Hey, I have a Racor fuel/water separator on our Catalina 30 that I have not changed for 3 summers. While the engine has run fine, I think it is time to change it. As a matter of fact I have not even drained it all this time. I don't really know how to do any of this and I do not want to make a mess in the engine compartment and ultimately in the bilge. If someone can let me know how to do it or where I can find easy to understand step by step instructions that would be helpful. Thanks CM
Water Separator filter change
- Thread starter cmorin
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fuel filter(s)
It's not difficult or messy if you are careful. I assume you have both a primary and secondary filter in which case it's definitely time to change both. Not knowing what engine or fuel system you have, it's only possible to provide generic direction to prime the system after changing the filters. Shut off fuel supply Open bottom drain on Racor to remove all fuel Remove filter canister and replace Remove secondary filter (helps to have a plastic bag handy to catch fluid) Fill secondary with clean fuel and replace Open fuel shut-off To bleed the low pressure side, you'll need to defer to the engine manual but generally there is a pump knob on top of the Recor and a small handle on the lift pump to prime the secondary. If you are lucky, you won't need to prime the high pressure side (injectiors) which is also easy but you might want to watch someone who knows how to do it before attempting it the next time. The link is one ex of a generic process but you can easily find more by doing a google search for diesel fuel system bleeding
It's not difficult or messy if you are careful. I assume you have both a primary and secondary filter in which case it's definitely time to change both. Not knowing what engine or fuel system you have, it's only possible to provide generic direction to prime the system after changing the filters. Shut off fuel supply Open bottom drain on Racor to remove all fuel Remove filter canister and replace Remove secondary filter (helps to have a plastic bag handy to catch fluid) Fill secondary with clean fuel and replace Open fuel shut-off To bleed the low pressure side, you'll need to defer to the engine manual but generally there is a pump knob on top of the Recor and a small handle on the lift pump to prime the secondary. If you are lucky, you won't need to prime the high pressure side (injectiors) which is also easy but you might want to watch someone who knows how to do it before attempting it the next time. The link is one ex of a generic process but you can easily find more by doing a google search for diesel fuel system bleeding
Fuel Filters
Good advice from Don. I might add that depending on which Racor you have, you may also be able to fill it with fuel, and make bleeding unncessary. I can change the Racor on my S2, without bleeding anything. Not sure of the number, but it has the spin on top, wit a T handle. Just spin off the cover, pull out the old filter, and slap in new one. Fill the filter body with diesel and put the top back on. If you can do it whithout having to bleed the system, you will be way ahead of the game. Also would like to add, that you should change more often than three years, even if no problems. For the primary, I change mine every year. PERIOD Not changing filters, and not knowing how, can lead to Mr.Murphy and his little group of gremlins, jumping up and biting you in the butt, at the most inopportune time.
Good advice from Don. I might add that depending on which Racor you have, you may also be able to fill it with fuel, and make bleeding unncessary. I can change the Racor on my S2, without bleeding anything. Not sure of the number, but it has the spin on top, wit a T handle. Just spin off the cover, pull out the old filter, and slap in new one. Fill the filter body with diesel and put the top back on. If you can do it whithout having to bleed the system, you will be way ahead of the game. Also would like to add, that you should change more often than three years, even if no problems. For the primary, I change mine every year. PERIOD Not changing filters, and not knowing how, can lead to Mr.Murphy and his little group of gremlins, jumping up and biting you in the butt, at the most inopportune time.
One of the reasons people don't change their filters
is because they're afraid of bleeding their engines. With your C30, you most likely have an M25 series engine. Don's instructions about the filter change are great and here's some direction for bleeding. It's a lot simpler than you may have thought.
is because they're afraid of bleeding their engines. With your C30, you most likely have an M25 series engine. Don's instructions about the filter change are great and here's some direction for bleeding. It's a lot simpler than you may have thought.
Universal XP 25
I have changed the fuel filter (the one on the engine itself) and had to bleed the engine after. This was fairly simple after I referred to the manual. Is the fuel shut off on the rancor filter itself ? thanks CM
I have changed the fuel filter (the one on the engine itself) and had to bleed the engine after. This was fairly simple after I referred to the manual. Is the fuel shut off on the rancor filter itself ? thanks CM
Everyone should
Everyone should change their fuel filters regularly, and be able to do it in a tight spot if necessary. And to bleed the fuel system. Remember that if it is going to crap out on you, it will more than likely happen at a very inopertune time. If you can't change the filter, and bleed the system, when it happens you will be up the proverbial creek, without the proverbial paddle. So, teach yourself how, have the knowledge to do it, and the spare filter on hand. To do otherwise, is asking for a visit from Mr. Murphy.
Everyone should change their fuel filters regularly, and be able to do it in a tight spot if necessary. And to bleed the fuel system. Remember that if it is going to crap out on you, it will more than likely happen at a very inopertune time. If you can't change the filter, and bleed the system, when it happens you will be up the proverbial creek, without the proverbial paddle. So, teach yourself how, have the knowledge to do it, and the spare filter on hand. To do otherwise, is asking for a visit from Mr. Murphy.
Is the fuel shut off on the Racor filter itself ?
No, it's usually on the fuel supply line from the fuel tank. The Racor filter assembly does not have a shut off of any kind. No rancor here.
No, it's usually on the fuel supply line from the fuel tank. The Racor filter assembly does not have a shut off of any kind. No rancor here.
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