advice about changing Raycor filter

[colobear]

I am in the preventative maintenance mode and am looking into changing the Raycor filter on C-Cakes. The engines have less than 200 hours and are doing fine but I wonder whether I should routinely change that filter and am not sure about how to do it. When looking at the filter today (with head cranked over sideways to see into the recesses of the starboard lazarette) the bowl appears to be full of fuel as it should but how would I change the filter without dumping a cup or so of fuel inside the lazarette? And, should I carry a spare filter along with the other backup supplies in the toolbox? And...and, is there a way to visually determine if there is water in the bowl along with the fuel. With fuel to the top of the bowl I can't see any separation.

Thanks.

 

[thataway]

If there is water, you will see a distinct line of separation. Yes, you should definately change your Racor now. You might get 400 hours, but 200 hours is doing very well. Yes. You should always carry a spare fuel filter--or maybe several. I also have a course filter in front of the racor to both protect the fuel flow transducer and to catch any large particles that might get in the tank/line.

You put a "cool whip" container under the racor when you unscrew the top of the filter. Most likely you will not spill any fuel. Also you might want to put a fuel "diaper"--like you carry and put around the fill when you take on gas...under the area when you are working on the filter. I like to put fuel into the filter, but not all of the way full before putting in the new filter. I remove the bowl after I have taken the filter off--and I discard any fuel in the bowl and filter.

There is more likely to be problems as more service stations go to the higher ethanol fuels. Using Startron (Soltron) or another additative, may help with this. I also like to put in fuel stabalizer if I am not going to use the fuel for a month or so.

 

[colobear]

Thanks. In looking through the library forums I found the Fuel systems thread and it answered many of my questions but new knowledgeable input is always welcome. Hope to see you out here in the PNW soon.

 

[Dreamer]

Speaking of fuel filters, does anyone have the Racor part number that replaces the Honda fuel filter element used on the 150s? We're coming up on 100 hours and want to have some spares available while cruising. Bad gas can pop up anywhere.

 

[teflonmom]

Hi,

Just a note. I drain a little fuel from the racor before I remove it from the boat. Loosen with the filter wrench and then spin off carefully by hand and you should not spill a drop.

Last fall I had a real hard time removing the clear bottom from the Racor. I finally got it off useing two filter wrenches. I reassembled it gently and used oil on the gaskets. Hope it makes the job easier the next time.

Fred, Pat, and Mr. Grey (the cat)

 

[DaveS]

Hi Barry,
I'm thinking that your Water/Fuel Seperator is mounted the same as mine. (Under the starboard lazzarette with the drain only about 3/4 inch above my starboard fuel tank). Because of this mounting location, I'm unable to capture fuel draining out of the drain valve and certainly unable to visualize if there is water in the sediment bowl. What does work for me however is to unscrew the filter and bowl as one unit, then I'm able to make the looong reeeeeach with the filter and bowl to the rear of the lazarette and then pass it up through the lazarette rear opening to my other hand without spilling much. I can then inspect the bowl for water/sediment intrusion. Certainly not convenient but it works. I've considered moving it to a more accessible location as I see others have done, however, it is certainly "well protected" from the elements in its' current location.
Dave S.