As part of an inspection and filter replacement work scope recently completed on two MTU 20V 4000 engines, we noted something that can impact the performance of your engine.
We were on-site to replace the airflow restriction indicators, along with the Separ filters, and when changing out the filters we made the discovery:
The engine has two fuel filters which were both removed and it was found that the left-hand filter was dry inside, indicating it had not been used in tandem with the filter on the right.
The system is designed so both filters are used simultaneously whilst the engine is running.
There is a lever to isolate one filter if it needs to be changed whilst the engine is running, but then it should be moved back into the central position after the changeout.
On changing the filters, our engineer returned the lever to the correct central position.
If you are experiencing limited fuel flow, it is worth checking the filter arrangement before anything else.
