Vacuum gauge on Racor filters

Velero49 · Dec 12, 2011

Rich I got mine at mcmaster. No affiliation, just a happy customer.

Vacuum Gage 1/4" Your mileage may vary.

All U Get · Dec 12, 2011

Rich Stidger said:
I am considering installing vacuum gauges on my two Racor filters. Due to the pricing of the Racor branded gauges, I am looking at other USA manufactured gauges.

My question: Is the Racor vacuum gauge liquid filled to dampen the fuel pump pulses, or if not filled or if unknown, does the gauge remain steady when the engine is running?

I'm trying to figure out exactly what features I need to purchase for a vacuum gauge.

I found these on Boatus and had them on the filters in about 5 minutes.
http://www.boatus.com/classifiedads/searchresults.aspx?pagenum=0
All U Get

Ralph Johnstone · Dec 12, 2011

The vacuum gauge I use is a liquid filled compound gauge (30 mm. Hg vacuum and 30 PSI positive pressure) 1-1/2" face with 1/4" NPT. Got it from a local industrial instrument supplier which I used for years .

The brand name was Weksler and I don't think I paid over $30.00 for it (1999 prices).

Once installed, I noticed there was no vibration due to pulsing and seeing how it's not mounted on the engine body, I probably didn't need liquid filled. Just a nice to have.

Bill Roosa · Dec 12, 2011

benefits of a pulsating gauge.
If all you are needing is an indication of the fuel filter not being clogged then a pulsating gauge will work fine. Just eyeball average the pulses. You also will get an immediate indication that the fuel pump is actually working (or not) as the pulses will tell the tale

All U Get · Dec 12, 2011

(AL) R2D2 -T - HANDLE WITH RESETTABLE FILTER CHANGE GAUGE [R2D2] $89.50 T- HANDLE WITH RESETTABLE FILTER CHANGE GAUGE. FITS RACOR 500 / 900 / 1000 FILTERS MADE FROM SOLID BRASS AND 100% DIESEL FUEL COMPATIBLE POLYMER. STOP GUESSING WHEN TO CHANGE YOUR FILTERS !!!!! The R2D2 measures the vacuum / suction restriction caused by contamination of the DIESEL FUEL FILTER. The filter cover can be removed without tools. The indicator locks in position at the highest restriction level therefore it can be read with the engine or pump off. The gauge is fluid free so it is not affected by temperature changes or vibration and can be laid down after removal without leaking; all common problems with fluid vacuum gauges. The top of the unit has a reset button which returns the gauge to its zero setting, but will instantly measure the current contamination of the filter when the engine or pump is re-started. All the guesswork of when filters are in need of changing is eliminated, No numbers to read. When the YELLOW indicator gets near the bottom RED area then.. Change the Filter. As long as the YELLOW indicator is in the GREEN your good to GO. Remember: The R2D2 can be read with the engine or pump off because it locks in position at the highest measured contamination level. ENTER CODE: BOATUS15 TO GET 15% OFF Go To www.DIRTYFUELFILTER.com FREE U.S. SHIPPING PATENT PENDING $89.50 LESS 15% ENTER CODE: BOATUS15 AT www.DIRTYFUELFILTER.comContact Name:

I hope this paste works. Phil, am I violating any rules, just pull the thread.
All U Get

Stu Jackson · Dec 12, 2011

Rich, Weksler is a very good gauge, industrial strength, I spec 'em for my clients in new buildings. Don't know about pulses from the Racor gauge, but I doubt it. Weksler's don't, but I don't have the spec sheet to hand to tell you the components. Can't go wrong if you get a good price, but I'd like to know the delta between the Racor and the Weksler, if you do find out. Make sure you get the right range.

Maine Sail · Dec 12, 2011

I use the drag needle gauge from Sailors Solutions. They are very well built and considerably more robust than the Racor gauge which does not have a drag needle.

http://sailorssolutions.com/index.asp?page=ProductDetails&Item=VG01KT

The drag needle allows you to read the max vacuum with the engine off!!!

From what I understand the vacuum gauge All-U-Get posted is now being sold by Parker/Racor and you can no longer buy them direct..

Chuckbear · Dec 12, 2011

Mounting the gauge in the engine compartment is not convenient so I plan to do a remote mount. Does anyone have this and where did you find the fittings to attach to the Racor? What type of hose did you use? Chuck

Velero49 · Dec 13, 2011

Rich, Macmaster does have a glycerin filled compound vacum gages for around $25 if that is what you want.

Chuckbear,

Defender has the racor fittings and you would use the same type of fuel hose that you already have.

Chuckbear · Dec 13, 2011

Velero49 said:
Chuckbear,

Defender has the racor fittings and you would use the same type of fuel hose that you already have.

Can't find the Racor fittings without the gauge and don't want to pay $100 for a $25 gauge and a couple of fittings. That is why I wonder if anyone found non Racor fittings and hose. I don't know for sure but have some concerns using fuel lines on a vacuum line. Chuck

Maine Sail · Dec 13, 2011

Chuckbear said:
Can't find the Racor fittings without the gauge and don't want to pay $100 for a $25 gauge and a couple of fittings. That is why I wonder if anyone found non Racor fittings and hose. I don't know for sure but have some concerns using fuel lines on a vacuum line. Chuck

Chuck,

Sailors Solutions sells the 1/4" to Racor adapter for $27.49. With a drag needle gauge you can check it when you check the oil or on the engine so no real need for extra hose if you check your engine regularly. The red drag needle will tell you the highest vacuum achieved during the time the engine was running. The engien does not need to be running for the drag needle gauges to tell you the highest vacuum.

Chuckbear · Dec 13, 2011

Thanks Maine. What are your thoughts on the type of hose? The gauge will be mounted about 4 feet away from the Racor. Chuck

Bill Roosa · Dec 13, 2011

I thought the fittings where standard iron pipe type. I'd be using a fuel hose to connect them.

Ralph Johnstone · Dec 13, 2011

Bill Roosa said:
I thought the fittings where standard iron pipe type. I'd be using a fuel hose to connect them.

If your filter is anything like the Racor 110A Filter housing, all external fittings are 1/4" NPT (plain old pipe fittings). Use hose X male NPT adapters.

I can't see any problem with using small diameter fuel hose as you won't see vacuums high enough to collapse it. If that doesn't meet your needs, go industrial and use 1/4" copper tubing. For copper, you can find all the required fittings at your local hardware store and they are more than adequate for light vacuum. Ensure that all lines are well supported to withstand any vibration.

One final note, do not use teflon tape on fuel pipe fittings. It always manages to leak over time. Your best bet is to use Permatex #2 for thread sealant.

Stu Jackson · Dec 13, 2011

Rich,

Good analysis. If you are like me, regularly checking measuring devices on your boat (battery monitors, oil levels, fuel, etc.) then the gauge without the drag needle would work. Kinda like a barometer.

If you buy the steel case, then just paint it with Rustoleum before you install it.

I recall that Maine Sail had a discussion on his pbase website about those threads, might want to check there.

Stu

Vacuum gauge on Racor filters

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