Why are spin on filters not more popular?

[robertsapp]

I'm considering options for a filter upgrade. My primary filter is presently a Racor 110A. I know everyone recommends the Racor 500 turbine, but the 50 gallon per hour rating seems a bit excessive since I burn less than 50 gallons a year, and I don't think the amount of flow my 3GM30F will pull will be enough to make the turbine feature even work. The price seems right on a spin on like the Racor 220, but I get the feeling they're not widely liked. Why is that? Is there some substantial problem I'm not seeing since I haven't lived with one?

 

[Ron McCoy]

A spin-on filter is fine for your set up. The downside of spin-on filters is that they're messy to change unless you have good access to them and you can easily mop up the fuel spill that will inevidently occur. Although the spin-ons tend to be more expensive then drop-in filters. The up-side to the Racor 500 and 900s is they're slightly cheaper per filter and the ease of changing the filters by removing the top lid while most of the fuel stays inside the bowl. Don't worry about which type you use; as long as you change the filter on a regular basis, the installation setup is easy for you to use and you're not having fuel related problems. Racor products are all designed for quality so no need to worry about an inferior product.

 

[seadaddler]

500

I have added a 500 racor in front of my spin on what I think is a 220 Racor and find the 500 so much better in checking it with the see through drain and changing is so easy no mesh and cheaper price of the filter part.
Nick

 

[Steve Dion]

Robert:

I also had a Racor 110. This filter is really not adequate for diesel. It does not have a water seperator.

I just removed mine and installed two Racor 120's. It is setup so I can switch between filters without shutting down the engine. I purchased the 120's through ebay for about $75 each.

 

[Rick Sylvester]

It's not about the flow rate

It's about how much filter media 'real estate' you have to plug up before your engine quits. The 500 series has much more media and will 'swallow' much more crap before giving it up.

Along that same line of thinking I'd also recommend a vacuum gauge so you're more likely to be aware that the filter is reaching that point. The newest ones from Racor (for their 500) has a drag pointer so that after you've shut down you can still check for the highest vacuum reading it registered.

Being able to change the element without a big mess is certainly a nice bonus.

 

[Honeyman]

What they said Robert...its a cost issue and space available issue. Unfortunately, Hunter, like most any mass produced sailboat mfg. will opt for the least expensive unit that will get the job done. Had the 110A on my previous 28.5 and switched it to the 120AS. Actually still have a 110A on my 35.5 and I'm looking at twin 120s or a 500.

 

[Dan Johnson]

No one's mentioned...

another benefit of the 500 is that you can change a 500's filter without having to bleed air out of the system. Still, my Racor 220 is more than adequate on my 3GM30F. I use a Racor vacuum gage to tell me when it needs changing.

 

[Steve Walsh]

Steve, I have drained some water from my primary 110a filter. Just did a quick seach and every website I looked at selling the 110a, including Racor, indicates the 110a does have the water seperation feature. While the next size up would provide more filtration area, the smaller size fit perfectly in the area available. My diesel only burns about 1/3 gal/hour, so the 15 gal/hour rating is good. If was offshore a lot, I would want a dual filter setup like you have. Here is a link to the 110a specs: http://www.shopwiki.com/_Racor+110A...arator+for+Gas+or+Diesel?o=252237250&s=747642&