Elbows on Racor fuel/water separator? +Splashwell location

Sunbeam · Posted: Mon Mar 25, 2013 7:56 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the photo - I wouldn't have thought to put it that high/aft, so it's good to see it there (and know that you have had success). I can see why you moved it out of the lazarette proper - I don't think I'd want it in there either.

I realize now that I haven't really asked the most basic question, which is how often does one actually interact with the fuel filter? In the past I've only used the drop-in type Racors, and there were two so one could just switch over and then deal with any issue later (when there was time to open hatches, etc.).

So... two factors I'm just guessing on:

1) How often will I be likely to interact with it, once it's installed? I mean, beyond visually looking at the bowl.

2) How much of a bear is it to get the spin-on filter to "spin off" the housing? I know from reading that getting the bowl off the filter is Angry

, but that can presumably be done out in the open after the filter is off the housing.

Sunbeam

mgarr682 · Posted: Mon Mar 25, 2013 9:32 pm Post subject:

Sunbeam · Posted: Mon Mar 25, 2013 9:40 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the photo and your thoughts. Very helpful. That looks like the same filter I have, too.

Sunbeam

thataway · Posted: Mon Mar 25, 2013 9:50 pm Post subject:

I check the water in the bowl of the Racor at least once a month, by opening the drain. If I am am starting on a long trip, I will do it on each leg. I use a plastic bowl which fits under the drain and let what is in the bottom drain out.

colobear · Posted: Mon Mar 25, 2013 11:04 pm Post subject:

I change the filter about every 100 hours, visually inspect it before starting the engines. I've only had to drain water from the bowl once in over 1000 hours of engine operation. I put a pretty good lubricant on the "O" rings, therads and mating surfaces but it is still a little hard to get the filter off the head. I carry a strap wrench on board for that purpose and a spare filter in a vacuum sealed bag in the port lazarette. (They seem to work very well keeping moisture sensitive things, i.e. in line fuel filters, dry)

Sunbeam · Posted: Mon Mar 25, 2013 11:09 pm Post subject:

I'm so glad I asked. In addition to getting answers to my specific questions, I'm getting a bunch of other good tips (that I'll put to use). What a great forum Thumbs Up

Sunbeam

Robert H. Wilkinson · Posted: Sat Mar 30, 2013 1:37 pm Post subject:

Sunbeam, I was just looking over Sea Wolf's photo album - check out his pics # 44 and 45. They show my idea of putting a shutoff valve behind the quick connect fitting.

Regards, Rob