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Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Discussions => Topic started by: Jim Sizemore on August 22, 2017, 02:18:28 pm

Title: Primary fuel filter/water separator
Post by: Jim Sizemore on August 22, 2017, 02:18:28 pm
About three/four months ago, my son and I(mostly him)started to work on a leak at this filter. Turned out to be a cracked quad(?) ring at the water drain. I have bought four filters so far and none have fit. I have been given numbers and assured they were the right ones. The number on the one we took off is 533442(no sign of mfg on can). wix #33442 seems to be the right one, as it has the seal around the outside rim of the can? It is not sold with the sediment bowl. I finally found a metal bowl but it has no fittings on the bottom. I think I still have fittings off the old bowl, maybe they will work!

I have a new FS1242, with a new bowl but it appears to have wrong threads and the can has the seal in the wrong place. Can't loosen it with hands so will look later. Does anyone know where to buy a complete filter if I can't get this mess together?

I put off changing  this filter until engine would not start. Didn't know it was gonna be a four/five month job!!
Title: Re: Primary fuel filter/water separator
Post by: John44 on August 22, 2017, 02:24:02 pm
Any chance you can send a picture,if the mount is the same as mine I can give you a part number.
Title: Re: Primary fuel filter/water separator
Post by: Jim Sizemore on August 22, 2017, 02:31:25 pm
I have pic but will have to learn how to post it. Just saw the above icon - now gotta go find pic - I'll be back... It's in my email...With your email, I can forward.

Jim
Title: Re: Primary fuel filter/water separator
Post by: Jim Sizemore on August 22, 2017, 02:54:13 pm
John44 - The pic I have is of the inside of the housing, where the filter attaches. I can take pic of the outside & send. My son took the inside to show me why the filters with the smaller seal would not work(would stop up the small hole in the housing...

Jim
Title: Re: Primary fuel filter/water separator
Post by: wolfe10 on August 22, 2017, 03:45:27 pm
Jim,

Another option is to:
#1 determine GPH for your primary filter.
#2 look on-line for a current Racor full filter (head, filter element and bowl)

This is often less expensive than just a filter element and bowl separately.

And, you will KNOW you have the correct parts.
Title: Re: Primary fuel filter/water separator
Post by: Bill Willett on August 22, 2017, 04:43:05 pm
The filter should be a Racor s3202 with bowl kit RK30015, when you call for parts have them check there part numbers.
Title: Re: Primary fuel filter/water separator
Post by: John Morales on August 22, 2017, 04:55:38 pm
Jim,
Whether you are on your pc, smartphone, iPad or tablet it is basically the same. When responding to a post or creating a new post (skip step 1).

1.  Choose REPLY
2.  Scroll down and choose "Add files by selecting them"
3.  Then choose "Photo Library"
4.  Then choose the folder where photos are located
5.  Choose your pictures one at a time, or all at once.  Your limit is 10 pictures.  Then choose "Done"
6.  Add your message then choose " Post"

Your all done!
John M
Title: Re: Primary fuel filter/water separator
Post by: Barry & Cindy on August 22, 2017, 06:02:52 pm
Our coach has the Racor with filter part numbers without bottom bowl: Fleetguard FS19520 or Racor S3202.
Not sure why you are having problems.
Title: Re: Primary fuel filter/water separator
Post by: wolfe10 on August 22, 2017, 06:22:42 pm
I REALLY like the clear bowls-- can tell at a glance if there is contamination.

Always carry a spare-- pre-assemble it on the new filter.  Makes changing a lot quicker-- important if this happens to be on the side of the road.  Then, at your leisure, clean up the old bowl and install in the next filter.
Title: Re: Primary fuel filter/water separator
Post by: Jim Sizemore on August 22, 2017, 07:53:15 pm
Thanks folks - sent pics to John44. Will keep every ones suggestions handy.  All of the filters I found without the bowl(with a drain) had the small diameter gasket on them. That would st0p up what looks to be the input to the filter??

Jim
Title: Re: Primary fuel filter/water separator
Post by: AC7880 on August 22, 2017, 08:15:58 pm
About three/four months ago, my son and I(mostly him)started to work on a leak at this filter. Turned out to be a cracked quad(?) ring at the water drain. I have bought four filters so far and none have fit. I have been given numbers and assured they were the right ones. The number on the one we took off is 533442(no sign of mfg on can). wix #33442 seems to be the right one, as it has the seal around the outside rim of the can? It is not sold with the sediment bowl. I finally found a metal bowl but it has no fittings on the bottom. I think I still have fittings off the old bowl, maybe they will work!

I have a new FS1242, with a new bowl but it appears to have wrong threads and the can has the seal in the wrong place. Can't loosen it with hands so will look later. Does anyone know where to buy a complete filter if I can't get this mess together?

I put off changing  this filter until engine would not start. Didn't know it was gonna be a four/five month job!!

My previous coach had a Cummins 8.3  Since you mentioned the FS1242:
The FS1242 and NAPA 533242 are designed for use with a clear plastic bowl at the bottom.
The FS1212 is designed without the clear plastic bowl. IE: If your coach has the clear plastic
bowl at the bottom you will need FS1242, or NAPA 533242. If your coach does not have the
clear plastic bowl you will need part number FS1212.

The number on the one we took off is 533442 (NAPA uses part numbers like that).

Title: Re: Primary fuel filter/water separator
Post by: Jim Sizemore on August 23, 2017, 01:01:56 pm
Thanks folks. I picked up the wix 33442 filter today. The metal bowl I bought with no fittings now has a pipe plug in the small hole and a block drain petcock in the big hole. Just called my son to put the charger on the new start batteries before we try start as they've been sitting there for a couple weeks. Everyone keep their fingers crossed for later this evening when things cool off, and many thanks to all for considering my problem(which I "think" will turn out to be just because I let it sit too long with that leaky quad ring!!)

Jim
Title: Re: Primary fuel filter/water separator
Post by: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart on August 23, 2017, 02:06:56 pm
Mercedes used a steel spin on secondary filter in most of their diesel cars. The primary was just a small plastic inline filter like you see at the parts stores. The primary let water pass through and sit on the bottom of the secondary. After a while, the bottom would rust through starting will a small pin hole. With the engine in front, it was not long before you could smell the diesel. The plastic bottom on the coach's primary filter is good for a visual check for water and sediment, allows any water to be drained and can't rust through. All fuel filters are a "must carry a least one as a spare" item. Good to have any tools needed plus a big gallon plastic bag to catch the diesel. If you are home, use a hack saw to examine the inside after you change it.

Pierce
Title: Re: Primary fuel filter/water separator
Post by: Jim Sizemore on August 23, 2017, 03:38:21 pm
Thanks, Pierce. The metal is aluminum or some pot metal...''


Jim