[C320-list] Changing the Racor Filter

[Robert Seastream]

I just changed the Racor on my 2002.  There are two fittings on the  
filter assembly (what the filter screws into) top.  One accepts a flat  
screwdriver and is apparently for bleeding the Racor; the other has a  
'star' shape to it, which is apparently the 'pump'.  Unscrew the  
'star' fitting (might need needle nose pliers to start it) and you'll  
be able to pump fuel from the tank into the Racor.  BTW, on the bottom  
side of the filter 'bowl' you'll find two fittings.  One is to drain  
just water from the bowl, the other is to drain water and fuel from  
the bowl completely.  Should you change your Racor, beware that it  
takes quite some time to purge air from the fuel lines.  Your diesel  
won't run properly/at all until all air is purged.  As a first timer,  
it took me an hour to change the Racor filter, and two hours to purge  
all air from the system.  All the while thinking 'my wife's gonna kill  
me if I can't get this engine started after mucking with it.'  I've  
yet to change the secondary filter mounted on the engine.  Both are  
two (2) micron filters, so I'm sure the Racor will catch any nasties  
until I can change the secondary filter.  My thanks to Jeff Hare for  
taking my call on a Saturday.  You'd think he'd nothing to do but  
answer my questions.

Bob Seastream
Intuition # 906


On May 25, 2010, at 10:44 AM, Brad Kuether wrote:

> All these years.........
>
> I had no idea.
>
> That will make things a lot easier.
>
> -Brad, Mary, Monica, and Jarod
> "Independence"
> 2004 Catalina 320 Hull 1006
> Middle River, MD
> ----- Original Message ----- From: <sail-ability at sympatico.ca>
> To: <c320-list at catalina320.com>
> Sent: Tuesday, May 25, 2010 9:00 AM
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Changing the Racor Filter
>
>
>
> I will send photos but it is a white serated knob in the middle top  
> of the filter housing and you should be able to loosen it with your  
> fingers, it has fairly long threaded portion on it so don't get  
> discouraged. It will pull out a couple of inches sort of like the  
> pumps on the old Coleman stoves, and it works pretty slick.
>
> Cheers
>
> JohnM
>
>
>
>> From: bkuether at comcast.net
>> To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
>> Date: Mon, 24 May 2010 20:26:49 -0400
>> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Changing the Racor Filter
>>
>> I have had two racor's and have NEVER seen this! Can you send a  
>> picture or
>> diagram? Are you sure its on a stock filter assembly or one of them  
>> there
>> fancy ones!?!?!?!?!?
>>
>> -Brad, Mary, Monica, and Jarod
>> "Independence"
>> 2004 Catalina 320 Hull 1006
>> Middle River, MD
>> ----- Original Message ----- From: <sail-ability at sympatico.ca>
>> To: <c320-list at catalina320.com>
>> Sent: Monday, May 24, 2010 8:02 PM
>> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Changing the Racor Filter
>>
>>
>>
>> I just changed the Racor filter on hull #574 and you don't need to  
>> put
>> anything into the new filter. The Racor body has a small hand pump  
>> on it and
>> once everything is assembled all you need to do is unscrew the pump  
>> handle
>> and pump away and fuel will be sucked from the tank into the filter
>> assembly. This will also bleed the secondary engine filter if you  
>> have
>> changed that as well.
>>
>> Cheers
>>
>> JohnM
>>
>> > To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
>> > From: conneelythomas at aol.com
>> > Date: Mon, 24 May 2010 03:56:30 -0400
>> > Subject: Re: [C320-list] Changing the Racor Filter
>> >
>> >
>> > I WOULD CHANGE # 11. I REFILL THE FILTER WITH TRANSMISSION FLUID.  
>> IT IS
>> > EASER TO HANDLE AND WILL CLEAN THE INJECTORS. ( OLD TRUCK  
>> MECHANIC > TRICK)
>> > TOM 916
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > -----Original Message-----
>> > From: Jon Vez <jonvez at comcast.net>
>> > To: C320-List <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
>> > Sent: Sat, May 15, 2010 4:52 pm
>> > Subject: Re: [C320-list] Changing the Racor Filter
>> >
>> >
>> > I use this approach except for the #2. I simply use a gallon zip  
>> lock > bag
>> > nd place it around the racor. Twist it off and let the bag catch  
>> the
>> > uel....
>> > -----Original Message-----
>> > rom: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
>> > mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Brad  
>> > Kuether
>> > ent: Saturday, May 15, 2010 9:28 AM
>> > o: C320-List at Catalina320.com
>> > ubject: Re: [C320-list] Changing the Racor Filter
>> > Easy.
>> > 1. Shut off the fuel. Port rear access, look on top of the fuel  
>> tank
>> > owards the front. - is on + is off.
>> > . Find a container. I use a small aluminum baking pan 3X6 and  
>> mold it to
>> > it under the Racor.
>> > . Get some paper towels a strategically position them around the  
>> pan to
>> > ake sure fuel doesn't get to the wick hole.
>> > . Twist off the entire unit, (Easier) and drop it into the pan.
>> > . Move it out and tip the contents of the racor into another  
>> container, > or
>> > ame container whatever you want to do.
>> > . Clean up the racor head with paper towels making sure all the  
>> fuel and
>> > whatever" is off.
>> > . Take the racor assembly topside and disconnect the bowl from  
>> the > filter.
>> > . Clean out the bowl.
>> > . Re-assemble. Be sure to use both new gaskets.
>> > 0. Put a thin layer of diesel on both gaskets.
>> > 1. Fill with fresh diesel fuel.
>> > 2. Screw the new filter back on the racor head.
>> > 3. Cleanup all traces of diesel in the work area.
>> > 4. Bleed, start, check for leaks.
>> > -Brad, Mary, Monica, and Jarod
>> > Independence"
>> > 004 Catalina 320 Hull 1006
>> > iddle River, MD
>> >
>> > ---- Original Message ----- > rom: "Max Ruddy" <maxruddy at gmail.com>
>> > o: <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
>> > ent: Friday, May 14, 2010 10:31 PM
>> > ubject: Re: [C320-list] Changing the Racor Filter
>> >
>> > ello Everyone:
>> > Can anyone give me some basic advice for changing the Racor  
>> filter? > Also,
>> > hould the fluid in the clear bottom cup be drained periodically.  
>> How do
>> > ou re-prime the system, and is this necessary?
>> > Thanks for your help in advance.
>> > Max
>> > ail La Vie
>> > illon, Colorado
>> > 270
>> >
>> >
>> >
>>
>>
>>
>
>