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.
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.
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.
Now I can use the filter wrench and get the bowl off like it is supposed to.
Re: RACOR Filter: removing filter from manifold and bowl
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Re: Re: RACOR Filter: removing filter from manifold and bowl
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.
A strap wrench might be need if it was wicked cold and I had slimy hands.
1992 Outrage 17
2019 E-TEC 90
2018 LoadRite 18280096VT
Member since 2003
2019 E-TEC 90
2018 LoadRite 18280096VT
Member since 2003
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- Joined: Fri Jan 15, 2016 11:19 pm
- Location: Queens NY
Re: RACOR Filter: removing filter from manifold and bowl
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.
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.
Re: RACOR Filter: removing filter from manifold and bowl
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.
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.
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Re: RACOR Filter: removing filter from manifold and bowl
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.
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.
Re: RACOR Filter: removing filter from manifold and bowl
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.
https://www.amazon.com/Lisle-54400-Swivel-Filter-Wrench/dp/B0009OMYAG
--Con
https://www.amazon.com/Lisle-54400-Swivel-Filter-Wrench/dp/B0009OMYAG
--Con
!987 Outrage 18 / 2011 Yamaha F150
1969 13 / 30hp Johnson tiller
1969 13 / 30hp Johnson tiller
Re: RACOR Filter: removing filter from manifold and bowl
The (unmodified} Racor RK 22628 REPL KIT, BOWL WRENCH tool is shown below.
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
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
Re: RACOR Filter: removing filter from manifold and bowl
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.
Re: RACOR Filter: removing filter from manifold and bowl
Home made Racor tool.
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!987 Outrage 18 / 2011 Yamaha F150
1969 13 / 30hp Johnson tiller
1969 13 / 30hp Johnson tiller
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Re: RACOR Filter: removing filter from manifold and bowl
"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?