Removing Racor fuel filters

[KellysEye]

I put the filter on properly - screw on finger tight, extra quarter turn, diesel on the O-ring.

Before taking it off I use the drain to empty the filter.

Problem: it should just unscrew easily. A filter removal tool doesn't get it off, a big screwdriver driven through it will get it off with difficulty. It will unscrew easily if I take the fuel lines off, which is a pain.

I've talked to others about this and they have the same problem - any ideas for what causes the problem and the solution gratefully received. Thanks.

 

[Marmalade]

Is this a fine filter or primary water trap filter. I had to take a chain wrench to the latter last time I wanted to get it off

Simon

 

[Orla]

I bought a new vetus water seperator/filter, complete unit.
It came all fitted up, head fitting and filter pre attached.
I tried to seperate the filter from the head fitting to make it easier to bolt to the engine room bulkhead, I tried every possable way and failed i was only going to damage the filter.
I got it all fitted and working but i am not looking forward to replacing it when the time comes. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
I couldn't believe it had come new from the factory this way.
A reel pain in the arse.
good luck

 

[orizaba]

if you havn't got a filter wrench,and not much room behind it get a length of webbing strap wrap it round the filter ,clamp the 2 ends tight to the filter with vice grips and the use the vice grips as a lever,
won't cure your tightness problem but less chance of damaging the filter

 

[samwise]

I have the same problem every time, even though the fit is always by the book. The only thing I have found to do the job is a Constrictor filter wrench with a rubber strap. If you get the biggest one you can manoeuvre in the space it will ( should), with brute force applied, shift the thing. Stabbing though with a screwdriver can leave you worse off because the filter casing tears and breaks and you have nothing to latch on to in order to remove the wreckage. I find that not only is it a big sweat to shift the filter off the head fitting, but the metal base also has a habit of viretually welding itself to the filter body. Look on the bright side though, at least you don't have to juggle with the assorted gaskets and seals that come with the CAV!

 

[orizaba]

the best way to attach seals etc on a cav is
grease to hold the large top seal in,make up the bottom bit grease the seal between filter and bottom,if its awquard to fit put a couple of wraps of insulating tape round the join to make it int a 1 pc item ,slide under the bolt and tighten,giving it a bit of a twist as you go to make sure all is located properly

 

[KellysEye]

Thanks for the thoughts, it seems everybody has the same problem. The filters I use are R15S spin-ons. I have tried a big Constrictor wrench but I still can't budge it. My guess, because the filter is on the low pressure side, is that it's being held on by a vacuum in the filter. I've emailed Racor to see if they have any ideas. If they come up with anything I'll report back.

 

[gandy]

Can you undo a bleed screw to release the vacuum?

 

[lookout]

but you released the vacuum by draining the bowl, no? tho why does removing the fuel unions help? even so, doubt the vacuum wd stop you budging it a bit anyway.

 

[KellysEye]

Maybe draining the bowl doesn't free the vacuum (if that's what the problem is) it certainly doesn't seem to have any effect. I'll definitely try opening the bleed screw but I'll wait until Racor come back.