Experience with Racor 500FG

[Mike Oatsvall]

I was talking to the diesel mechanic this weekend and he suggested that I upgrade the fuel filtering on my H33 (Yanmar 3ym30) by adding a Racor 500 filter. Does anybody have any opinions on this filter pro or con?
I'm currently not having any fuel filter issues with the standard setup and don't want any either. Is this extra insurance worth it?
Thanks,
Mike Oatsvall
Four Winds
Oriental, NC

 

[Steve Dion]

Mike: What is your present setup?

I think that the RC500 is a great filter, but do you really need that much capacity. I assume you have something like my 1994 Hunter Vision had. It is a RC110. I am in the process of installing a dual bypass system with two RC120. When I change one filter I can just switch to the other.

The biggest down side to the RC500 was the size. It is technically not supposed to be mounted in the engine compartment (even though many do it that way) so many times space is at a premium.

 

[Mike Oatsvall]

They are kinda big, over 11in if I remember correctly. Yes, it has the standard issue 110.
I would like something with a see thru bowl.
Appreciate the input.
mike

 

[Ed Schenck]

Is the 200FG no longer available? I had that with my 2QM20 and kept it for the 3YM30 upgrade. I can change the element in under one minute, I keep them in the nav table. It has the glass bowl and is easy to check and drain.

 

[Steve Dion]

Mike:

Check out pg 388 of the 2009 WM catalog. They have the 120 at the top of the page. This is what I purchased (about $65 ea). I am mounting 2 of them on a board with a bypass setup so I can run off of either one as needed.

My boat also has the 110 and they are NOT water seperators. They do catch the crap in the tank, so they are really much better than nothing.