Smaller Filter - opinions

[Indy]

I want to relocate my fuel filter, which the PO mounted in the cabin. The trouble is the only places it will fit would require a smaller filter, so I found that Racor has a smaller model, but the specs seem fine. 30gph, 10 micron, metal bowl available. I'd like to use the one Moyer has, but this one is about 1/2 the height and I cannot figure out whether the spin on cannisters are interchangeable.

Racor RAC-120R-01/02

Any insights on this filter or the specs would be appreciated.

[Dave Neptune]

Indy, yes it is a spin on filter. The filter spins onto the filter body and the "bowl" screws onto the bottom of the filter. It is a good unit.

A smaller one may be out there and you don't need any where near a 30GPH flow rating. A 30GPH flow will feed over 400HP. There may be another style or a small "tractor" filter assembly.

For reference load duty motors of the A-4's vintage use a figure of "2HP per pound of fuel per hour" or about 1 gallon per hour equals around 14 HP.

Dave Neptune

[joe_db]

30 GPH is about 28.5 over what is needed, so that will work fine. I got onto the cheap $10 Sierra type spin on filters some time ago after I realized water separation won't work with ethanol-gas, the Racors are a pain to replace, they cost more, and I had them start rusting

[scratchee]

...I realized water separation won't work with ethanol-gas...

Wouldn't a water separator still help you if you had significant water in the fuel, like from a leaky filler cap, if the engine is run before the water is absorbed into the fuel? I'm also looking for a new filter (I have an ancient bronze Perko), and have been assuming that I should get one with a water separator.

As to the original question, after some looking around it appears that Moyer is selling the 320R-RAC, which is a 60 GPH filter, while the 120R-RAC you found is a 30 GPF filter. The number you see in the Moyer picture, 3228UL, is the part number for the replaceable filter element. The filter you're looking at takes a 3240 replacement element. Both are 10 micron filters.

[ndutton]

Wouldn't a water separator still help you if you had significant water in the fuel, like from a leaky filler cap, if the engine is run before the water is absorbed into the fuel?

My experience from last year addresses your question directly:

https://www.moyermarineforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11084

[joe_db]

Wouldn't a water separator still help you if you had significant water in the fuel, like from a leaky filler cap, if the engine is run before the water is absorbed into the fuel? I'm also looking for a new filter (I have an ancient bronze Perko), and have been assuming that I should get one with a water separator.

As to the original question, after some looking around it appears that Moyer is selling the 320R-RAC, which is a 60 GPH filter, while the 120R-RAC you found is a 30 GPF filter. The number you see in the Moyer picture, 3228UL, is the part number for the replaceable filter element. The filter you're looking at takes a 3240 replacement element. Both are 10 micron filters.

Not really. Water in ethanol-gas creates a nasty goo when the ethanol and water separate out from the gas. I had this happen due to a bad o-ring on my fill and in the dinghy too when the tank turned over in a bad rainstorm. The dinghy engine wouldn't run because the cheap filter on the dinghy totally blocked the ethanol-goo from passing and the expensive Racor was unable to remove the water from the nasty goo and passed the ethanol-water mix on to the carb. Two dead engines in one day

[Indy]

I use non-ethanol fuel, FYI.

[joe_db]

Well then the water separator will still work
I am too lazy and cheap to drive to the airport and get ethanol-free fuel for the boat, but I do grab a gallon of 100 octane for the lawn mower so the dang thing will start all year.