Fuel filter vacuum guage

[Triskele]

I have Racor 1000 fuel filters. Run 2 micron filters. Just installed a vacuum gauge in place of the T handle. Anyone know what the vacuum reading should be to change out or replace the filters?

 

[Boatsb]

2 micron is small for detroits and especially if they are the primary filters. 30 primary and 10 final for detroits.

If you keep the 2 micron filters you should change them often. If your fuel is dirty it will clean it up very well but remember restricted fuel is not good for detroits.

 

[MikeP]

Re the gauge reading:

I have a Racor brand vac gauge/Racor fuel filter on my Northern Lights genny. It usually shows around 5-6" of vacuum with a new filter and the gauge has a factory-original red line at 15" which, per Racor instructions, is the indicator that it's time for replacement. I have never actually seen it get that high before I replaced the filter based on the "I guess I should install a new filter, just because" parameter.

I have seen the main eng get to 15" of fuel vacuum (I don't have racor filters on my mains) and I do replace them when they get there. I have to admit I have never been able to tell any difference in actual engine performance at WOT with them showing 15 but obviously at some point there could be a problem. I would assume that the pump would collapse the fuel line completely between the filter and pump if the fuel filter is too restricted.

 

[rsmith]

I've been running 2020sm2microns since I put the racers on in 1978. The gauge tells all I have 3" at 2100 when the filters are clean. 15" will start to see top end rpm loss and smoke.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

I've been running 2020sm2microns since I put the racers on in 1978. The gauge tells all I have 3" at 2100 when the filters are clean. 15" will start to see top end rpm loss and smoke.

Me too. 2 Micron is the way to go. You'll never have to change a secondary.

As far as I'm concerned, the best setup is twin Racors with 2 micron filters in them and vac gauges. If you ever get caught out in seas with a filter plugging up, just switch to the new clean one and change the other one when you get back into port. Those guys running 30 micron could end up caught out there trying to change a secondary.

 

[RT46]

I have the dual racors.

The first filter I run a 2 micron filter.
if that clogs while running I flip the lever to the other filter which has a 30 micron.

it has only happened to me once.