SO 36i fuel filter

[spanishsailor]

I recently completed an engine service on the Yanmar 3YM30 installed in my Sun Odyssey 36i. It's the first time that I've done a service myself and I found it impossible to check or drain off any fuel in the bowl of pre-filter.

The pre-filter is a Racor 500 MA that has a metal guard around the bowl and what feels like 2 nuts underneath. What's the best way of accessing these nuts and which one can be used to drain the bowl?

Any ideas or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

[Quiddle]

Also just done my first service on my 36i engine. The only fuel filter I touched, and the only one supplied by my Yanmar dealer as part of the service pack, was .

I know there is a Volvo filter next to the tank, but it doesn't sound like yours: I got the impression this was a retro fit.

[so36idavid]

I'm coming a bit late to this thread but I thought I'd give an update for future readers. I recently replaced the standard Volvo fuel filter with a Racor 200R. I did it for two reasons, one the bowl on the original was steel so I couldn't see if there was water in the fuel. The Racor has a transparent bowl. And two, the Racor has a built in priming pump which makes it really easy to prime the fuel lines. It's a relatively inexpensive fix and dropped right in. The only difficult part was getting the old fuel lines off, I had to cut them off. So I had to replace the longer hose. It took 6' of 5/16 fuel hose on my 36i. Plus you'll need 5/16 hose barbs for the Racor.

In answer to the original question, a picture would go a long way here. But in general the bolt head at the lowest point in the bowl is likely to be the right one. It sounds like you're feeling your way around in there, so I also strongly recommend that you get yourself an inspection mirror for looking into tight spaces. McMaster Carr has an inexpensive selection. If I can't see what's going on I'll sometimes just stick my cell phone in there and snap a picture.

Good luck.
David