Primary Racor Filter--have they changed?

[cristberry]

I have a 1985 Hunter 31 with a Yanmar 2G motor. The boat yard tells me they can no longer get a replacement filter that fits the primary filter--apparently Racor changed and the part number for the old filter gives a filter that won't fit due to reengineering. They tell me I need to replace the whole assembly ($500 job--so not something I am anxious to do). They indicate the one I used to have was the kind you ratchet off and I need to replace it with one that you unscrew. The replacement is Racor spin on Filtering Element 220R.

Has anyone else run into this? If so, were you able to find a source for the old filter--or did you have to change also?

 

[Steve Dion]

Not sure exactly what you have, but I installed 2 Racor 120's with a bypass system. The entire filter assy. was about $85. It is just a matter of replacing the old filter system with a new one if it is really a case of the old one being obsolete.

I would suggest that you contact Racor and see what they have to say. My original filter system on my Hunter 31 was NOT a Racor but a spin on filter (like an oil filter in a can with a replaceable cartridge).

 

[cbsailor]

Not sure which Racor you have, but a lot of the 80s era Hunters came with the Racor 110 or Racor 110A filter. Most owners with these filters use the Racor R11T cartridge filters (10 Micron). If you have the filter assembly shown below, you can get the cartridges from lots of vendors for $14 to $24. I still have 2 of these units on my boat. IMO $500 is way too much for installing a Racor 220.

 

[Bill1565]

I'm with CB. $500 should buy you a 500FG installed and a lifetime supply of replacement filters.

 

[Sailm8]

If you truly need to replace the filter, this seems to me to be the easiest DIY project. All of the lines are there so you are just replacing a part. I am not the handiest person but this appears to be really easy and I would have no problem attempting it. $500 is way too much.

 

[cristberry]

A problem with the DYI approach is location (the filters) and girth (mine). Getting down where it is and moving around does not look like something I can do. More on the filter--the old filter is basically flat on both ends. The new one that comes when you order using the same part number is more funnel shaped like the bottom of a narrow cup, with "nubs" or "bumps" on the bottom.

 

[Ron McCoy]

I agree with Sailm8 as this is an easy DIY project that you can enjoy and learn at the same time. You'll need to determine the space you have for a replace unit if that's the route you intend to go - if in fact, you have an existing filter unit that Racor no longer makes a filter for. That's difficult to believe, but not knowing what you have now - it's only a guess. Regardless, the fuel line from the tank is in place along with the fuel line to the engine. There are lots of Racor options out there depending on how many DIY filter changes you do (or don't do). Find the option that best fits your engine, the available mounting space near your engine, whether you want a "spin on" canister type filter or an insertable one that goes inside a housing assembly is all that it takes. Take some time to think through it all and you'll enjoy the project. BTW. From my experience most OEM boats have the smallest, most economical filters installed. While they work OK, there many times don't have the capacity in fuel flow, filter capacity when slightly dirty or ease of changing to new filters as when you upgrade to filter that overcomes these shortfalls. On a boat, that extra margin of error in fuel filtering can be the difference between making landfall and being stranded. Take your pick!

 

[Steve Dion]

If you can get into the lazarette there is plenty of room to move around.

I cannot imagine more than 1-2 hours labor to r/r the old filter and install the new one. You can probably get a harbor mate to give you a hand if you are concerned about getting into the lazarette to do the work.

The Racor 120 filter and housing is about $90-100.

PS: who changes the fuel filter for you now?

 

[Rick Sylvester]

Aw hell, for $500

I'll install one of these,

http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|311|302335|107095|699530&id=1256232


(sorry Phil, I looked for the single 500 in the store and couldn't find it.)

anyway,

do NOT spend $500 for them to just slap in another filter assembly. Buy some hose and put it where you want it,

for sure, put it where you'll check it.

Better yet, put one of these on it.

http://www.parker.com/portal/site/P...extcat=RK+11-1669+T-HANDLE+VACUUM+GAUGE&Wtky=

One kicker is that the filter elements for these are less than the spin on type.

WAY less messy to change too.

As Ron points out, the bigger unit can swallow a lot more crap before it packs it in,

so to speak.