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Topic: Racor filter servicing; fuel won't stop draining (Read 865 times) previous topic - next topic

Racor filter servicing; fuel won't stop draining

I have serviced the Racor fuel filter before and do not remember the bottom fuel line failing to stop after a short drain cycle.  Today, I disconnected the electrical water sensor, depressurized the schrader valve,  and then disconnnected the drain line at the bottom of the filter......it proceeded to drain excessively over a gallon when I decided to stop it by reconnecting the fuel line.    I reread the Racor pub and followed their directions but the filter didn't behave as documented there.    I felt if I continued it would not stop until the tank drained.  I don't remember turning nor even seeing any fuel shut off valve the last time; furthermore the pub says as long as the tank is lower than the filter it's not needed.  What did I forget to do?
I plan to also follow up with servicing the primary filter as well; which I did the last time with no problems.
Fiddler
1959 Parris Island grad
40' 2001 U320 Build 5875
1999 Suburban K1500 toad
1986 Corvette Pacecar
ssoftail@comcast.net

Re: Racor filter servicing; fuel won't stop draining

Reply #1 –
Fiddler, don't know what's different between yours and mine. I just finished changing my oil and all the filters and didn't have that issue with my Racor. I did it the same way you described doing it.
 Would there possibly be a check valve in the system that is not seating properly?
  Maybe someone else will chime in.

 Richard B
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: Racor filter servicing; fuel won't stop draining

Reply #2 –
During my last filter change, the fuel never stopped.  I figured the open filter is below the fuel level in the tank, and will continue to flow till the height is equal.  Expensive to do that way.  Next time I will plan to replace the filter when the fuel tank is not full.
Dave Cobb
Buckhorn Lake Resort The Club, #6202, Kerrville TX
check the map.  I do rent it out when I am traveling!
2001, U320, 36' #5887, in Kerrville, FT Club #17006, (7/23 to present)
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Summit, white
EX: 98 U295, 36' #5219, (mid door), (4/13-10/23)
EX: 93 U225, 36' (4/11 to 4/13)

Re: Racor filter servicing; fuel won't stop draining

Reply #3 –
Quote from: rbark –
Fiddler, don't know what's different between yours and mine. I just finished changing my oil and all the filters and didn't have that issue with my Racor. I did it the same way you described doing it.
Maybe someone else will chime in.

 Richard B
Likewise on mine that I just replaced. Just a little fuel came out. Still Messy though.
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: Racor filter servicing; fuel won't stop draining

Reply #4 –
Is there a simple way to pinch off the fuel feed line from the tank?
Fiddler
1959 Parris Island grad
40' 2001 U320 Build 5875
1999 Suburban K1500 toad
1986 Corvette Pacecar
ssoftail@comcast.net

Re: Racor filter servicing; fuel won't stop draining

Reply #5 –
Best answer is to install a fuel-grade ball valve on the inlet to the primary fuel filter.

Physics is physics-- fuel will drain toward whichever end (fuel tank or filter head) is lower.  That depends on installation level of both as well as how full the fuel tank is and if the nose of the coach is up or down hill from the back.

You neither want fuel to run out of the filter end, NOR for fuel to drain back to the fuel tank which leaves you with 20'+ of AIR to purge out.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Racor filter servicing; fuel won't stop draining

Reply #6 –
Our U300 builds pressure in the tank so it might be good practice to loosen the cap to release pressure before changing the filter. Some models may vent but ours does not.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Racor filter servicing; fuel won't stop draining

Reply #7 –
Problem solved.  Coach was apparently sloped from the tank (3/4 full) down to the direction of the filter and thus never ending flow.  Reversed the slope and the process went as normal.  Had to purge air 6-8 times before it would continue to run...  In the past I had filled the filter before installing but this time got lazy and followed FT manual recommendation of not having to fill the filter; would it have made a difference ?  who knows.  I think I will follow Brett Wolfes advice and install a shut off valve on the feed line to the primary.
Anyhow many thanks to those who participated in trying to help....Great people on this forum!
Fiddler
1959 Parris Island grad
40' 2001 U320 Build 5875
1999 Suburban K1500 toad
1986 Corvette Pacecar
ssoftail@comcast.net

Re: Racor filter servicing; fuel won't stop draining

Reply #8 –
Would pinching the fuel line with a long nosed vise grip pliers work for a temporary fuel shutoff (or slow down flow)?
Or would this damage the fuel line?
1995 U320C SE 40'
Jeep 4x4 Commander - Limited - Hemi
"The Pack"  Yogi and Diesel our Airedales -  Charlie our Boxer/Akita mix. Gone but NEVER forgotten Jake our yellow Lab.
NRA Law Enforcement Firearms instructor - Handgun/shotgun
Regional Firearms instructor for national Armored Transp. Co.

Re: Racor filter servicing; fuel won't stop draining

Reply #9 –
Quote from: Lon and Cheryl –
Would pinching the fuel line with a long nosed vise grip pliers work for a temporary fuel shutoff (or slow down flow)?
Or would this damage the fuel line?
Lon,
Yes, vice grips will stop the flow.
Yes, it will damage the fuel line.

Pamela & Mike


Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Racor filter servicing; fuel won't stop draining

Reply #10 –
The fuel line is very heavy hose.  Difficult for vise grips to succeed.  We have hundreds of coaches without ball valves.  If you pay attention to fuel and coach levels you won't have a problem.
Regards,
Brett

'99 42' Foretravel Xtreme
'14 Brown Motorsports Stacker
'05 Chevy SSR
'02 BMW R1150R

Re: Racor filter servicing; fuel won't stop draining

Reply #11 –
I have had a message from a member concerned about pressure buildup in the fuel tank or possible crushing in the case of vacuum buildup. Our fuel caps are designed to allow a 2 psi pressure or 2"Hg vacuum before they vent out or in. Only when this is exceeded does a vent hose come into play. This is what you feel/hear when you remove your fuel cap after driving for a while and with a fairly low fuel tank, the 2 psi can hinder changing fuel filters without releasing pressure by loosening the filler cap.

Attached is a cross section of the fuel cap.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)
 

Re: Racor filter servicing; fuel won't stop draining

Reply #12 –
I replaced the Winn filter system with a Racor with integrated prime pump.  It will quickly and easily prime, even with the fuel line completely drained back to tank.  Highly recommended, and bought from National Fleet Products, around $325.00.  Not familiar with the injector pumps on the newer series cummins but wonder about the effects of extended cranking to purge air.  Pumps such as the VP44 on  model Cummins ISB series are lubricated by fuel rather than oil, and are quickly destroyed when they are run without fuel in them. 
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS