replacing racor filters

Firemedic181

Firemedic181

Active Member
Aug 5, 2021
229
MacRay Harbor
Boat Info
2000 510 Sundancer
Engines
Cat 3196's
Hello and when you replace your Racor fuel filters do you add diesel fuel to the canisters or just remove and replace filter?
Also do you drain the bowl every time you replace the filters?
This is my first diesel boat so just trying to start out doing the jobs correctly.
 
Firemedic181 said:
Hello and when you replace your Racor fuel filters do you add diesel fuel to the canisters or just remove and replace filter?
Also do you drain the bowl every time you replace the filters?
This is my first diesel boat so just trying to start out doing the jobs correctly.
Click to expand...

I was taught to top off the bowl with diesel after replacing the filter to keep air out of the system and always have done it that way without any problems. I only drain the bowl when I see deposits in there, I have been using the Frank's treat every ounce of fuel method found here on CSR for several seasons now; so it is very rare to find any deposits in the bowl. When I first got the boat I had to change the filters and flush the bowl with fresh fuel about every 25-30 hours.
 
If you have the 900 series Racors, the plug in the bottom of the drain plug is really difficult to remove without breaking the seal of the big nut. Ask me how I know. I am in the process of adding Parker-Racor 1/4 turn cock valves to the big drain nut where the little plug goes. Doing so causes me to completely drain the Racor to remove the plug and the heat shield. Gives you a good opportunity to clean the bowl. Since you're there, replace the O-ring and gasket for the big nut/plug. Then, in the future, you can just drain a small bit out of the Racor through the cock valve and you should be good.

To answer your original question, as @Mjresq4 said, yes, add diesel to the top after replacing the filter. Sometimes it is more convenient to purchase diesel from a gas station rather that trying to ease a couple of gallons into a portable tank at your marina fuel dock. Road diesel is yellow-ish in color. Not a problem adding it to your racor.

Jaybeaux
 
I usually plan my filter change when my fuel tanks are pretty full. Take the old filter out, put new filter in, then use the fuel line feed valve to fill it back up, re-install top cover. Don't have to be topping off by pouring out of small container that way.
 
Do your self a favor and put in valves for the drain, also put in plugs at the bottom of the valves. But this allow you to drain as needed and also put a drain hose on to catch the diesel.

Yes, USCG states no valves, but if it is tightly plugged there can't be a difference, right?
 
@Jaybeaux what size drain cock did you order? I like your idea.
 
Woody said:
I usually plan my filter change when my fuel tanks are pretty full. Take the old filter out, put new filter in, then use the fuel line feed valve to fill it back up, re-install top cover. Don't have to be topping off by pouring out of small container that way.
Click to expand...
I literally just finished changing the racors today….. I tried this back filling thing….it didn’t work for either the gen or mains….. had diesel so poured it in
 
Firemedic181 said:
Thanks all for the replies, I will be doing this this weekend
Click to expand...
If like my boat your filters will be mounted below the fuel tank top. I keep my fuel tanks full and I can fill the the filters by cracking the filter selection valve open when the lids are off. This isn't a great view but you can see the filter and fuel tank in the background.
IMG_7255.jpg
 
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