Racor 120 R-Rac-01 gas and water filter

spuncopper

Hey gang. I just finished changing the filter element for a Racor 120Rac-01. The element part number S3240. Basically an easy project except, the plastic element bowl would not unscrew. I figured #1. Gotta be done. So if I end up destroying the bowl it can be replaced. #2. Have some fun and see why it won't unscrew.

I hacksawed through the old filter as close to the shoulder as I could. A close inspection showed I could now hacksaw just above the bowl lip. Once I had done this I used just a hacksaw blade and notched the threaded part of the filter element in two places. I used a flat blade screw driver to knock the notch out. The rest of the threaded plastic from the filter peeled out.

I used fine emery paper to clean up the "O" ring seat and any feathered plastic from the hacksaw. I then cleaned everything with mineral spirits and now had a useable and salvaged element bowl. Put everything together and checked for leaks. It worked.

Just thought I'd pass this along in case there are others out there where marine stores are not within easy distances. Be safe and boat safe. :lol:

thataway · Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2014 6:33 pm Post subject:

Good idea. How long had it been between filter changes? Also did you lubricate the gasket when you put in the new element?

spuncopper · Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2014 7:23 pm Post subject: Racor

It was changed a little over a year ago. After I cleaned everything up I "lubed" it with a very thin coat of petroleum jelly (Vaseline). The last time it was changed it was done at a marina so I don't know if a lube, if any, was used.

thataway · Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2014 3:29 pm Post subject:

Good, putting some grease on the rubber gaskets, is always a very good idea--recommended by Racor. I use a silicone grease. If your filter has other "O" rings they should be changed at the same time, along with a small amount of grease.