Racor fuel/water separator

[stocky]

I have a racor fuel/water filter fitted to my money bucket. I have only recently had the boat and I am in the process of general maintenance and wish to change this filter. Anyway the thing wont budge. I have tried to remove using a strap type and the jaw type oil filter remover with no success. Does anyone have any suggestions in removing the filter without having to remove fuel lines and completely removing from the boat. Thanks all in advance.

 

[Reel Appeal]

Re: Racor fuel/water separator

Hi Stocky,<br /> Try some penetrating oil(spray)between the top of the filter and the metal bracket.If you can get lubricant on the rubber washer inside,let it soak and keep re-applying.This should soften the rubber.I've had this problem myself,but a strap type oil filter wrench always did the trick.Good Luck...<br />If you have a product called PB Blaster available,try that....

 

[seahorse5]

Re: Racor fuel/water separator

Use 2 strap wrenches positioned 180 degrees apart for more leverage.

 

[Reel Appeal]

Re: Racor fuel/water separator

Hi,<br /> Seahorse has a good idea,but I would remove the entire unit from the boat before trying 2 wrenches.The force involved may rip the filter from the boat causing damage.Good luck.

 

[stocky]

Re: Racor fuel/water separator

Thanks guys, I might give penetrating oil a go. I found as I was exerting pressure on the filter the fibreglass section where the filter bolts to was starting to flex. If I have no success with the penetrating oil such as WD 40 I will remove the whole unit and put the bloody thing in a vice.

 

[BillP]

Re: Racor fuel/water separator

Try heating the top with a heat gun and then submerge the filter body in ice water. Try the wrench when both pieces are hot/cold. <br /><br />I also use freezer type bags that are used to keep coolers cold if water can't get there. I have used this method to get really tough pieces apart. It works when penetration oils don't. <br /><br />As a last resort I have also punched through the filter body with a large screwdriver and been able to turn it off. Sometimes this method just crushes the canister and then all has to be removed piece by piece. <br /><br />Either way, purge the gas and fill with water before work.<br /><br />Or just go and spend $30 for a new assy.