racor mounting ..

[spete]

I have a quick question on mounting a Racor filter/separator. I've heard not to mount inside the bilge near batteries yet this seems like the only available spot on my c/c bay boat. I have a small compartment in the back near the outboard motor that houses two batteries, Oil reservior and bilge pump down below. If the filter is installed properly, i wonder what the difference would be between that and having a fuel bulb in the bilge ... both are potential sources of fuel leaks?

 

[airman]

Re: racor mounting ..

I've been told that the concern is that in a fire, the racor will melt and provide another fuel source. Nevertheless, I have seen many installations where the racors are mounted near the batteries. I agree, a fuel bulb has the very same weakness. If your batteries are properly secured in enclosed boxes I think you should be fine.

 

[Solittle]

Re: racor mounting ..

Well from time to time we get advice from well intentioned people and the best thing to do is say "Thank you." and ignor it. If the cable connections are good at the battery and the fuel lines at the seperator there should be no problem in mounting them in reasonable proximity. For there to be a problem you would need both a fuel source and a source of ignition. If connected properly you would have neither.<br /><br />Both of mine on my CC are mounted that way.

 

[TexSkeeter150]

Re: racor mounting ..

Mine is placed in between my trolling battery and cranking battery. Both are secure and have had no problems. This was all done by my Suzuki mechanic.

 

[spete]

Re: racor mounting ..

Thanks for the response ... wanted to get some other opinions ... it seems like it would be safe enough to mount them down there away from the batteries in a ventilated compartment - vents are static but always allowing some fresh air circulation. I just wanted to make sure i wasn't making a big mistake by putting them in the most convenient, and in my mind, logical location. I think mounting above deck would look poor, expose it to saltwater, elements, get knocked into, etc. Mounting below ... thanks!

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: racor mounting ..

The way I understand it, is that if it's not in an "enclosed area", it will be fine. I too, had to make this choice and after reading much about it on here and their website, I decided to go ahead and mount it above the batteries, but off to the side of them. Works out fine if there are NO leaks or chances of fumes igniting. In a ventilated area, this would really be remote. Even if a fuel line burst, the chances of it igniting are almost non-existent, unless the battery arcs at the same time. 1 in a million shot!

 

[zzzzz]

Re: racor mounting ..

if heat is a concern for the plastic bowl-use the racor made for inboards and I/O's..it has a metal bowl