I currently have a Racor 245 series primary fuel filter with a plastic bowl. It is installed in my engine compartment and, I believe, was the stock installation. I have a '93 Catalina 310. I read that the ABYC and Coast Guard now recommend that all primary fuel filters installed in an engine bay have a heat shield. I can't find one that fits my model filter, nor can I find a screw-on metal bowl to replace the plastic bowl. My preference would be to find a shield that preserved the ability to use the plastic bowl to be able to see if water is present. Has anyone done anything like this or are most still operating with a primary filter with a plastic bow? Thanks!
Have others installed heat shield on Racor primary fuel filter?
- Thread starter Monheganlover
- Start date
I replaced the filter assembly for one with a metal bowl a few years ago. The metal bowls ~ $100, whole filter assembly ~ $300, mine was ready for a rebuild so was cost and time effective to just replace the whole thing. Available on Ebay also.
Search results for: 'metal bowl'
Fuel Filter / Water Separator Kit, Aluminum Bowl
Search results for: 'metal bowl'
Fuel Filter / Water Separator Kit, Aluminum Bowl
On my C36 with M35B engine, I use same filter set up. There is no heat shield. All works OK with plastic bowl. You can see if there is water in it. You can drain it using the valve on the underside.
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 22,777
I chose to use a Racor 500MA when I installed a replacement for the original Ford Diesel Motor filter.
It was the only one that met the CG requirement at the time.
It was a great upgrade. Filter changes are simple, cost about $10, and there is no spill of diesel fuel during the process.
Suspect it could work for you.
It was the only one that met the CG requirement at the time.
It was a great upgrade. Filter changes are simple, cost about $10, and there is no spill of diesel fuel during the process.
Suspect it could work for you.
I think the issue isn’t visibility but rather protection against excessive heat or fire
This comment doesn't directly address your question. Do you have room to relocate your existing filter someplace outside the engine compartment.? That would satisfy ABYC requirements and won't be expensive to do.
i was more concernd about the missing exhaust heat shield. and we have a delphi filter.
My 310 either has no fuel/water separator, only the on-motor primary filter, or I haven't found it yet!
To pile on to the questions, one thing that's not clear to me is if the plastic bowl plus heat shield meets the coast guard requirements in the engine compartment or if a full metal bowl is required. In terms of the Racor 500 series, I think that's the difference between:
500 MA, plastic bowl with heat shield
500 MAM, metal bowl
The 500 MA seems a lot easier to find.
To pile on to the questions, one thing that's not clear to me is if the plastic bowl plus heat shield meets the coast guard requirements in the engine compartment or if a full metal bowl is required. In terms of the Racor 500 series, I think that's the difference between:
500 MA, plastic bowl with heat shield
500 MAM, metal bowl
The 500 MA seems a lot easier to find.
On my 94 C30, its a few feet away from the engine. I'm not worried about heat getting high enough to melt any plastic. It's more likely to do damage to fuel lines. I'm more likely to spill it when changing the filter than anything else
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 22,777
Yes, the 500MA is identified as an approved unit. It is called a "Heat Shield" and reportedly meets the 2.5-minute CG heat test.
The part list for the 500MA is attached. It shows several certifications at the bottom of the page. I have not found data on the Parker site that speaks specifically to the issue.
The part list for the 500MA is attached. It shows several certifications at the bottom of the page. I have not found data on the Parker site that speaks specifically to the issue.