Fuel filter- 10 vs. 20 Micron?

[KHARRIMAN]

Hey everyone! They took our internet away at work and it's seriously hampering my site access!:smt024

I am ramping up for the new season and did an oil/filter change and am going to replace the water separating fuel filters. I bought (3)-10 micron filters(sierra)-one for each engine and the genny but they are $5.00 more than the 20 micron. I don't care about the money so much as having the right part. I understand the 10 micro should technically filter better but am worrind about taxing the engines/ fuel system.


1.Does anyone know which are recommended by merc?- I don't see it in my manuals.
2.Does one have an advantage/disadvantage over the other?

Any insight would be appreciated! Thanks.
--Kevin

 

[Redhook98]

I would stick with 20's. There is such thing as TO MUCH filtration. The 10's can get clogged very easliy with particles that could normally pass right through your engine with no issue. Don't get me wrong, the 10's are great filters, but be prepared to change them more often, and for n real added benefit.

 

[tobnpr]

There is such thing as TO MUCH filtration.

I'd have to respectfully disagree with that. You can't filter too fine- as long as you're not creating excessive vacuum at the filter. No matter how you get there- single stage or multi-stage- you must filter to the level required by the manufacturer. This is critical with MPI engines.

True, the smaller the particle size filtered, the more quickly the filter will clog.

This is a common discussion for diesels...even the tiniest of foreign objects can trash a very expensive injector. As an example, CAT does not have a recommendation. There is always the 2 micron on-engine filter, but that for the Racor is up to the owner. Most commonly used I think are the 10's- but on the advice of a CAT mechanic, that fact that I get pretty clean fuel, and don't burn more than a few thousand gallons per year I use 2 mic. filters.

Do you have an on engine filter? If not, there must be a factory specification for what you need.

 

[KHARRIMAN]

I don't think there is an on-engine filter. As far as I know there are 2- (1) inline canister type(booster?) filter and another (1)water separating fuel filter. I have looked through the manuals but can't seem to find a recommendation. The part number in the filter picture is 70573- but I couldn't find anything online either....