Racor filter micron sizes

Mick & Denise

New Member
Mar 26, 2008
208
Eastern NC
Boat Info
1996 50 ft Sundancer
Engines
3176 Cats 600hp
Can anyone tell me what size micron element I should use in 3176 Cats? I have 2 Racors prior to the secondary spin on that is mounted on the engine. They come in 30, 10, and 2 micron. Is the first a 30 and then a 10 or both 30? Or both 10? Thanks for any help.
 
I'm running 10's in my 3126's, I believe your spin on's should be 2's. I've heard Frank say that 30's are adequate, he will probably chime in.
 
I don't think Frank (I am guessing you are talking about Frank W) ever said 30's are OK. I believe most of us are of the 10 primary and 2 secondary school. I'm sure we'll hear from Frank W if I mis-stated his thoughts.
 
I am using 30 micron in my Racor primary and 2 micron in my on-engine CAT secondary.
 
Last edited:
Mick...I just reread your initial post. You say that you have two Racors prior to your on-engine filter. I don't have the double Racors, I have singles. Most folks from what I've read, when they have the doubles, usually run the same size filters in both housings. They also usually run on one filter at the time and leave the other in the ready as a quick change over in case a filter clogs while out running.
 
Thanks for all the advise. I will use the 30 on the Racors. I did not know that having 2 racors per engine that 1 was used as a spare. I will have to check the piping. There is a valve between them. I do know the fuel in one is darker than the other. Thanks Wes for the links. Very informative.
 
Folks who actually have the doubles can give you a more definitive answer, but my understanding is that you have a choice to run them in parallel or run them single.....but you can't run them in series....unless of course someone changed the plumbing.....
 
I did find a faded valve selection decal. I can either run thru the left or right or both depending on the valve setting. Thanks for all the input.
 
Dont forget the off position, left, right, both and off. The darker side is dirty. I run 1 and keep 1 as back up. Run both, pick up some bad fuel and your done, clean out 3 filter time on each side.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
112,950
Messages
1,422,906
Members
60,933
Latest member
juliediane
Back
Top