Eliminating secondary fuel filter

[raunch]

I'm about to switch out my rubber fuel lines and thought it would be a good time to think about changing/upgrading my fuel filters. It was suggested to me by a local diesel shop to eliminate my secondary and go to a Racor unit. If I were to do that, I like the thought of installing one of the Racor units with the primer pump. Racor filters filter to 2 microns. I would go with the largest filter that would fit. Is there a downside to doing this?

[joe bleaux]

Racors are very good but the cartridges filter at different measurements. The filtration is according to Racor's media......not all are alike.


Joe



I'm about to switch out my rubber fuel lines and thought it would be a good time to think about changing/upgrading my fuel filters. It was suggested to me by a local diesel shop to eliminate my secondary and go to a Racor unit. If I were to do that, I like the thought of installing one of the Racor units with the primer pump. Racor filters filter to 2 microns. I would go with the largest filter that would fit. Is there a downside to doing this?

[raunch]

Not sure I understand. A micron is a standard unit of measurement.

[joe bleaux]

I guess I was a little vague. Racor's filters come in different micron ratings.

Joe



Not sure I understand. A micron is a standard unit of measurement.

[DmaxMaverick]

Not sure I understand. A micron is a standard unit of measurement.
True. However, the device or method of measuring that micron is not created equal. That's where the fine print comes in.

[raunch]

Anyone know the size of fittings I'd need to eliminate the secondary filter? I have a Racor 490 unit to replace the secondary and primary and am trying to put together a parts list for the installation of the Racor, before I take apart my fuel system.
Thanks.

[raunch]

True. However, the device or method of measuring that micron is not created equal. That's where the fine print comes in.

Would that be the difference between absolute and nomial micron rating?

The NAPA Gold (WIX) secondary filter has a nominal micron rating of 6, I don't know if the Racor filters are nominal or absolute, or even what that means.

The Racor filter I have installed has a micron rating of 2, which is smaller than the original, but the filter is much larger.

[DmaxMaverick]

Would that be the difference between absolute and nomial micron rating?

The NAPA Gold (WIX) secondary filter has a nominal micron rating of 6, I don't know if the Racor filters are nominal or absolute, or even what that means.

The Racor filter I have installed has a micron rating of 2, which is smaller than the original, but the filter is much larger.


The absolute/nominal is part of the rating difference fine print. There's also the rating standard test method. Many of them don't have a "test method", but have a "theoretical" rating based on the media used and media area.

To explain it loosely, nominal is an average of particle size passed, where absolute is the largest size particle that will be allowed to pass the media. Both are based on a margin of error, with a percentage of "off the scale" particle size allowable. The standards are kinda' fuzzy, at best. I prefer a 2 micron absolute for fuel, although it may be a futile effort in the end. I feel better about it, though.

[raunch]

Thanks for that info. I'll stick with the 2, too.

[opto]

I placed mine next to the radiator on the driver side for easy access
My truck is a 91 and I've relocated the batteries under the bed
I don't have the built in pump since I have an electric pump, which can be operated manually
It was kinda hard to find a suitable place since the 90 gph filterunits are quite big
http://www.hagberga.com/images/racorfilter.jpg

[NH2112]

Personally, I'd keep the 2 filter setup. When I had my C1500 I mounted a Stanadyne Model 80 primary below the snorkel on the radiator support, and a Racor 445 w/R45S (2 micron) secondary about where the Model 80 would be in a factory setup. Change the secondary every 3 primaries (primaries were changed every 3rd oil change.) The Model 80 will catch the big stuff that would otherwise quickly clog that expensive Racor. If you look on eBay you can usually find cases of both types filters for around $5-$10/filter. Once I scored a case of 6 R60S for something like $75 shipped, and I think $75 might get you 2 at your local truck shop.