Ameer Randolph
The Racor fuel filter is a device that helps to separate water from fuel. It can be primed in several ways, including using a primer bulb or a lift pump. Some users recommend filling the filter with clean fuel before screwing it on, while others suggest using gravity to drain fuel from the filter. Additionally, some filters are mounted upside down, which requires pre-filling the filter with gasoline before installation. When priming, it is important to ensure that there is no air in the system, as this can affect the fuel flow.
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What You'll Learn
Filling the filter with clean fuel before screwing it on
Filling the Racor fuel filter with clean fuel before screwing it on is a recommended step in the priming process. This is especially important if your filter is mounted upside down. Here is a step-by-step guide to filling the Racor fuel filter with clean fuel:
Firstly, ensure you have a supply of known clean fuel. This fuel should be free of any contaminants, as introducing clean fuel is essential to the proper functioning of your engine. If you have recently drained your filter, consider decanting the drained fuel through a coffee filter to remove any debris, allowing you to reuse it. Alternatively, you can use new fuel, being sure to source it from a reliable supplier.
Next, prepare your workspace. Place the Racor filter in a stable location, preferably on a flat surface, and ensure you have the necessary tools, such as a funnel with a fine mesh screen to catch any remaining contaminants. If your filter has a bowl attached, as some Racor 120 models do, you can simply pour the clean fuel directly into the bowl before screwing it onto the head.
Now, carefully pour the clean fuel into the Racor filter. Fill it to the appropriate level, being careful not to overfill. If your filter has a designated fill line, ensure that you do not exceed this level. It is important to note that even after filling the filter with clean fuel, there may still be air bubbles present, especially if your filter has a bowl design.
Finally, once the Racor filter is adequately filled with clean fuel, proceed to screw it onto the engine according to the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure that all connections are secure and tight to avoid any leaks. After installation, you can start the engine and let the fuel pump fill the cartridge, allowing you to check for any leaks.
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Using a primer bulb to push fuel through the filter
To prime a Racor fuel filter using a primer bulb, the bulb should be placed between the fuel tank and the Racor filter. This allows you to push fuel to and through the filter, rather than pulling it. The primer bulb should be placed before the Racor filter, so it can push fuel through both the primary and secondary filters.
It is important to note that the primer bulb should be in the vertical position with the arrows pointing straight up. This allows the check balls to seat better when pumping out air. The bulb should also be placed on the suction side of the fuel pump to avoid the situation of high-positive pressure forcing debris through the filter media.
Some people have expressed concerns about the safety of primer bulbs, as the rubber is not sufficiently fireproof and can deteriorate over time. There is also a risk of the bulb splitting or cracking, which could lead to a fuel leak. However, many people find primer bulbs convenient for bleeding the fuel system and clearing air from the line.
To use the primer bulb, squeeze the bulb to fill the bowl to about 90% full, then use the lift pump to complete the bleeding process. You may need to pump the primer a few times before cranking the engine and letting the fuel pumps take over.
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Bleeding the Racor filter/water separator
First, it is important to understand that the Racor filter/water separator is typically gravity-fed. This means that the fuel in the tank needs to be at a sufficient height to feed the separator. If your tank is mounted high up, gravity will propel the fuel into the filter. However, if your tank is not positioned high enough, you will need to use a pump to force the fuel into the separator.
To begin the bleeding process, open the bleed screw on the Racor. This will allow air to escape and fuel to flow into the separator. Depending on the relative positions of the tank and the Racor, you may observe a continuous flow of fuel or just a trickle. If the Racor is below the fuel level in the tank, you are more likely to achieve a steady flow. On the other hand, if the Racor is positioned above the fuel level, it may suck in air, resulting in a slower flow.
If you are experiencing a low flow rate or a trickle, there are a few adjustments you can make. Consider closing the isolating valve between the tank and the Racor, and then re-prime the Racor. Additionally, you can try repositioning the Racor lower down to take advantage of gravity and improve the flow.
In some cases, you may need to bleed the engine as well, especially if air has entered the engine filter. If you have a separate electric lift pump, open the bleed screw and utilise that. Alternatively, if you do not have an electric lift pump, you can use the diaphragm pump on the engine fuel filter.
It is worth noting that some users have recommended installing a primer bulb between the tank and the Racor. This allows you to push fuel towards and through the filter, making the bleeding process more efficient.
Remember to always refer to your Racor's manual for specific instructions and safety precautions, as there may be variations in installation and setup.
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Using gravity to drain fuel from the filter
The Racor filter/water separator is gravity-fed, but only when the fuel tank is high enough. As the fuel level falls, the engine-mounted pump sucks, provided there is no air in the system. If the Racor filter is above the fuel level, it may suck air in.
If your tank is mounted high up, gravity can be used to drain fuel from the filter. If not, you will need some kind of pump.
To use gravity to drain fuel from the filter, you can follow these steps:
- Place a glass jar or a clear plastic bag under the bottom drain of the filter to collect the fuel.
- Open the bottom drain plug to remove the sediment. This will also result in fuel being drained from the bowl.
- If there is water in the filter, it will come out first, followed by the fuel.
- Once you see clear fuel starting to come out, shut the valve.
- Clean up any spillage.
- Allow the jar to sit, and the fuel will evaporate. If it is a larger amount, you can suck it out with an old baster and put it back into the tank.
It is important to note that some fuel filters may have a vent knob on the top that makes draining easier. Additionally, if there is only a small amount of water in the bowl, you can open the drain plug slightly to let the water trickle out while allowing air to enter the filter.
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Using a fuel lift pump to refill the filter
Using a fuel lift pump to refill a Racor fuel filter is a convenient option for many. However, it is worth noting that this method can be quite slow, and there may be concerns about undue wear on the lift pump.
If you are using a lift pump to refill your Racor filter, it is important to ensure that the pump is installed correctly. The lift pump should typically be placed between the filter and the engine, although some setups may have the pump before the filter to protect it from debris in the intake line. If your filter is mounted above the level of the tank, you will need to ensure it has an anti-drainback or check-valve to maintain prime.
Before refilling, it is recommended to drain the fuel from the Racor filter. This can be done by gravity-draining the fuel or using a fuel funnel with a fine screen to catch any debris. Once the filter is drained, you can use the lift pump to refill it.
It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations for your specific Racor fuel filter model, as well as any safety guidelines, to ensure a proper and safe refilling process.
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Frequently asked questions
If your filter is mounted upside down, pre-fill the filter with gasoline before screwing it into place. You can also hook up the flush kit, run the motor, warm it up, then change the filter.
All you need to do is follow the Racor recommendation and fill the filter before you screw it on. Pump the primer a few times, crank your engine, and the fuel pumps will do the rest.
Primer bulbs before the Racor fill the Racor. The TEMPO primer bulb is a good option as it allows you to push fuel to and through the filter instead of pulling it. Johnson/Evinrude primer bulbs are also recommended.
