Albin 31 Tournament Express

[William Rowell]

I am about to pick up the 1997 31 Tournament Express I just purchased
with 370 Cummins. Does anyone know what size Racor filters this boat
would take.

[DougSea]

Welcome to AOG William!

As far as what filter you need - most of us here would tell you to check what's installed on your boat. Albin had a way of making production boats in a "one-off" manner. Even if someone else on the board has the same boat with the same engine the filter could be different! And of course with a boat that's been around the prior owners may well have changed out the original.

Assuming you had a survey done the filter may have been documented there. And you could call the seller or their broker and ask them to check. My boat came with spare filters for both the primary and secondary filters as part of the on-board toolkit that was left aboard.

Good luck with the new boat!

[TD]

I agree with Doug but just for info I have twin 370hp 6B Cummins and the Cummins tech recomends the Racor be 30microns. I am sure you have the larger Racor model 900. If this is the case I would put a element p/n RAC#2040PM-OR. The spin on micron is not advertised, however again the Cummins tech said they are around 10 microns.
I almost bought a 1996 31 TE but ran onto a 35TE. The 31 is a really nice boat. Enjoy!

[jcollins]

Welcome to the group William! As time allows posts some pictures of your boat and give us some details.

[Pitou]

Welcome William.

I as well have the Cummins 370 6BTA. Cummins sells the Fleetguard spin on filters for the motor which are 10 microns. I have used the Fleetguard as well as a Wix filter which is also 10 Microns. I have the Racor 900 Series Turbine. When I purchased my boat the Racor had the 2040PM/30 Micron filter. Standish Boat Yard Recommended it be replace with the 2040TM/10 Micron filter which would reduce the filter changes necessary at the engine (the spin on). Their reasoning "who wants to change the spin on in a sloppy sea, if you have a plugged filter it is alot easier to change the Racor." I have followed their advice and been fine.
I do plan to install a "Look Down" Racor vacuum gauge which will indicate when the Racor element will need to be changed. Not a bad idea regardless which element you use.
From a previous post : http://www.designatedengineer.com/

[img][img]http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s52/ ... nGauge.jpg[/img][/img]

[TD]

I would prefer to change a spin on in some seas any day---over the Racor even though my Racors are very accessible. My reason is that when you take the top lid off the Racor to remove the filter you have like a round 5" diameter bowl of diesel to slosh around. Also when you put the new filter in I always top off with diesel to eliminate as much air as possible. You could not top this off very full in any kind sea wave condition. The spin on can be filled and controlled easier for less air, however, this is only my opinion. I am no expert. From an engineering standpoint on fuel flow --I believe you can get more through a 30 micron partially plugged filter than a 10 micron. So I think you will see fuel starvation coming on better.