Rebuilding fuel filter system

[tjr818]

WE are adding a Racor 500 to our CD27, Sláinte, replacing the old Fram filter. This requires quite a few brass hose barb fittings and two brass tees. Should we use pipe sealant on these fittings. That scares me. How about Teflon tape? We will be adding the filter, a shut-off valve, and a vacuum gauge. We plan on leaving the engine mounted filter in place. What is the micron rating for those replacement filters and what rating should we use for the new Racor which will be the first line of defense?

[Steve Behnke]

Sounds like one doesn't want tape on fuel line fittings because of potential for a piece coming loose. The article below describes proper sealant, although others say sealants are not needed with the Racor fittings. I'm in the process of hooking up new Racor too and plan to use 30 micron filter.


How to Properly seal Fuel Fittings and Fuel Lines
http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/us ... Fuel+Lines

[jen1722terry]

When we bought our CD 31 last summer, our suryeyor required replacement of some teflon tape on the fuel lines. We had a mechanic do the work and he used Permatex sealant.

Maybe a call to Racor would determine if sealant is required.

With our Racor and and an electric fuel pump, we had zero fuel system problems last summer bringing the boat up to Portsmouth, NH from Annapolis (120 engine hours).

Best of luck

Terry

[Gary H]

First, as you are probably aware, the Racor female inlet and outlet are straight threads, not NPT. You cannot use ordinary pipe fittings on them. No teflon tape or sealant should be used on these threads - the rubber o-ring does the sealing. Racor appears to make two different types of hose barb bronze adapters. The traditional hose barb, which I could not locate, attaches to your hose with a hose clamp. The more common Racor barb adapter has a smooth shaft with one rounded bump along the shaft. This is a clampless adapter. Using a hose clamp on this fitting will result in a leak (don't bother asking how I know this!).
You must make sure, however, that the hose you are using is compatible with clampless fittings - not all hoses are. Once you have the right type and size hose, you simply slide it on to the adapter and you are done. If you remove the hose for any reason, you should cut off the end and start with a fresh end of hose before re-installing.

If I had asked this question before installing my Racor, I could have saved a LOT of time and frustration.

[bottomscraper]

Another option is to by the adapters that Racor sells that have a male straight thread with o-ring and a female NPT thread, then you can use any hose barb or other standard pipe fitting you like. You might consider a shutoff valve on the input side so that the line doesn't drain back when you change the filter element.

Racor model numbers 911-08-F8, 911-08-F6, 911-08-F4 depending on what size pipe fitting you want. Defender and Hamilton both have them.

http://www.defender.com/


http://www.hamiltonmarine.com/

[David Morton]

My Racor 120AS has 1/4"-18 NPTF inlet and outlet fuel ports, not straight. The WFH500 has NPT ports according to Parker-Racor website. Better check the specs on the model you are buying.

David

[sharkbait]

The proper fittings can be found at any good hydraulic shop in your city.

[tjr818]

Thanks for all the advice. Now I need some more help.

It will just not be practical for me to locate the new Racor 500 below the fuel tank.
What precautions should I take? What would be advised to help prevent future problems?

I was able to get the engine mounted, secondary, filter loosened, but it was real difficult to get pliers in there. Is there a source for a spanner wrench for this filter? or does anyone have a trick for getting this filter canister off?

[sharkbait]

Install a flow-thru type electric fuel pump inline to prime the filter assy.

[tjr818]

Install a flow-thru type electric fuel pump inline to prime the filter assy.

That is what I would like to do, but I am having a real hard time finding a pump that is actually described as "Flow-Thru". Where did you get yours?
Does anyone have a source? I called Autobest and they told me that their model 12D MIGHT work

[sharkbait]

Where did you get yours?

At a diesel engine supply shop. I do not remember the model as this occurred 7 years ago. But, I will most probably go down to the boat this weekend. I will examine the pump and see if there are any identification numbers.

[tjr818]

Thanks, that would be a big help. Around here I ask for a flow through diesel pump and people look at me like I have three heads, or something. If they even wish to continue the conversation the next thing they say is "none of our pumps are approved for marine use." I say, that's okay, this is for my tractor.