
Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2015 2:24pm
Post Subject: Bleeding fuel systemI find bleeding the fuel system on my narrowboat a real chore. The problem i have is when I change the pre-filter and main fuel filter, it takes me forever using the hand lever on the fuel pump to remove the air from the system. I have lately resorted to using an oil extractor pump to suck the fuel through the bleed points on the filter housings. I think the problem is due to the fuel draining from the pipework when removing the filters, and when the new ones are all fitted and I open the fuel cock, any head of fuel drains back into the tank, rather than flowing down to the pre-filter. The stop cock is located on the stern deck under a hinged cover, at the highest point in the fuel line. I need to come up with a better solution. I have 2 ideas. 1. Fit a valve either side of the pre-filter to prevent the fuel in the pipe draining away when removing the filter. 2. Install a replacement fuel line between the fuel cock and pre-filter with a U bend in it, to retain some of the fuel in the pipeline. (See picture I found of another boat on the Internet). What do you think of my ideas, or do you have any better suggestions
