Draining The Racor R120p Fuel Filter: A Step-By-Step Guide

how to drain the racor r120p fuel filter

The Racor R120P fuel filter is a replacement filter element in the Racor Spin-on Series, designed to repel water and remove solid contaminants from fuel. The filter features a reusable clear plastic or metal contaminant collection bowl with a self-venting drain for draining out collected contaminants and water. Draining the Racor fuel filter involves opening the drain plug at the bottom, which releases water and fuel from the unit.

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Opening the drain plug

To drain the Racor R120P fuel filter, you must first open the drain plug at the bottom. It is recommended that you engage someone to 'polish' the fuel if you are concerned about the condition of the tank. This is because fuel left in the tank can cause engine damage.

To open the drain plug, you will need to locate it at the bottom of the filter. The drain plug is typically a small, round plug that can be unscrewed by hand or with a screwdriver. Once the drain plug is located, you can turn it counterclockwise to unscrew it and open the drain.

When opening the drain plug, it is important to place a container underneath to catch the drained fuel and water mixture. One suggestion is to use a one-quart glass canning jar, as it allows you to see the fuel and water mixture. You should also be aware that opening the drain plug may release a small amount of fuel, so it is important to take the necessary precautions to avoid any spills or accidents.

Additionally, there is a discussion among users about whether the fuel intake should be shut off when opening the drain plug. Some suggest that only water will drain from the plug, while others suggest that fuel may also come out until the unit is empty. It is recommended to use a drain hose with a shut-off valve to make the process easier and control the flow of the fuel and water mixture.

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Shutting off fuel intake

To start the process of draining the Racor R120P fuel filter, it is important to shut off the fuel intake. This is a crucial first step to ensure that the draining process is safe and effective. Here are some detailed instructions on how to shut off the fuel intake:

Locate the Fuel Intake Valve: Begin by locating the fuel intake valve on your Racor R120P fuel filter. This valve controls the flow of fuel into the filter and needs to be shut off before draining.

Turn Off the Fuel Supply: Before shutting off the fuel intake valve, you must turn off the fuel supply. This can be done by locating the fuel supply valve or cock, which is usually near the fuel tank or the engine. Turning this valve clockwise will shut off the fuel supply, ensuring that no more fuel enters the system.

Shut Off the Fuel Intake Valve: Once the fuel supply is turned off, you can now close the fuel intake valve on the Racor R120P fuel filter. Make sure to turn it completely off by rotating it clockwise until it is fully closed. This will prevent any fuel from entering the filter during the draining process.

Double-Check Valves: After shutting off both the fuel supply and the fuel intake valves, double-check to ensure they are fully closed. This step is important to prevent any accidental fuel flow during drainage.

Prepare for Draining: With the fuel intake successfully shut off, you can now prepare for the next steps in the draining process. Refer to specific instructions for draining your Racor R120P fuel filter, as there may be additional steps or variations depending on your setup. For example, the removal of water and contaminants from the filter.

By following these steps, you can effectively shut off the fuel intake on your Racor R120P fuel filter, making it safe to proceed with the draining procedure. Remember to exercise caution when handling fuel and always ensure proper ventilation during the process.

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Draining water and junk

First, locate the drain plug at the bottom of the fuel filter. This is where the water and contaminants are collected. It is recommended to place a drain pan or container underneath the drain plug to collect the water and junk that will be drained out.

Next, open the drain plug. Some models may have a shut-off valve that needs to be turned to open the drain. It is normal to see a mixture of water, fuel, and other contaminants come out of the drain. This mixture can be collected in a glass jar or another suitable container for proper disposal. It is important to note that fuel should not be drained unnecessarily, as it is expensive and can be difficult to dispose of responsibly.

The Aquabloc® media in the R120P fuel filter is designed to repel water and remove solid contaminants with high efficiency. The clear collection bowl allows for easy inspection of the fuel and identification of any water or junk that needs to be drained. It is a good practice to inspect the fuel filter regularly for any signs of damage, deformation, or discolouration, and to replace the filter element as necessary.

The R120P fuel filter offers different micron ratings to meet varying customer needs. The 30-micron rating is ideal as a pre-filter, capturing larger contaminants and extending the life of downstream filters. The 10-micron rating captures smaller contaminants and is more effective at stopping water, benefiting the entire fuel system. Finally, the 2-micron rating provides maximum water removal and filtration, protecting modern injection systems and extending the life of hard-to-service filters.

By following these steps and inspecting the fuel filter regularly, users can effectively drain water and junk from the Racor R120P fuel filter, ensuring the optimal performance and longevity of their engine.

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Using a drain hose

When using a drain hose to empty the Racor R120P fuel filter, there are several steps to follow. Firstly, it is important to not shut off the fuel intake, to avoid getting air in the lines, and to allow for a smoother flow. Place a glass jar under the bottom drain of the filter and open the valve.

Water, muck, and fuel will begin to drain out. The water and muck will come out first, so you can close the valve when you see clear fuel starting to come through. You should then clean up any spillages. For disposal, leave 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, the gas will evaporate first. If there is a larger amount of liquid, you can suck it out with an old baster and put it back in the tank.

It is worth noting that some users have suggested not relying on a shut-off valve to control the flow, and instead recommend manually closing the valve when clear fuel begins to come through. This is because fuel filters are required to withstand high temperatures, and a hose may not meet these requirements.

Another tip is to use a Ziploc bag to avoid spillages. You can wrap the bag around the filter, and the clear plastic will allow you to see the gunk, water, and fuel clearly. You can then cut the corner of the Ziploc bag to drain the contents into a jar.

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Racor filter maintenance

The Racor R120P is a fuel filter and water separator assembly, compatible with Racor's Spin-on Series. It is important to maintain your Racor filter to ensure it functions effectively and efficiently.

The R120P features a reusable, clear contaminant collection bowl, which should be inspected regularly for damage, deformation, and discolouration. This bowl should be drained of collected contaminants and water via the self-venting drain. Draining the Racor filter after each trip is recommended to ensure water has not built up in the tank.

To drain the filter, open the drain plug at the bottom. It is advisable to shut off the fuel intake while doing so, to prevent fuel from escaping along with the water and contaminants. The water and fuel mixture should be collected in a suitable container, such as a glass jar, to allow for inspection of the fuel.

The R120P filter elements are available with different micron ratings to meet various requirements. The 30-micron filter is ideal as a pre-filter, the 10-micron filter captures more contaminants, and the 2-micron filter provides maximum water removal and filtration. It is important to replace the filter element with the correct replacement part number for your specific series assembly and fuel type.

The filter body is protected by a durable, corrosion-resistant coating, which ensures a long service life.

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Frequently asked questions

The Racor R120P fuel filter features a reusable clear engineering plastic or metal contaminant collection bowl with a self-venting drain for draining out collected contaminants and water.

It is recommended that you drain your Racor R120P fuel filter after each trip to ensure that no more water has stirred up from the bottom of the tank.

You can use a one-quart glass canning jar to collect the mixture, as it allows you to inspect the fuel.

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