Re: RACOR Filter: removing filter from manifold and bowl

[Oldslowandugly]

The RACOR fuel-water separator filter I am using is mounted flush to the transom. When I tried to use a RACOR wrench to remove the bowl, the wrench hit the transom. Even with the bowl off, a strap wrench can barely fit between the filter and the transom.

I decided to space the filter housing away on a block of mahogany.

Fig. 1. Relocated stainless hanger bolts; not shown, spacer block.

Fig1_.jpg (25.98 KiB) Viewed 2968 times

Then I cut the filter wrench down so it would fit around the bowl. I used a section of the big end to fully circle the bowl even getting some of the indents to engage the flutes. Then I secured them together with stainless machine screws and nuts.

Fig. 2. Modified RACOR wrench

Fig2_.jpg (12.28 KiB) Viewed 2967 times

My measurements were bad because then the tilted up motor hit the housing. I had to relocate the housing about 3/4-inch lower so the motor cleared it and I still had room to drain the bowl into small can.

Fig. 3. Engine clearance. Space block shown.

Fig3_.jpg (25.12 KiB) Viewed 2966 times

Now I can use the filter wrench and get the bowl off like it is supposed to.

[Phil T]

My filters were only hand tightened. Think the wrench is excessove

A strap wrench might be need if it was wicked cold and I had slimy hands.

[Oldslowandugly]

You are probably right: the wrench likely is not always necessary

I hand tightened the filter, too. But the first time I tried to remove it the filter and bowl would not budge. I finally got a strap wrench around the filter and took them both off together. Then I had to put the filter in a big vise and use the wrench to get the bowl off. It was really stuck on. I used oil on the gaskets so I don't know why it was so hard getting them apart.

[jimh]

Through-bolting the filter manifold to the transom is probably not necessary. Using self-tapping stainless steel fasteners into the wood reinforcement of the transom would be sufficient to hold the filter.

Mounting the filter so close to the engine is also probably not the best idea, as you found, due to problems with interference when the engine is tilted up.

I installed a RACOR fuel-water separating filter with clear bowl probably 10-years ago. I have not had the pleasure of trying to remove the filter media or the bowl. I have never seen any water in the bowl. I have a new filter element and may try to install it this Summer. I hope it spins off easily by hand, and same for the clear bowl.

[Oldslowandugly]

Yes, I agree that is not the ideal location. But on this boat flat mounting surfaces are rare. Moreover any fuel leaks can then drain out the scuppers instead of dripping into the boat itself.

Jim--I hope you have room to turn the RACOR wrench or even the strap wrench. I had a miserable time getting them off. The bowl is plastic and even with the filter in a vice it was very hard to get it off without damage. The modified bowl wrench is shown below.

Fig. 4. Modified RACOR bowl wrench

wrench.jpg (8.51 KiB) Viewed 2936 times

[ConB]

Use a filter strap wrench to remove filter and bowl. Use strap wrench and Racor wrench to separate filter and bowl. Reassemble bowl, filter, and base; hand tighten with light coat of oil on gaskets.

Fig. 5. Lisle 54400 Swivel Grip Oil Filter Wrench

filterWrench.png (15.79 KiB) Viewed 2921 times

https://www.amazon.com/Lisle-54400-Swivel-Filter-Wrench/dp/B0009OMYAG

--Con

[jimh]

The (unmodified} Racor RK 22628 REPL KIT, BOWL WRENCH tool is shown below.

Fig. 6. RACOR filter bowl wrench.

RACOR-Wrench.png (42.76 KiB) Viewed 2914 times

This tool is clearly designed to be used on several different diameter circular bowls.

Compare at: https://www.racorstore.com/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/10956

[jimh]

CON--I have that exact LISLE filter wrench, and have used it many times to remove filters from very tight spaces where the arc of rotation of the wrench is limited to a few degrees. It is an excellent tool.

[ConB]

Home made Racor tool.

[Oldslowandugly]

"This tool is clearly designed to be used on several different diameter circular bowls." --Agreed. Where in the world would that huge wrench fit and be able to clear the mounting surface?!? Only the biggest filter it fit would be able to swing it. Maybe if the filter was mounted to an overhead and the bowl/filter hung down with a large area around it. That is why I modified the wrench to fit my space. It being made of plastic and stainless screws I can leave it and a spare filter on the boat for emergencies without fear of it rusting. When else does a filter clog and fail?