Replacing Vent Filter - 42 Sedan Bridge

vanburen

vanburen

New Member
Feb 18, 2008
324
Annapolis / Alexandria
Boat Info
420 DB
Engines
Cummins 480 CE
Season two is here and it seems time to replace the vent filter on the head system. Except .... it is on the far outboard side of the tank behind a large air intake or exhaust pipe. How on earth do we get access? Do I need to train my 3 year old? Anyone figure this out yet? Or do I need to remove interference?

Many thanks.
 
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Well, I can't speak as to the configuration on your particular boat. But, either stretch-out real good before you get in there... or using your 3-years old sounds like a good plan :thumbsup:.

You'll probably be doing most of it by "feel". Have you ever taken the filter off before (maybe in another boat?).

2 clips hold the filter in place. Then it just unscrews form the tank and from the hose. It unscrews like you'd unscrew a garden hose. You'll need to hold the filter from moving - sometimes the clips will do that for you. Maybe use a mirror-on-a-stick to get a good look at what you'll be doing, before you dive in.
 
I just had my odor filter replaced. It looked impossible....but...the mechanic cut the top 3" off the plywood that the dual racors were mounted on - then removed (2) 6 volt batteries - all to access room to get his 6' 180lb. body closer to the holding tank.
He pulled the mascerator pump - out on the dock he replaced the duck bill valves and reinstalled. He initially unscrewed the odor filter and replaced it. (I think he said the threads are reversed on this filter-('righty=loosie)

It initially looked impossible as the holding tank appears out of reach.....but with the above sawing and battery removal he made it look easy.

Hope this helps :grin:
 
I have replaced similar filters. The problem is that I am not a snake and the tank is beyond reach. This is supposedly an annual replacement - someone with a 420 DB must have replaced this (or had it done) without use of saw. Where are the veterans?
 
vanburen said:
How on earth do we get access? Do I need to train my 3 year old? Anyone figure this out yet? Or do I need to remove interference?
Click to expand...

You'll most likely need to remove interference. On the 560 the filter is to the far side of the starboard diesel, impossible for anyone over 180lbs. to get to. Luckly I was able to talk the better half into doing the job.

The good thing is that, if you can find someone that fits back there, once there the job is very easy.
 
You know there are a lot of boats made, other than Searay that do not put filter in the vent line. We removed ours completely, and have no odor at all.
 
Got it replaced this weekend. I removed the ladder and sent the 8 yr old behind the exhaust pipe - he was able to remove the fitting from the vent filter - to get the filter off the tank, he twisted and I was able to get one hand on the other fitting to hold it while the filter screwed out. Would have been a lot harder without my 8 yr old.
 
vanburen said:
Would have been a lot harder without my 8 yr old.
Click to expand...

My 13 year old is making a killing on the dock from "tips" for helping with battery changes, filter changes, etc. The perfect size bilge "minkee" (apologies to Inspector Clouseau).
 
Weird on teh differences between the SD and regular 420 cruisers... I got the 420 regular - and it was easy as could be to change the filter - just did it 2 weeks ago!
 
Here's a question: What's stopping us from moving the filter to a better location? I mean, mines not too bad to get to, but for those of us that it's a bit of PIA, why not just relocate it?

I relocated the oil filter in my truck - relocating the filter sure looks to be a lot easier.
 
Sorry I am late responding but I changed mine out a couple of months ago. It looked impossible but I was able to get an arm over the muffler and get it out by feel. Little tougher getting the new one back in though but it can be done. I replaced it with a new filter for almost $100 but I took my old one and sawed it in half (it is just 2" PVC pipe) and emptied the charcoal out. Went to Lowes and bought a 2" rubber coupling with hose clamps on it. Went to Pets Mart and bought charcoal pellets to refill the cannister. Now I got a spare for next year for under $10.
 
Dennis
I was thinking the same thing. Find a better spot, do some minor plumbing and get it somewhere more accessible. Ed, NICE WORK by the 8 yo! I hope you bought him an ice cream. Just tell him to stop growing til you get a different boat.

This item is one of the very few things that are easy to get to in my boat.
 
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