Completed Racor duel filter setup (pics) [Archive] - Diesel Place : Chevrolet and GMC Diesel Truck Forums

: Completed Racor duel filter setup (pics)


reyb
03-26-2006, 03:00 PM
Well, after a lot of reading here and looking at other duel filter setups I
went with the Racor system(pre-oem). I originally was going to go with
a Napa filter head and either Baldwin or Cat filter, but I happened on to
a Racor filter head with primer pump and filter for $35 so I went with that.
Btw, a big thanks to Steve Huffman for sharing his information with his
engine mounted Racor system. That info definitely gave me ideas on what
I wanted to do with my setup.

Frame vs Engine mount
----------------------

I wanted the additional filter mount to be non-intrusive as possible and
by this I mean I preferred not to cut any existing fuel lines(metal) or drill
any holes. I went back and forth between frame and engine mounting,
but went with the engine mount.

Custom bracket vs Nicktane vs Kennedy vs Universal
--------------------------------------------------

The engineering in me usually results with me thinking "I can make that" :)
I looked at the Nicktane/Kennedy/Unverisal setup, but I can make the
mount and not dish out the $$(read "cheapo" :). Also, with the engine
filter mounts I saw, I was worried that there wasn't enough support on
them to prevent them from cracking from all the vibration. I didn't want
to use the A/C mount bolts and preferred to use the 2 unused threaded
holes just below. The metal I used was 3/16" thick. I felt that 1/8"
was too thin and 1/4" was overkill.

Installation
----------

Installing the setup is straightforward. However, taking off the fuel
hose from the FCM to the inlet of the factory fuel filter mount was a
b**tch for me. I didn't relocate the "Gnd/Battery" piece. Rather, I
removed the Gnd bracket entirely. I figured if I want ground, then there
are plenty of places for it. I moved the Battery red box/cable behind
the radiator hose.

Initial Startup
-------------

Filter is in place along with hoses. I primed the Racor filter and then I
primed the factory filter. I start the truck and it starts right up. I figured
I got all of the air out, but after a minute the truck died. I tried starting
and starting because I thought that that would flush out the air, but it
didn't. I performed CPR on the factory filter and there was air. I went
back in the cab and tried to start but nothing. I felt like an old episode
of M.A.S.H..."breath dammit...breath" :) A few more turns of the key and
the "heart" was breathing. :)

Total Cost
----------

$35 Racor filter/mount
$15 fuel line
$ 4 male NPT fittings(2)
$ 5 hose clamps.
$10 metal
$ 5 paint
----
$74


Pictures
--------

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/reyb92129/album?.dir=/fb5d

Spitz
03-26-2006, 05:15 PM
And they want 200$ for the nicktane setup? What a markup.. I did the "on the frame rail" install and it looks like your setup would be easier to do as far as fuel hose routing and such..

GMC-2002-Dmax
03-26-2006, 05:29 PM
Nice clean install, Looks Real Good.

T:cool: NY

reyb
03-26-2006, 06:11 PM
Spitz: There is probably a decent markup with the duel filter products sold
here but I think there is a need/purpose for them. Not everyone has
the tools. Not everyone can fabricate. Not everyone can weld; as
you can see, I can't really. :) So, I spent approx. $74, but that
doesn't include the time and effort in fabricating the set up from the
ground up. Compare this to a $200 product that is practically plug
and play.

GMC-2002: Thanks. The beads on the welds are kind of sh**t and I need
to get some matching bolts for mounting the filter head. :) Otherwise,
I think it's not bad. :)

Bigwheel
03-27-2006, 12:50 AM
Very nicely done!!!