Ever since I put a new filter canister on my Racor water seperator back in September, its been oozing fuel down the sides. There's not much leakage, just a wet film. Not even enough to contaminate the bilge. But when I wipe it clean, it comes right back. Its coming from either the mating surface of the canister to the unit or from one of the in or out joints above that. It was worse right after I replaced the canister. So I took it back off cleaned all the surefaces made sure the O-ring gasket wasn't gauling and reassembled. It got better but Still the ooz is there. Should I replace the whole filter unit? Is there a kit to rebuilt the unit with? Has anyone else had this issue?
As always, thanks for any help.
Sam
Capt. Sam Murphy
1994 Catalina 36, Hull 1327
Shoal draft, two cabin model.
Panama City, Florida
Sam. what model Racor do you have?
Check all the threaded fittings that are above the gasket. Often they leak down into the filter lip then overflow and drain down the sides of the filter. It appears the filter gasket is leaking when in fact it could be one of the threaded fittings above it.
If it's a fitting leak use a good quality pipe dope like Hercules Real-Tuff or Mega-Loc and no teflon tape. Gasoila is also a good sealant but I find it messy and generally use Real-Tuff or Mega-Loc as my go-to sealants......
-Maine Sail
https://www.marinehowto.com/
Hi Sam
My Racor primary seeped a droplet of fuel on occasion, just enough to dampen the absorbent pad below the filter housing in a week's time. After a half dozen attempts at various tightness, cleaning and wiping the gasket and sealing surfaces, I finally noticed a tiny nearly invisible hairline crack in the plastic filter bowl at the mating surface. Had to remove and hold it up to the sunshine to see it.
That was in 2001 and the 25 cent plastic bowl was over $50 back then - half the cost of a new filter unit.
Hope this is helpful. Best of luck.
Regards
Jack
Jack Heaston
1987 C36 Mk I #692
Fin Keel, Std Rig, Rocna 15
Silent Passage, M25 XPB Repower
I just rebuilt mine, but the water drain was leaking. Ended up buying a new bowl kit since one of the plastic bolts twisted off on assembly. Yes there is a rebuild kit. I also moved the whole assembly with pump out from under the settee and mounted it back by the raw water intake. Much better location to check.
Alex H.
SV Alexanne, 1985 #432 SR
SF Marina Bay YH
Thanks guys, all good comments and suggestions.
Bud, the Racor I have is R24s, at least that's the filter part number.
Main Sail's probably right about the leak coming from above and filling the filter joint crack outside the gasket, then seeping down the filter body. That looks like the most plausable cause.
Good info on the rebuild kit Alex. I think I'll just go shopping for that and get one. With a 19 year old filter housing, it can't hurt. I don't need to move it as you did. On my 1994 MK I.75, Catalina already figured that out and its in a fairly easy to access location back behind the engine where the raw water intake and transmission/shaft seal access is.
I appreciate all the help.
Thanks
Sam
:D
Capt. Sam Murphy
1994 Catalina 36, Hull 1327
Shoal draft, two cabin model.
Panama City, Florida
Sam, good ideas so far. Cleanliness is also key to a good joint and no leaks. One of our skippers experienced the same thing you did, and he found, after exhaustive detective work, that he just had a slightly bent filter, replaced the filter with a new one and all was fine. Kinda like Mom saying, "Don't buy a bent can at a grocery store." :)
Stu Jackson, C34IA Secretary, C34 #224, 1986, SR/FK, M25 engine, Rocna 10 (22#)
Stu, that's a very good thought. Because it wasn't leaking before I put the new filter can on. So, i'm on my way back to the boat tomorrow armed with all your good ideas. I'll report back as the mystery unravels.
Sam
Capt. Sam Murphy
1994 Catalina 36, Hull 1327
Shoal draft, two cabin model.
Panama City, Florida