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**Dockhead** · 09-01-2018, 06:57

Anyone used these Chinese copies of Racor 500's?

https://www.aimtools.co.uk/products/...l-filter-fg500

I would not think it would be difficult to make a quality filter housing. These will apparently take the Racor 500 filter elements which I already use for my main engine.

I'm considering one of these for my generator as I'm having difficulty sourcing the spin-on filter elements for the existing filter. It would make sense to harmonize the filters so main and generator can use the same elements (and I keep a couple of cases of Racor filter elements in various grades on board).

But the cost of the single Racor 500FG strikes me as outrageous -- almost $300 over here. So maybe the Chinese copy would be acceptable for this use.

Otherwise I was considering one of the Delphi filter/water separators.

Anyone with any experience?

WSMFP · 09-01-2018, 07:57

I ordered one off ebay trying to save some money over the Racor FG and ended up returning it because I couldn't find the correct sized fittings. There was a strange female thread size on it. Ended up returning it and shelling out the money for the authentic Racor.

In the link you supplied it looks like it comes as a package with the fittings so probably won't have an issue. The one I ordered off ebay didn't have fittings.

ottow · 09-01-2018, 08:05

I have some experience with these; my (new to me) boat had one installed (PO did it).
It leaked, from somewhere impossible to see. I ordered a new one from eBay (I found the original version too expensive), and replaced it.
Turns out the PO had mangled the pipe fittings so badly that the leak was there... I could have re-used it I suppose but I simply saved some of the parts and threw it away.
Having seen two of these I find the quality so-so, the one the PO had put in had a very rough body and badly cast bolt holes. The replacement I bought was quite OK.
I suppose it is a bit of a hit and miss with these...

I'd recommend going for the version with a plastic valve at the bottom (the one you link to). The metal variant seemed much harder to use (PO version).

Suijin · 09-01-2018, 09:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by WSMFP

I ordered one off ebay trying to save some money over the Racor FG and ended up returning it because I couldn't find the correct sized fittings. There was a strange female thread size on it. Ended up returning it and shelling out the money for the authentic Racor.

In the link you supplied it looks like it comes as a package with the fittings so probably won't have an issue. The one I ordered off ebay didn't have fittings.

That points to it being a direct clone of the older Racors, which had straight pipe fitting threads for some bizarre reason, which required you to buy and adapter for them.

Personally I would not buy a Chinese clone, in principal, for the purposes of saving a few bucks. When a company makes a good product and someone comes along and basically steals the design and undercuts them, in the long run everyone loses.

**Dockhead** · 09-01-2018, 09:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Suijin

That points to it being a direct clone of the older Racors, which had straight pipe fitting threads for some bizarre reason, which required you to buy and adapter for them.

Personally I would not buy a Chinese clone, in principal, for the purposes of saving a few bucks. When a company makes a good product and someone comes along and basically steals the design and undercuts them, in the long run everyone loses.

It's more than "a few bucks"; $50 vs $300. I have spent a lot of money on Racor filters and the expensive filter elements over the years; I would not feel too bad for Parker if I did buy a Chinese clone. But it's not worth it if there are quality problems. I'm not greatly inspired by the answers I've gotten (for which thanks to all who replied!).

Tingum · 09-01-2018, 10:03

Fuel supply is not the place to cheap out! You get what you pay for!

kmacdonald · 09-01-2018, 10:52

The Racor Snap series are convenient, inexpensive, and effective.
Snapp Filters - Racor

**skipmac** · 09-01-2018, 12:56

I looked at the Chinese copies when I wanted to upgrade my engine filters to a dual filter setup. The price looked attractive but I ran into a number of negative reviews so decided against it. Good thing since I found an eBay deal on a genuine dual Racor 500 for less money than the Chinese copy.

As a result I have a new, unused Racor 500 that I bought thinking to cobble together my own dual system. Will make you a deal on it but shipping would probably cost more than the filter. Or, if you can wait a few months I'll be passing through London Aug/Sept and I'll bring it to you.

TheThunderbird · 09-01-2018, 13:28

Racor! No less
I tried to save on a GRIFFIN. I had problems and paid for it. Their spherical ball is plastic and floats.

Racor design has aluminium ball working by gravity. What I saved l spent on the mechanic.

No more mistakes.

TheThunderbird · 09-01-2018, 15:00

I am in London soon.

I have written to the importer, and l will try to check the product personally

**chris07732** · 09-01-2018, 17:26

I also endorse the RACOR's SNAPP filter Have had them on my polishing system for 18 months

**Dockhead** · 10-01-2018, 03:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheThunderbird

I am in London soon.

I have written to the importer, and l will try to check the product personally

Great; please let us know.

Scout 30 · 10-01-2018, 13:52

I agree, this is the wrong place to save money. I installed the Racor dual filter system with the valve & pressure gauge. Really great quality & well worth what I paid for it.

**zeehag** · 10-01-2018, 15:54

i love my racor 500fg both of em. i can change cartridge without breaking prime. awesome invention.
have had em 3 yrs and bought em for 6500 pesos together, when peso was 16.25 to one.

elandra65 · 10-01-2018, 16:35

Dont waste your time with this crap. Had a friend buy one and the casting was rough with dodgy threads. Saved him about $100. You can buy from Defender etc for about $200 from memory. False economy!
Andrew