Racor 2 Micron Pre-OEM Filter Cut Open for Inspection

[56Nomad]

Well my brother in law and I replaced his fuel filters on his D/max.
He has a 2 micron Racor (R60) frame mounted as a primary
filter. His odometer shows 30,000 miles.

The 2 micron Racor (R60) assembly was added 10,000 miles ago
when the OEM Racor had 20,000 miles on it, therefore a total
of 30,000 miles on this OEM filter.

We cut these filters open. So the bottom line is that the
2 micron Racor (R60) filter is good for at least 10,000 miles
when serving as a primary filter.

All photos available at:

http://community.webshots.com/album/86589312OLYdBM

[dmaxalliTech]

56, I changed out a racor 2 mic pre filter a few days ago along with the oem filter, both had 15k on them.. I will snap a few shots and send them to you so you may post them if you wish..Shoot me your email

[56Nomad]

dmaxalliTech,

quailman@cruzio.com for me (56 Nomad)

Thanks..... and I'll post them with the others.

[hoot]

Thanks Nomad.

[Racor]

The key here is that you are getting an idea about the source of fuel you are using.

Your 30K mile OEM looks very dirty. Change your fuel source. That filter looks like 10K miles was the limit.

Your 10K primary doesn't look so good either.

Having an all black-colored filter means you took it to the limit. But if the surface looks like it's coated with motor oil, or if the filter is even slightly collapsed or distorted, you waited too long. An all black filter quickly loses it's ability to separate water.

Don't automatically assume that you can extend your filter service interval with two filters. Your fuel quality determines that, not the time on road. The primary filter is added for extra protection from poor fuel quality, not as a short term filter cost saving measure. You are protecting your engine for long term savings.

If you put a vacuum gauge at the outlet of the filter, you can read when the filter needs changeout. For a single filter system, note the starting vacuum at idle and change when vacuum raises 3 to 5 inches Hg over the start. If it is a two-filter system, you can take it to 6 to 10 inches Hg vacuum over start. Keeping to these guidlines increases the chance that your filter will remove most all the water when you need it to.

[Lone Eagle]

56Nomad, I just replaced my post OEM Racor 660R2. It has 12K on it. What do I need to cut it open without destroying it? I am going to do another fuel analysis shortly. I was planning to go 10K on the OEM and 20K on the 660 but changed my mind. Later! Frank

[mdrag]

Lone Eagle,

Here are the cutters that I have used:

AIRWOLF (http://www.airwolf.com) offers two models, the AFC-470 (3 7/8" max filter diameter) and AFC-570 (4 7/8" max), $90 and $110 respectively. I don't recall the minimum size filter diameter for the 470 or 570. The 470 will handle the OEM Allison spin on filter and the oil filter. The 570 is needed for the OEM fuel filter, and but will not handle the smaller Allison filter. Give them a call to see what model works for you. I must have gotten an early version of the 570, since both of my Airwolf cutters are stamped AFC-470..


http://www.airwolf.com/Products/Oil-FilterCutter-AFC-470.jpg

The TAVIA 8340 (http://www.tavia.com/cat13.html#3) has a capacity up to 5.5". It works on all the OEM Dmax filters including the Allison, oil filter, and OEM Racor. The Tavia will also handle the Baldwin BF7635 in the MEGA kit @ 5 3/8" diameter. The Tavia can be found at PitStopUSA.com (http://www.PitStopUSA.com) or SummitRacing.com (http://www.SummitRacing.com) for about $70.

http://www.tavia.com/08340.jpg

The trick is to SLOWLY increase the pressure on the blades and make multiple passes. I counted over 30 revolutions while cutting open an OEM Racor using the Tavia. I seem to be reaching for the Tavia more and more these days...

[george morrison]

I concur with Mittie that the Tavia is beautifully made, has replaceable cutting head, and reasonably priced considering its quality. And as Mittie has shared, patient increase of pressure results in a beautiful cut filter with no shavings or residue.
George

[Lone Eagle]

Thanks for the info. Too expensive for just one filter. Later! Frank

[mdrag]

Originally posted by Lone Eagle:
Thanks for the info. Too expensive for just one filter. Later! Frank Don't forget that you can cut open the Allison spin on, oil filter, OEM Racor, and your supplemental fuel filter up tp 5.5" diameter - all from your Dmax. And today, it is more the norm to have more than one vehicle per family...and besides, you would take some of the pressure off of me ;) :D

Since I've not inspected a non-OEM Racor, send an email to MorePower if you would like to get my address to send your filter for inspection:

turbo@thedieselpage.com

George,

I'm pleased to hear that you like the Tavia - I was curious to see what you thought. I know the Airwolf cutter has been favorably compared to the more expensive Champion filter cutter. The Champion cutter seems to be a favorite with the airplane crowd. All things considered, I think the Tavia is a great value relative to cost, tool quality, capacity, and ease of use. I believe it will hold up well with frequent daily use.

The heavier and better built filters are EASIER to cut open cleanly. So far, the one Harvard oil bypass element I've examined showed the heaviest gauge construction throughout. I've not examined a CAT, non-OEM Racor, or Stanadyne filter yet - if anyone would like to send me a used filter from one of these manufacturers, send an email so we can work out the details:

turbo@thedieselpage.com

HINT: Practice on a few empty beverage cans - if you can cut one open without crushing the can, you'll have no problem with filters :eek:

[ChevysRus]

In a bind (pardon the pun) just use a hacksaw and roll the filter as you cut under the lip. Not worried about shavings, just dirt and element being intact.

Someone else said use an air cutoff tool.

Good Luck