Racor 500 Heat Sheild necessary?

[dtfeld]

I serviced the fuel system this week, all new Racor filters and secondaries on the generator and engines.

The generator Racor is very difficult to service due to its location. The drain plug is a 2 wrench operation, and I tried for an hour to drain it. I finally decided to add a quick drain plug (Racor Part # 30488). However, the heat shield is not compatable with this system, and I left it off.

Do I need the heat shield? What about the engine racors. None of these filters are close to anything heat generating, and are only subject to the ambient engine room temp. If I dont need the heat shields, I'm going to install the quick drain system on all 3 racors.

 

[my3sons]

I changed to mini ball valves a few years ago. really handy and keep the heat shields.
You can kind of see them in this pic below. 6 or 7 dollars at Graingers or a fluid/pneumatics shop.

 

[dtfeld]

The Racor manual shows a brass/bronze valve with a cap on the outlet. However, I ordered that part number and I received the plastic version shown above. Not sure if this is the new and improved option?

I like this version for the genny, just not the main engines, and will likely add the brass valves. I think Coast Guard Requires a cap to be installed when not being serviced, so the wing drains arent enough.

 

[Robski97]

U don't need the heat shield . I installed small pet cocks in stead of the plug.

Rob

 

[NotHerDecision]

You don’t need the heat shields. I removed mine as well. Much easier to see and service.

 

[my3sons]

The Racor manual shows a brass/bronze valve with a cap on the outlet. However, I ordered that part number and I received the plastic version shown above. Not sure if this is the new and improved option?

I like this version for the genny, just not the main engines, and will likely add the brass valves. I think Coast Guard Requires a cap to be installed when not being serviced, so the wing drains arent enough.

I know it's not that good of a picture, the original brass plugs are in the bottom of the ball valve.

 

[dtfeld]

Good to know...thanks!

 

[BlueYonder]

Coast Guard Regulations state:

H-33.5.6

All individual components of the fuel system, as installed in the boat, shall be capable of withstanding a 2-1/2 minute exposure to free burning fuel (N-Heptane), or No. 2 diesel fuel without leakage, when tested in accordance with Title 33 CFR, Section 183.590, Fire Test.

These filters will not meet Coast Guard or ABYC standards without the heat shield installed.

 

[NotHerDecision]

The new racor units don’t even have the heat shields. Do you think the new bowls meet the requirement maybe?

 

[dtfeld]

I

Coast Guard Regulations state:

H-33.5.6

All individual components of the fuel system, as installed in the boat, shall be capable of withstanding a 2-1/2 minute exposure to free burning fuel (N-Heptane), or No. 2 diesel fuel without leakage, when tested in accordance with Title 33 CFR, Section 183.590, Fire Test.

These filters will not meet Coast Guard or ABYC standards without the heat shield installed.

I think that settles it...I’ll go with the brass valve/cap combo and reinstall heat shields. Not worth it to me not to have them in place.

I was thinking they were there in case they were installed close to an exhaust component or something that might cause an unacceptable fuel temp rise in the bowls.