[C320-list] Seeking tip on fuel filter

[Jack Brennan]

Thanks, Mark.

Actually, both pieces. Everything is welded together.

I do have a shutoff near the tank that I found in other explorations of the 
boat. First thing I did because the filter is so low.

Which Racor 215 did you buy? There seems to be several -- the 2, 10,30, etc. 
I tried calling the Racor store a while ago for an explanation, but they 
were closed for the day.

My plan is to do a full push in the morning with your suggestions, then 
order a new one overnighted if it breaks.

Jack Brennan
Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320
Tierra Verde, Fl.
Dolphin Cruising Club of Tampa Bay




-----Original Message----- 
From: Mark Seyler
Sent: Thursday, September 20, 2018 4:42 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Seeking tip on fuel filter

Jack,

I'm not sure which pieces you're trying to separate: There is a metal 
spin-on head that is bolted to the boat, then a filter element spins on to 
that, then a plastic cap on the bottom of the filter element, to collect 
water below the filter element.

If the problem is the plastic cap, the one on my model 215 Racor has plastic 
ridges that stick out from the round cap.  I put the plastic cap between the 
jaws of my workmate folding work bench (they open and close like a vise). 
If tightened until they just touch the ridges on the plastic cap, the 
workmate holds the plastic cap still enough, and in an open enough location, 
that I can then use a filter wrench to remove the filter element.  You could 
probably do the same thing by making a jig out of two strips of wood the 
right distance apart, glued or screwed on top of a two-by-six plank.  If 
that didn't work, I'd contact Racor (now part of Parker-Hannifin Corp) and 
see if they would sell you just the plastic cap, and put it on a new filter 
element.

If your problem is getting the filter element and plastic cap off the metal 
head that bolts in the engine compartment, I can only suggest removing the 
entire assembly from the boat and bolt it onto a two-by-four to give you 
some leverage where you can get at the assembly.  (Be sure to shut-off the 
fuel-in line first.  My #232 has a shut-off valve in-line, but if you don't 
have one, this might be a good time to add one.)  Once it's out in the open 
you could conceivably drive a screwdriver through the side of the filter 
element to get some leverage on it.  If that tore the sheet-metal cover off 
the filter element, it would expose the bottom of the more substantial metal 
end that screws onto the head, and you could put some PB Blaster on the 
threads to loosen it.

I wound up completely replacing my Racor system because the old one kept 
dripping diesel.  I bought the whole assembly from Defender Marine.  At some 
point, the cost of the new Racor assembly could be less than the aggravation 
of trying to save the old one.

Good luck.

Mark Seyler
S/V Reality,
Catalina 320, #232
New Orleans, LA



-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf 
Of Jack Brennan
Sent: Thursday, September 20, 2018 2:49 PM
To: C320-list at catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Seeking tip on fuel filter

The latest challenge on my new-to-me 320 is the fuel filter, believe it or 
not.

It is a Racor 215 series, probably stock, with the twist-on filter. If it 
has ever been changed in 20 years, it has not been for a long time. I have 
tried everything to separate the filter from the cap.

Bare hands. A filter wrench. Other wrenches. Nothing works. It’s like it was 
super-glued together.

I’m thinking I may need to buy a new one online (of course, there are none 
locally). But I’m wondering whether anyone has a tip for me to solve this 
puzzle.

Thanks in advance.

Jack Brennan
Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320, No. 528
Tierra Verde, Fl.
Dolphin Cruising Club of Tampa Bay

---
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
https://www.avast.com/antivirus