Racor 500MA

[Wakadui]

Simple question...

Do you have to top-off the Racor 500MA with fuel after changing the filter element, or can you simply swap out old element with new and leave dry?

Thanks

[jim_thomsen]

I always top it off and then the engine does not need bleeding and usually starts immediately.

[Lancerbye]

Originally Posted by jim_thomsen

I always top it off and then the engine does not need bleeding and usually starts immediately.

Second this

[SvLetitgo]

Originally Posted by Lancerbye

Second this

No need on the 500 ma the filter is above the fuel level and line

Need filling first time only that the beauty of those

[keepondancin]

I had a boat with a fuel algae problem. I would use bio-bor, Baja Filters, magnetic fuel line devises, and every couple of years the algae would all of a sudden grow. It would only happen at the most critical times, like running a pass in the Bahamas, entering a new anchorage at night, etc. I would quickly have to change filters. I kept a good quality sports beverage bottle filled with fuel, so to top off the filter housing, I would just have to extend the spout on the top, squirt fuel into the filter, cover up, and fire the engine.

[DeepFrz]

every couple of years the algae would all of a sudden grow. It would only happen at the most critical times, like running a pass in the Bahamas, entering a new anchorage at night, etc.

Now that is very sly algae.

[chrisferro]

Originally Posted by keepondancin

I had a boat with a fuel algae problem. I would use bio-bor, Baja Filters, magnetic fuel line devises, and every couple of years the algae would all of a sudden grow. It would only happen at the most critical times, like running a pass in the Bahamas, entering a new anchorage at night, etc. I would quickly have to change filters. I kept a good quality sports beverage bottle filled with fuel, so to top off the filter housing, I would just have to extend the spout on the top, squirt fuel into the filter, cover up, and fire the engine.

Thats a great idea - I will steal that immediately!

[careka]

The Racor 500MA Marine Turbine Series Fuel Filter features advanced 3 stage water separation and fuel filtration combined in a compact size. The cartridge style element is easy and quick to change. Simply remove the cap, pull out the old filter with the provided handle and slide a new element in.
Racor 500MA Marine Turbine Series Filter Specifications:

• Maximum Flow Rate: 60 GPH (227 LPH)
• Port Size (fuel): 3/4”-16 UNF (SAE J1926)
• Height: 11.5 in. (29.2 cm)
• Width: 5.8 in. (14.7 cm)
• Depth: 4.8 in. (12.2 cm)
• Weight (dry): 4.0 lb (1.8 kg)
• Maximum Working Pressure: 15 PSI (1 bar)
• H2O Removal Efficiency: 99%
• Maximum Temperature: -40° to +255°F (-40° to +124°C)
• Cartridge Filter Element: 2, 10 or 30 microns.

[zeehag]

send me 2 sets, please.......

[Nauticatarcher]

We installed outboard fuel priming bulb in fuel line next to racor, a few pumps and she's full, too easy also made bleeding engine easy

[zeehag]

i use a 50 dollar assist pump--electrical-- for this..lol.. works well and doesnt deteriorate at all.... easy breezy--had to use it 22 times between ensenada and mazatlan...... now i havent the problems this engine had when i left sd..LOL

[Ziggy]

My Racor is below the level of the fuel tank. I have a shut off valve near the filter. After changing the element, I open the valve a bit until it's full. No other priming is needed.

[sded]

I never have needed to top mine off. Just change the element and the fuel level remains above the hose and doesn't need to be bled. As long as I don't run out of fuel (or need to change the primary filter) all is well.

[Lancerbye]

If there is evidence of fuel bug when I am changing filters, I will dump the bottom chamber into a container and flush some fuel down to clean it. The PO had installed electric pumps for primming the filters. I thank him for this everytime I have to change filters. Pump the level up passed the new filter and put the cap back on. Never need to bleed the system.

[Pblais]

I had a boat with a fuel algae problem. I would use bio-bor, Baja Filters, magnetic fuel line devises, and every couple of years the algae would all of a sudden grow.

No leeches? Snake oil sounds pretty good until you need to depend on it. I really love the magnetic stuff it's so very new age. No limit to what folks will believe. Magnetic algae must be from outer space. Once you have space aliens involved there is no hope at all.

Algae comes from the air that comes in through the fuel vent and lives ONLY in water that condenses inside the tank as the temperature fluctuates above and below the dew point. You could kill with biocide but it still dies. It can also come from algae in old fuel too that you pay for. The algae itself is really no problem it's the dead algae that fall to the bottom and is not magnetic that gets you. You could plug the fuel vent but then it's not functional and has it's own problems.

Using all your fuel over time and not letting the tank sit below half full for long periods will do the same. Spending the winter in higher latitudes and running a heater will just make the algae party - new water - fresh algae.