[C320-list] Seeking tip on fuel filter

[Doug Treff]

I'm not trying to insult your intelligence, but are you sure you've been turning it the right way? Looking down on the filter from above, you'll be turning it clockwise to loosen. Which is counterintuitive but I've made that mistake before when working upside-down.

The screwdriver solution could be messy but it might just work and if you choose the right screwdriver, you could maybe pull it off without removing the unit from the boat.  Obviously, using this method will result in a lot of spilled diesel, and you definitely want the fuel shut off so you don't drain the tank into the bilge. Cut the bottom half of a milk jug off and place it under the filter before you attempt this and you will catch most of the fuel. Dispose of immediately, because diesel will eat the plastic jug in a few hours. Before you start, consider the direction you need to turn the filter so you can place the handle in the right direction. 

The previous owner on my boat installed a shutoff valve right before the filter to reduce spillage. Might be a good idea to install one for the future if you end up replacing the Racor housing. If you make any changes to the tubing, be sure all components you acquire are rated for diesel fuel.

Best of luck, and please let us know what you did that was successful.

--
Doug Treff
doug at treff.us

On Thu, Sep 20, 2018, at 5:04 PM, Jack Brennan wrote:
> 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 
>