<DIV>I have A Racor PRE OEM mounted to the frame, and was wondering if when I change the filter if the fuel is going to start just running out like A siphon with the element removed?</DIV>
<DIV>Maybe I'll just change it with A half or less tank of fuel.</DIV>

I have not changed mine yet (frame mounted Racor also), but I would expect that to happen unless the fuel level is below the outlet point. I plan to use something to pinch the fuel hose temporarily while I change the filter.

Was thinking about putting A ball valve in the line from the tank going to the filter.


If I have problems I'll give this A try.

If you open the bleeder on the OEM filter first you will break the vacuum. You will have atmospheric on both sides. I am not sure what the difference in height will do but I don't think anything. Later! Frank Edited by: Frank Blum

I changed my pre-OEM racor (frame mount) a week or so ago. Had about 3/4 tank of fuel. I opened cap to tank to bleed off any pressure then tried draining the filter but the fuel just kept coming. I ended up pinching the hose with a pair of vice grips (wrapped shop rag around fuel line first) and that reduce the flow to drops ... well enough to change the filter out without creating a huge mess. An inline shutoff valve is in my future or I may try with a low tank next time to see if that makes a difference. Edited by: tophog

I did install a ball valve on mine but you know when I installed mine I only lost just a little fuel. After I cut the line it took me quite a while before I hooked the hoses up and the tank never went dry. After I initially cut the line no more fuel ever came out. I didn't open the bleeder or fuel cap. I was hoping that it would be like the straw with your finger on the top thing where the water does not come out. One thing about the ball valve though is the potencial to shut it off as a theft deterent too. You could walk the five miles to find it.


Steve

I bought a pair of plastic Hose Pinch Pliers at Autozone that I used when changing my frame mounted FM100.

http://www.northerntool.com/images/product/images/909353_lg.jpg

Also available from Northern Tool (http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=4006970&storeId=6970&langId=-1&productId=200002083)

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Geek.gif

Got mine at Pep Boyshttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

Does it hurt the fuel line to crush it? Seems like it would brake the fibers in the line and make A spot where it could collapse or start coming apart inside.

bigsky1 - I like your thinking on a shut-off being a theft deterent; when I park my truck out in remote wilderness areas an easy mechanical shut-off like that sounds like added insurance.


Question - if you did have a ball valve shut-off at the pre-oem location, would you even be able to start your rig? Wouldn't that closed-vacuum prevent any fuel from going anwhere?

Does this also happen with the Nicktane Filter or is it only on the Racor?

Can someone please give me some more info on the Racor set-up.
<UL>
<LI>Who sells it, what is the average price, what is the average price of the filter replacement cartridges, do you have to cut any of the factory lines, etc. thanks.</LI>[/list]

...Does it hurt the fuel line to crush it? Seems like it would brake the fibers in the line and make A spot where it could collapse or start coming apart inside.


John,


Good point. I suppose this could be a problem with certain types of hose. I have gates 7/16 ID low pressure fuel hose running from the tank sender to the inlet of my filter which is fairly soft. It doesn't take much to pinch it off and it recovers it's shape as soon as the pliers are removed. Maybe a stiffer medium or high presssure hose might sustain some damage if you tried to pinch it (??).

Can someone please give me some more info on the Racor set-up.
<UL>
<LI>Who sells it, what is the average price, what is the average price of the filter replacement cartridges, do you have to cut any of the factory lines, etc. thanks.</LI>[/list]





I got mine as a kit from Greg @ http://www.lubespecialist.com/ Think they run around $160ish. I've noticed some guys cut a section of the OEM fuel line out ...but based on a tip from Greg, I only cut it once then criss-crossed the lines. You can see the picts via the link in my sig. I've ordered the R60S and R90S from OilGuard.com for around $19/$20 ea. They even thru in the racor filter wrench for removing the clear bowl.

I've got valves on both sides of my Cat. I'm waiting another 1K to get to 10K to change my shorty. After taking a bath during the install I'm not taking any changes.


As for the valve being an anti theft device I'm wondering if the inj pump would take a dump trying to pull a vacuum that high?

rod97301,


good question. I was assuming it would start but not go far and as far as Jeli points out the injector pump might go out but at least the truck would still be there.


Steve

If you do not open anything... Bleaders...... and change your racor first... it will not drain all the fuel..... I have changed mine multiple times... and as long as I change the racor first.. not even a drip.... Make sure to fill the new racor up before putting it back in....http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/3F2_Really.gif

They even thru in the racor filter wrench for removing the clear bowl.


As Tophog mentions and I will second, anyone using the Racor supplemental should obtain the filter wrench. It makes the job a lot easier when servicing the filter. Greg sells them for $7 (I think) and looks like Oilguard has them for even a better price.


Also, I have purchased my Racor filters from here:


http://www.dieselpage.com/racfwsd.htmEdited by: OC_DMAX

I had a HECK of a time removing the plastic bowl. Wasn't sure if I should have removed it while filter was mounted on the head or after I removed filter. I chose the later and took me about 10 minutes to break it loose without the correct bowl wrench. Ended up using a large strap wrench with the filter wedged between my legs on the garage floor. Thought I was going to break the bowl (that triggered other bowl-related thoughts about not having a spare bowl) or pop a blood vessel. It finally came loose. Seemed like it was over tightened.

does anyone know the differance between the three type of racor's besides flow rates? (R60,R90,R120) thanx, AkDually61

The R60 and R90 filters are essentially the same and fit on the same filter head. The R90 filter is about an inch longer than the R90. They are interchangeable. The filtering media (2, 10 and 30 micron) is the same within each category.


The R120 filter can only be used on its own filter head. I have not heard of anyone using this filter.

The R120 is just about as big as the mega, if you can find a place for it, right on. As for the fuel shut off question, yes it will run... for about 30 seconds. No, I can't see it hurting the injection pump because it's the same scenario as a plugged fuel filter. However, because the system will then be under higher vaccuum, all you have to do is turn the fuel back on and you'll hear it suck on through, turn the key and it will start right back up. Hmmm, how did I know that?http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Ermm.gif

They even thru in the racor filter wrench for removing the clear bowl.


As Tophog mentions and I will second, anyone using the Racor supplemental should obtain the filter wrench. It makes the job a lot easier when servicing the filter. Greg sells them for $7 (I think) and looks like Oilguard has them for even a better price.


Also, I have purchased my Racor filters from here:


http://www.dieselpage.com/racfwsd.htm














I looked all over their web page, I can't seem to find these wrenches.


Where are they?

The filter wrenches are sold by Greg Landuyt (LanduytG forum name). He is a supporting vendor here on "The Place". Check out these links for the vendor info and sorry for the confusion:


http://www.lubespecialist.com/


http://lubespecialist.com/Order/order.mv


call anytime 8am-8pm est 1-888-306-4255


http://www.thedieselpage.com/vendors/amsoil.htm


This last link shows filter wrench. I could not find the filter wrench list in his on-line site -- you will probably have to call. If you decide to get the filter wrench from him, also consider a replacement SS Bleeder screw. GM does not stock the part separately.

I had a HECK of a time removing the plastic bowl. Wasn't sure if I should have removed it while filter was mounted on the head or after I removed filter. I chose the later and took me about 10 minutes to break it loose without the correct bowl wrench. Ended up using a large strap wrench with the filter wedged between my legs on the garage floor. Thought I was going to break the bowl (that triggered other bowl-related thoughts about not having a spare bowl) or pop a blood vessel. It finally came loose. Seemed like it was over tightened.








Tophog





You can buy extra bowls here, there kind of pricey though.


http://www.maesco.com/products/racor/r_spn_intro/r_spn_specs/r_spn_400series/r_spn_400series.html ( http://www.maesco.com/products/racor/r_spn_intro/r_spn_specs/r_spn_400series/r_spn_400series.html)

I think the bowls are very strong but then I got to thinking about various scenarios ... I'm a pestimistic person. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif Here's what got me thinking a spare bowl may be a good idea.


Racor installed on Frame pre-OEM with no shut-off valve. Traveling down the road you run over a rock and it is deflected up and hits the plastic bowl ... cracking or otherwise breaking it causing diesel to pour out of the filter.


Problem #1:


No shut-off value to stop diesel from pouring out onto ground. Worst case scenario would need pliers, etc. to pinch fuel line. Environmentalist/Hazmat team shows up and arrest you or fines you $$$ for the spill. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Confused.gif


Problem #2


Even if fuel is shutoff now your stranded because you don't have a replacement bowl. Not easy to find just anywhere.


Granted the same scenario would apply to the filter if it would damaged ..however it's easy to carry an extra filter and change it if needed. #1 would still be a problem if a guy doesn't have a shut-off valve. To me, a shut-off valve is a very good idea.

I installed two ball valves on mine,no leaks,when you put the new filter on fill it with diesel first before installing it and you my have to prime one pump at the most, i use mine for security also,just reach under and turn off the valve,mike