my current primary fuel filter system uses a RacorR24S cannister filter element above the water separator glass. Is there a cheaper Napa,Fram or whatever filter. I think $24 from west marine is rediculous. If not what diesel water separator system could I use that might have lower priced filters
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Are you really complaining about $24!
Carisea: Are you really complaining about $24 for a filter that probably does not have to be changed but every 2 years? That is about $1/month. There is no reason to change this filter every year unless you are doing a LOT of motoring. If you had a smaller unit, the filters are less expensive. When you pay to have your engine worked on at $65/70/hr. because of the lack of water seperation and ruined injectors, you may think that these filters are cheap.
Carisea: Are you really complaining about $24 for a filter that probably does not have to be changed but every 2 years? That is about $1/month. There is no reason to change this filter every year unless you are doing a LOT of motoring. If you had a smaller unit, the filters are less expensive. When you pay to have your engine worked on at $65/70/hr. because of the lack of water seperation and ruined injectors, you may think that these filters are cheap.
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Jim Rushing
On my Hunter 35.5, the original fuel filter was a Racor that was solid. You coudln't tell that it was full of gunk until the engine stopped. Happened twice in the first year. Ended up draining my tank and replacing all of the fuel. Not fun being on the leeward shore. Replaced the filter with the one that you have now. Can see what is going on with the glass bottom. However, I am so shell shocked now that I added the second filter in parellel with valves so I can switch filters in an emergency. See the picture. As for using a cheaper filter. NO, its not worth it.
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Bob Howie
Cheap filters...I'm laughing
Lessee now...I got a brand-spanking new $6,000 diesel engine in my boat -- cheap filters? No way!!! In addition to the fuel filter in the engine, I added a double Racor to the veteran single Racor that was already there. The quality of diesel fuel, in my opinion, is always suspect. And, like Steve Dion said, it just isn't worth trying to do something like this on the cheap. There are some corners worth cutting; ensuring the health of your engine just isn't worth it. Pop for the $24 replacements and then maybe forgo getting that new bimini this year. Your engine will bless you for it later!
Lessee now...I got a brand-spanking new $6,000 diesel engine in my boat -- cheap filters? No way!!! In addition to the fuel filter in the engine, I added a double Racor to the veteran single Racor that was already there. The quality of diesel fuel, in my opinion, is always suspect. And, like Steve Dion said, it just isn't worth trying to do something like this on the cheap. There are some corners worth cutting; ensuring the health of your engine just isn't worth it. Pop for the $24 replacements and then maybe forgo getting that new bimini this year. Your engine will bless you for it later!
One of the best!
Carisea: The Racor filters are one of the best. Whoever installed the unit on your boat, just used one with a much larger capacity than required for a sailboat. These filters are rated at around 30GPH (gallons per hour). That is probably more fuel that is consumed by most sailboats in a year. The smaller units have filters that cost about 1/2 of what you are paying. The question is you ultimate cost savings by changing out your filter would probably take you many years to recoup. A new filter would cost about $65-80 and if you are going to save $12/year it is probably not worth the effort! There is one thing you are learning from this site. You ask questions you WILL get answers.
Carisea: The Racor filters are one of the best. Whoever installed the unit on your boat, just used one with a much larger capacity than required for a sailboat. These filters are rated at around 30GPH (gallons per hour). That is probably more fuel that is consumed by most sailboats in a year. The smaller units have filters that cost about 1/2 of what you are paying. The question is you ultimate cost savings by changing out your filter would probably take you many years to recoup. A new filter would cost about $65-80 and if you are going to save $12/year it is probably not worth the effort! There is one thing you are learning from this site. You ask questions you WILL get answers.
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Rick Sylvester
Go with a 500 series Racor
and you can have the clear bowl and change out elements without yanking the bowl off. As a bonus, the elements are less than half the cost of the smaller units. Additionally, the unit can handle way more contaminants before there's a problem. It's not about flow capabilities with diesels (unless you're running an 8 cylinder monster,) it's about how much crap you can filter out. It can also be fitted with a pressure guage and a water sensor. More expensive? Yeah, it costs about 5 or 6 of your cartridges.
and you can have the clear bowl and change out elements without yanking the bowl off. As a bonus, the elements are less than half the cost of the smaller units. Additionally, the unit can handle way more contaminants before there's a problem. It's not about flow capabilities with diesels (unless you're running an 8 cylinder monster,) it's about how much crap you can filter out. It can also be fitted with a pressure guage and a water sensor. More expensive? Yeah, it costs about 5 or 6 of your cartridges.
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