Sylvie Willis
Parker Hannifin's Racor line is the market leader in primary fuel filters for powerboats. The Racor Fuel Filter/Water Separator Pump Systems are available in several configurations. The Racor Fuel Polisher, for instance, removes contamination from the fuel tank. The Turbine Series retrofit Fuel Primer Pump Kit is another offering designed for marine, genset, and mobile applications. Draining Racor fuel filters is a common maintenance task. The process involves opening the drain plug to release water and fuel from the filter. Some users recommend attaching a drain hose with a shut-off valve, while others suggest using a glass jar to collect the drained fluid and disposing of it properly. Keeping the fuel tanks full is recommended to prevent water ingress.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel filter type | Racor spin-on fuel filters |
| Drain process | Open the drain plug at the bottom of the filter |
| Shut off fuel intake? | No, to avoid getting air in the lines |
| What comes out? | Water, fuel, and contaminants |
| How to collect | Use a glass jar, Ziploc bag, or drain hose |
| Disposal | Let the mixture settle, then dispose of water/gas suspension properly |
| Water prevention | Keep fuel tanks full to prevent condensation |
| Filter replacement | Replace if water is corroding internal parts |
| Filter cost | Retail under $80 |
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What You'll Learn
Draining Racor fuel filters: do you need to shut off the fuel intake?
To drain Racor fuel filters, you should open the drain plug at the bottom. It is not necessary to shut off the fuel intake when draining Racor fuel filters. In fact, doing so may cause air to enter the lines, so it is recommended to keep the fuel intake open for easier flow.
When the drain plug is opened, water, muck, and fuel will be released. It is recommended to place a glass jar underneath the drain plug to collect the fluid. Once clear fuel starts to come out, the valve can be shut. Any spillage should be cleaned up, and the jar should be left to rest for a few minutes to allow the fuel and water to separate. The water and gas suspension in the jar must then be properly disposed of.
If there is a large amount of fluid, it can be sucked out with a baster and put back into the tank. Alternatively, a drain hose can be connected when draining the filter, but it is not advisable to rely on a shutoff valve to control the flow.
To prevent water from entering the fuel tank, it is recommended to keep the fuel tanks full. Warm, moist air enters the tank through the vent during the day, and at night, the temperature drop leads to dew formation. Keeping the tanks full eliminates the presence of air and condensation.
Regularly draining Racor fuel filters is important to prevent water and crud build-up, which can lead to corrosion and other issues.
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How to drain water from Racor fuel filters
To drain water from Racor fuel filters, you must first locate the drain plug at the bottom of the filter. Place a bucket, jar, or Ziploc bag underneath the drain plug to collect the fluid.
Next, loosen the drain plug. You do not need to remove it entirely; simply loosen it enough to allow fluid to drain out. Water will come out first, followed by fuel. Once you see clear fuel start to come out, tighten the drain plug back up.
Dispose of the contents of the bucket, jar, or Ziploc bag properly. If there is a large amount of fluid, you can suck it out with a baster and put the fuel back into the tank. Allow any remaining fluid to evaporate.
It is important to keep your fuel tanks full to prevent water from getting in. Warm, moist air enters the tank through the vent during the day, and at night, the temperature drops, forming dew. This process repeats, eventually leading to water in the fuel.
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How often should Racor fuel filters be drained?
The frequency with which Racor fuel filters should be drained depends on several factors, including the frequency of use, operating conditions, and the level of contamination in the fuel. While there is no definitive answer to how often they should be drained, some general guidelines and best practices can be followed.
For boat owners, it is recommended to drain Racor fuel filters after each trip or periodically to ensure that any water or contamination that has built up at the bottom of the tank is removed. This is especially important if there has been a known issue with water intrusion into the tank, as water can cause corrosion and damage to the engine. Keeping the fuel tanks full can help prevent water intrusion, as condensation forms when warm, moist air enters the tank through the vent during the day, and dew forms at night due to dropping temperatures.
The Racor fuel filter's design includes a clear plastic bowl or bottom, allowing for easy visual inspection of its contents. This feature enables boat owners to monitor the presence of water or contamination and make informed decisions about draining the filter. When draining, it is essential to use a glass jar or container to collect the fluid, as it will contain a mixture of water, fuel, and possibly other substances. The water and fuel can be separated by allowing the mixture to rest for a few minutes, and any fuel can be returned to the tank, while the water and other substances must be properly disposed of.
In addition to draining the Racor fuel filter, it is also important to maintain and replace the filter itself periodically. As the filter accumulates particulates, the vacuum gradually increases, which can affect engine performance and cause air to enter the system. Therefore, boat owners should carefully replace the O-rings with new ones provided with each new filter to prevent air from entering through small openings.
By following these guidelines and regularly inspecting, draining, and maintaining their Racor fuel filters, boat owners can help ensure the optimal performance of their engines and avoid potential issues caused by water intrusion and filter clogging.
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What to do with the gas/water mixture after draining Racor fuel filters
Water intrusion in fuel tanks is a common problem in boats and powerboats. Warm, moist air enters the tank through the vent during the day, and at night, when the temperature drops, dew forms. This process repeats, eventually resulting in water intrusion. To prevent water intrusion, it is recommended to keep fuel tanks full, leaving no room for air and condensation.
Water intrusion can cause several problems, including rust, abrasion, pitting, microbial growth, and damage to the injection system, which can prevent the engine from starting. Therefore, it is essential to drain Racor fuel filters regularly and properly dispose of the water/gas mixture.
When draining Racor fuel filters, it is common for both water and fuel to come out. One way to collect the mixture is by placing a glass jar under the bottom drain and opening the valve. The water and muck will come out first, followed by clear fuel. Once you see the clear fuel, shut the valve and clean up any spills. Allow the jar to rest for a few minutes, and the line between the fuel and water will become clear.
If it is a small amount of liquid, you can let the gas evaporate, and then properly dispose of the remaining water. For larger amounts, you can use an old baster to suck out the gas and return it to the tank. It is important to note that fuel filters must be shielded and able to withstand high temperatures, so using a hose to collect the mixture is not recommended.
Some Racor fuel filters have a clear plastic bottom and a drain plug, allowing for easy visual inspection of the water level. If water is present, simply loosen the drain plug to release it.
It is important to be mindful of pollution fines and proper disposal methods when dealing with the water/gas mixture. Always follow local regulations and guidelines for disposing of hazardous waste.
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How to prevent water from getting into Racor fuel filters
To prevent water from getting into Racor fuel filters, it is recommended to keep the fuel tanks full. Warm, moist air enters the tank through the vent during the day, and at night, when the temperature drops, dew forms. This process repeats, and before you know it, there is water in the fuel. Keeping the fuel tanks full leaves no room for air, preventing condensation.
Upgrading to a water separator filter with a clear plastic bottom and a drain plug is also a good idea. With the clear plastic bottom, you can check at any time for water. If you see water, simply loosen the drain plug, and the water is gone.
Another way to prevent water from getting into the Racor fuel filter is to polish the fuel. This involves engaging someone to 'polish' or clean the fuel if you are concerned about the condition of the tank.
Additionally, it is standard practice to drain the Racor filter after each trip to ensure that more water has not stirred up from the bottom of the tank.
Finally, using a clear plastic bag or a Ziploc bag to wrap around the filter can help to avoid spillage and see the water, fuel, and gunk clearly.
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Frequently asked questions
To drain your Racor fuel filter, you can loosen the drain plug at the bottom of the clear bowl. Place a bucket or jar underneath to collect the fluid. You will get water and fuel until the filter is mostly drained.
No, do not shut off the fuel intake to avoid getting air in the lines and allow for an easier flow.
If you do not see gas floating on water, dump the fuel back into the boat tank. Otherwise, you will have to properly dispose of the water/gas suspension.
It is recommended to drain your Racor fuel filter after each trip to ensure that more water hasn't stirred up from the bottom of the tank.
If you suspect water in the gas, you can usually spot it through the clear bowl filters. Additionally, if you start to lose RPM or performance while running at cruising speed, it could be due to a clogged filter.
