Sylvie Willis
The Racor 500MA Marine Fuel Filter Water Separator is a popular choice for boat owners. It features a clear plastic bowl that allows users to spot water in the gas and drain it before the filter fills up with water. This is important because water in the fuel tank can cause major problems. To drain the water from the Racor 500 fuel filter, some users suggest loosening the plug assembly or drain plug at the bottom of the bowl. However, this can be a tricky process, and some people opt to install a shut-off valve or drain hose to make it easier. It is also important to keep the fuel tanks full to prevent water from getting in and to regularly drain the Racor after each trip to remove any water that has accumulated.
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What You'll Learn
Drain water and contaminants, then refill with fresh diesel fuel
To drain water and contaminants from the Racor 500 fuel filter, you will need to access the filter's bowl. The bowl should have a clear plastic bottom, allowing you to see the contents inside.
First, locate the drain plug at the bottom of the bowl. Place a glass jar or container underneath the drain plug to collect the water and contaminants. If your filter has hose barbs, you can attach an extension hose for easier draining.
Now, slowly loosen the drain plug. Both water and fuel will begin to drain out, so pay close attention to the fluid's colour. Water will appear clear, while fuel will have a reddish tint. Close the drain plug once you see clear fuel starting to come out.
If you have a small amount of fluid in the jar, you can let it sit, and the gas will evaporate. For larger amounts, use a baster to suck out the excess fluid and return it to the tank. Make sure to properly dispose of any water and contaminants.
Finally, refill the filter with fresh diesel fuel. You can also add some diesel fuel to the bowl, put the lid back on, and shake it to remove any remaining crud. Then, simply drain this fluid and replace the filter cartridge if needed.
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Use a glass jar to collect water and fuel
To drain water from the Racor 500 fuel filter, it is recommended to use a glass jar to collect the water and fuel. This process should be done carefully to avoid any pollution or spillage, as the fines for pollution violations are stiff.
First, locate the drain plug at the bottom of the Racor 500 fuel filter. Place a glass jar underneath the drain plug to collect the water and fuel. If your filter has hose barbs, you may want to attach an extension hose to the drain plug for easier draining.
Loosen the drain plug slightly to let the water and fuel out. You may need to loosen the filter cartridge to let air past the seal and allow for complete drainage. Be careful not to loosen it too much, as this can cause fuel to spill out along with the water.
As you open the valve, water and contaminants will come out first. Continue draining until you see clear fuel starting to come out of the filter. Once you see this, shut the valve immediately to avoid wasting fuel.
Let the jar sit for a few minutes to allow the fuel and water to separate. The water will settle at the bottom, and you can carefully pour it out into a suitable disposal container. Alternatively, if there is only a small amount of liquid in the jar, you can let it sit and the gas will evaporate first. For larger amounts, you can use an old baster to suck out the gas and put it back into the tank.
Always exercise caution when handling fuel and ensure that you properly dispose of any waste to avoid pollution.
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Clean the bowl
To clean the bowl of your Racor 500 fuel filter, you will need to drain the water and contaminants and then refill the filter with fresh diesel fuel.
Firstly, locate the drain plug at the bottom of the bowl. Place a glass jar underneath the drain plug to collect the water and fuel. You may need to loosen the plug assembly and the heat deflector to access the drain plug. It is important to note that you should not shut off the fuel intake to avoid getting air in the lines, which will allow for easier flow.
Once the jar is in place, open the drain plug. Water, contaminants, and some fuel will come out. When you see clear fuel starting to come out, shut the valve. Clean up any spills, and allow the jar to rest for a few minutes. The fuel and water will separate, and you can then dispose of the water appropriately.
If there is only a small amount of water in the bowl, you can open the drain plug slightly and let the water trickle out. As air enters the filter, the fluid will come out, and you can close the drain when only fuel is coming out.
To make the process easier, some people choose to install a drain hose with a shut-off valve at the end instead of using the standard plug. This allows for easier draining and control of the flow. However, it is important to note that fuel filters are required to be shielded or able to withstand high temperatures, so there are safety considerations to keep in mind when using a hose.
Another method to clean the bowl without removing it is to use a screwdriver or similar tool. Once the filter is removed, pad the end of the screwdriver to rub around the inside of the bowl and remove any contaminants. Wash through with plenty of fuel, and remove the crud through the drain.
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Use a drain hose
Using a drain hose is a good idea when draining the filter. However, it is not recommended to leave it on or rely on a shut-off valve to control the flow. You can attach an extension hose to the drain plug to drain the water.
Firstly, loosen the plug assembly to drain the water. If there is only a small amount of water in the bowl, simply loosen the drain plug a little and let the water trickle out. Air will enter the filter, and as the air comes in, the fluid will come out. You can close the drain when you see clear fuel starting to come out.
If there is a larger amount of water, you can suck it out with a fuel bulb or an old baster and put it back into the tank. You can also use a glass jar to collect the water and fuel. Place the jar under the bottom drain and open the valve. Water and muck will come out first, followed by clear fuel. Clean up any spillage. Let the jar rest for a few minutes, and the line between fuel and water will be visible.
If you want to avoid spillage, you can use a Ziploc bag. Wrap the bag around the filter to collect any spillage, and the clear plastic will allow you to see the gunk, water, and fuel. Cut the corner of the Ziploc bag to drain the contents into a jar.
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Prevent water from getting in
Water can enter the system through condensation in the fuel tank. Water in the fuel stream can cause bacterial growth, leading to clogged filters and corrosive acid formation. To prevent water from entering the Racor 500 fuel filter, it is important to maintain and regularly clean the system.
The Racor 500 fuel filter utilizes a proprietary Aquabloc® filtration system with a unique engineered media that increases dirt-holding capacity and extends filter life. The media is waterproof and captures contaminants, while the specially treated surface separates and coalesces water from the fuel. This causes the water to gather into large droplets that fall into the clear collection bowl, where they can be drained off.
To prevent water from entering the system, it is recommended to cover the replacement filter with fuel, but it is not necessary to fill it completely. On the Racor 500 series, the pickup point is about one inch below the top of the filter, so there is a smaller margin for error compared to larger filters.
Additionally, the Racor filters are hydrophobic and are produced with a special coating that repels water and prevents it from passing through the filter. This coating has undergone several improvements and is now in its seventh version. The distinctive odour associated with each new filter indicates that you are installing a highly effective replacement.
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Frequently asked questions
First, check if there is water in the filter. If there is, you can loosen the drain plug at the bottom of the clear bowl to let the water out.
You need to hold the deflector shield nut steady with one wrench while you crack the drain plug with another.
If the filter has a lot of water in it but isn't draining, you can try unplugging the fuel line at the motor and depressing the little ball valve in the hose to let air in.
You can collect the mixture in a glass jar and let it sit. The fuel and water will separate, and you can then dispose of them properly.
Keeping your fuel tanks full can prevent water from getting into the filter. Warm, moist air enters the tank through the vent during the day, and at night the temperature drops and dew forms. Keeping the tanks full leaves no room for air, preventing condensation.
