.com
I am curious as to why you want to reduce the size of you supply line??
And ask yet another fuel question. Who has replaced the OEM Fram Primary Filter (I think it the primary one, the BIG one)? That Fram is a bear to change.
Bill
Captain Commanding
S/V Rhapsody (the Original)
CD25D #148
Oklahoma Contingent of the NE Fleet of the CDSOA
Galley Wench S/V Evening Light
Kerr Lake, OK (Oklahoma's Outlet to the Sea)
Bob Dugan wrote: Folks,
I spent a good chunk of time learning about and replacing the fuel lines on "Cricket" this weekend and I have a couple of questions before I wrap everything up:
1) I bought 5/16" diameter hose... but I'm starting to think I should have bought 1/4" hose. Other than making darn sure that the hose is well secured, is this a big deal?
2) Does anyone use double clamps? This seems like it would be better, but it might be overkill.
3) I'm pretty sure I've got the hoses connected properly... but just to be double sure... is the fuel line that leaves the starboard side of the fuel tank the fuel return line? If I had the lines crossed for some reason... would that matter?
Thanks!
Bob.
cd25d@rhapsodysails.com
-
Bob Dugan
Re: RE: Speaking of 25D Fuel System ??s
Bill,
I'm not an engine mechanic so I was worried that I might be doing something wierd to the suction the engine uses to get the fuel to/from the tank by adding that extra 1/16" to the hose.
Bob.
I think I increased the size of the supply line unless there is something I'm misunderstanding. I think the hose that I replaced had a diameter of 1/4" which is 4/16"... the hose that I'm using now has a diameter of 5/16" so it's bigger.Bill wrote: I am curious as to why you want to reduce the size of you supply line??
I'm not an engine mechanic so I was worried that I might be doing something wierd to the suction the engine uses to get the fuel to/from the tank by adding that extra 1/16" to the hose.
Bob.
-
BobM
Re: RE: Speaking of 25D Fuel System ??s
Bill:
I have the Frame filter on Ranger. I installed turn-offs on both the input and output sides to minimize air from getting into the fuel lines. Also when you change the filter have some spare fuel available to prime through the little hole in the top. Seal all the fittings with teflon tape to avoid leaks or air getting into fuel line. After changing the filter open all the turn-offs and hold the combustion depress release valve open on top of the engine and spin the engine without trying to start and draw the fuel through. I usually do this using the hand crank, you can use the starter also but be careful not to spin to much. Then draw fuel through lines using manual primer pump on fuel pump while bleeding all the fittings up top to the fuel injector. If memory serves me correctly I believe there are two fittings to bleed. One over the OEM filter assy and one on the fuel injector. When this is done you are ready to start your engine. If you've done the job right(bleeding the fuels lines of air)she should crank up with no problems. Just remember that there's nothing worse than an air bound diesel so bleed and pump accordingly.
Bob
Ranger CD25D #144
=====================================
Ranger1442@hotmail.com
I have the Frame filter on Ranger. I installed turn-offs on both the input and output sides to minimize air from getting into the fuel lines. Also when you change the filter have some spare fuel available to prime through the little hole in the top. Seal all the fittings with teflon tape to avoid leaks or air getting into fuel line. After changing the filter open all the turn-offs and hold the combustion depress release valve open on top of the engine and spin the engine without trying to start and draw the fuel through. I usually do this using the hand crank, you can use the starter also but be careful not to spin to much. Then draw fuel through lines using manual primer pump on fuel pump while bleeding all the fittings up top to the fuel injector. If memory serves me correctly I believe there are two fittings to bleed. One over the OEM filter assy and one on the fuel injector. When this is done you are ready to start your engine. If you've done the job right(bleeding the fuels lines of air)she should crank up with no problems. Just remember that there's nothing worse than an air bound diesel so bleed and pump accordingly.
Bob
Ranger CD25D #144
=====================================
Bill wrote: Hello Bob
I am curious as to why you want to reduce the size of you supply line??
And ask yet another fuel question. Who has replaced the OEM Fram Primary Filter (I think it the primary one, the BIG one)? That Fram is a bear to change.
Bill
Captain Commanding
S/V Rhapsody (the Original)
CD25D #148
Oklahoma Contingent of the NE Fleet of the CDSOA
Galley Wench S/V Evening Light
Kerr Lake, OK (Oklahoma's Outlet to the Sea)
Bob Dugan wrote: Folks,
I spent a good chunk of time learning about and replacing the fuel lines on "Cricket" this weekend and I have a couple of questions before I wrap everything up:
1) I bought 5/16" diameter hose... but I'm starting to think I should have bought 1/4" hose. Other than making darn sure that the hose is well secured, is this a big deal?
2) Does anyone use double clamps? This seems like it would be better, but it might be overkill.
3) I'm pretty sure I've got the hoses connected properly... but just to be double sure... is the fuel line that leaves the starboard side of the fuel tank the fuel return line? If I had the lines crossed for some reason... would that matter?
Thanks!
Bob.
Ranger1442@hotmail.com
-
Bill
Re: RE: Speaking of 25D Fuel System ??s
Bob
I guess I mis-understood your posting. however, I thought that Rhapsody has 5/16' line.....I am not positive, but I think that's correct.....
Bill
cd25d@rhapsodysails.com
I guess I mis-understood your posting. however, I thought that Rhapsody has 5/16' line.....I am not positive, but I think that's correct.....
Bill
Bob Dugan wrote: Bill,
I think I increased the size of the supply line unless there is something I'm misunderstanding. I think the hose that I replaced had a diameter of 1/4" which is 4/16"... the hose that I'm using now has a diameter of 5/16" so it's bigger.Bill wrote: I am curious as to why you want to reduce the size of you supply line??
I'm not an engine mechanic so I was worried that I might be doing something wierd to the suction the engine uses to get the fuel to/from the tank by adding that extra 1/16" to the hose.
Bob.
cd25d@rhapsodysails.com
-
Tom
Re: Cape Dory 25D Fuel Line Questions
If I understand what you're saying remember that it's the inside diameter of the hose that counts not the ourside diameter. Unless you change the fittings on the tank and filter, I don't know how you could change the hose diameter. Using larger diameter hose doesn't improve anything because the engine uses what it needs and sends the excess back through the return line anyway. Thus a larger feed line just returns more through the return line.
If you get the hoses reversed the engine probably won't run. The feed line has a tube that runs to the bottom of the tank inside the tank so that it draws fuel even when the tank is partially full. The return line usually dumps fuel in the top of the tank and doesn't have a tube that runs to the bottom. Thus if you attach the feed line to the return fitting, it won't draw any fuel from the tank and as soon as the fuel in the filter and lines is used up the engine will stop. This is the way most tanks are set up, but I'm not familiar with CD 25's so yours may be different.
As far as double clamps go, it is customary to use them on fittings that are underwater because if the clamp should give way and the hose come off it could sink your boat. They are not generally used on fuel lines because if they were to come loose all that would happen is your engine would stop or suck air. While annoying it wouldn't be boat threathening. Since diesel doesn't explode like gasoline does, if you had a hose come loose you wouldn't be in danger of blowing yourself up. That's one of the reasons boaters like diesel as oppsed to gas engines. If you didn't have double clamps before the chances are that you don't need them. If you're trying to use a hose that is too large for your fittings even two clamps won't be able to squeeze it down enough to make it air tight.
If I've misunderstood your question, I'm sorry for wasting your time.
Tom
Channel Islands, Calif.
TomCambria@mindspring.com
If you get the hoses reversed the engine probably won't run. The feed line has a tube that runs to the bottom of the tank inside the tank so that it draws fuel even when the tank is partially full. The return line usually dumps fuel in the top of the tank and doesn't have a tube that runs to the bottom. Thus if you attach the feed line to the return fitting, it won't draw any fuel from the tank and as soon as the fuel in the filter and lines is used up the engine will stop. This is the way most tanks are set up, but I'm not familiar with CD 25's so yours may be different.
As far as double clamps go, it is customary to use them on fittings that are underwater because if the clamp should give way and the hose come off it could sink your boat. They are not generally used on fuel lines because if they were to come loose all that would happen is your engine would stop or suck air. While annoying it wouldn't be boat threathening. Since diesel doesn't explode like gasoline does, if you had a hose come loose you wouldn't be in danger of blowing yourself up. That's one of the reasons boaters like diesel as oppsed to gas engines. If you didn't have double clamps before the chances are that you don't need them. If you're trying to use a hose that is too large for your fittings even two clamps won't be able to squeeze it down enough to make it air tight.
If I've misunderstood your question, I'm sorry for wasting your time.
Tom
Channel Islands, Calif.
Bob Dugan wrote: Folks,
I spent a good chunk of time learning about and replacing the fuel lines on "Cricket" this weekend and I have a couple of questions before I wrap everything up:
1) I bought 5/16" diameter hose... but I'm starting to think I should have bought 1/4" hose. Other than making darn sure that the hose is well secured, is this a big deal?
2) Does anyone use double clamps? This seems like it would be better, but it might be overkill.
3) I'm pretty sure I've got the hoses connected properly... but just to be double sure... is the fuel line that leaves the starboard side of the fuel tank the fuel return line? If I had the lines crossed for some reason... would that matter?
Thanks!
Bob.
TomCambria@mindspring.com
-
Bob Dugan
Re: Cape Dory 25D Fuel Line Questions
Tom,
Thank you for these clear explanations!
dugan@stepzero.com
Thank you for these clear explanations!
It's the inside diameter I've given measurements for. The difference is 1/16" so I think that either hose will fit on the nozzles.Tom wrote: If I understand what you're saying remember that it's the inside diameter of the hose that counts not the ourside diameter. Unless you change the fittings on the tank and filter, I don't know how you could change the hose diameter. Using larger diameter hose doesn't improve anything because the engine uses what it needs and sends the excess back through the return line anyway. Thus a larger feed line just returns more through the return line.
This is a GREAT explanation. Thank you! OK now I just have to figure out which off the two nozzles on the tank is the feed and which is the return. Hopefully it's in the CD manual... or if any of you CD25D owners out there have that part of your engine fuel system committed to memory you can help me out... thanks!Tom wrote: If you get the hoses reversed the engine probably won't run. The feed line has a tube that runs to the bottom of the tank inside the tank so that it draws fuel even when the tank is partially full. The return line usually dumps fuel in the top of the tank and doesn't have a tube that runs to the bottom. Thus if you attach the feed line to the return fitting, it won't draw any fuel from the tank and as soon as the fuel in the filter and lines is used up the engine will stop. This is the way most tanks are set up, but I'm not familiar with CD 25's so yours may be different.
dugan@stepzero.com
-
Bruce Barber
Re: RE: Speaking of 25D Fuel System ??s
Bill -- I think there've been many of us who've gotten rid of the FRAM and replaced it with the small 120 Racor. It makes for a neat spacesaving installation and the element is very easily changed. You can also add a fuel valve (there was none on my boat) by screwing it into the filter's inlet port.
Bruce Barber
25D Nancy Dawson
Shady Side, MD
bruce.barber@att.net
Bruce Barber
25D Nancy Dawson
Shady Side, MD
bruce.barber@att.net