racor 75500fgx isolation valve hard to turn

[evm1024]

In my rebuild list I have gotten to the racor filters. THis is the dual 500 series with vacuum gauge and isolation valve.

I'm expecting to rebuild the set at some time and have discovered that the isolation valve is quite difficult to turn. The question is 2 fold. First is there any 'trick' to it (pull out then turn for example) and what kind of resistance to turning should I expect?

Lastly any advise on rebuilding them including the isolation valve?

REgards

[evm1024]

Also, Anyody ever use the RK15419 valve rebuild kit? Is it more than o rings? And why so costly?

[skipmac]

Hi evm1024,

By isolator valve I am assuming you mean the valve in between the two filters that selects which filter is on or off? It should not be that difficult to turn and I would guess it's just an o-ring problem. I googled the part number you listed and got this.

Part Number: RK15419</B>
Description:
Valve Rebuild Kit for Valve #RK15321 Includes O-Rings

This kit includes: Body O-Ring
Top Selector O-Ring
Top Selector
Small O-Ring

No sure what the Top Selector is in that list but since the other parts are just o-rings that must be the source of the high cost.

The valve should be a pretty simple part to overhaul. I would just take it apart, check the o-rings and replace them for a couple of dollars.

[evm1024]

THanks, This if what I suspected but there is a dearth of exploded diagrams for the valve. I'll be digging into it this weekend....

If anyone knows of some exploded diagrams, etc for the valve please post the links.

I do recall there is a howto on the web for the filter rebuild.

Regards, Ethan

[Chief Engineer]

It shouldn't be that hard to turn....a little stiffer than a decent seacock.

[pilgrim_40]

Info on the what rebuild kit to use here:
(scroll down to the bottom of the page for details).
http://www.personal.psu.edu/faculty/...ery_Trip_3.htm

[evm1024]

Originally Posted by pilgrim_40

Info on the what rebuild kit to use here:
(scroll down to the bottom of the page for details).
http://www.personal.psu.edu/faculty/...ery_Trip_3.htm

Thank you very much for that link. Somehow missed it in my google searches...

One reason to go on about this is so that anyone else that runs into this problem will not have to do the trial and error that the folks above did and that I almost did.

So here is what I think is true.

Racor made the 75/500 dual filter set originally with a plastic valve inthe valve body. This was in model number 15321. A valve rebuild kit of the same number was available with a plastic valve.

Due to the failures with the plastic valve the rebuild kit was replaced in the rebuild kit with a brass one which became kit number 15419.

After some time the 75/500 was redesigned and was numbered 15390.

------

So for those who want to rebuild their dual filters you will need to find out which valve you have. Old design number 15321 or new number 15390.

For old designs use rebuild kit RK15419 which includes a brass valve.

For new designs you may only need O rings.

-------------

I have not ordered the kit yet (later today) and will be rebuilding the valve when it arrives. I have to presume that the resistance to turning is caused by a failure of the plastic valve and that the handle sticking out further when turning is caused because the plastic valve is broken and the rough ends are moving against each other.


More later when the job is done........

Thanks again for the link!

[Alceon]

I am just getting ready to rebuild the valve on my Racor 500 and thought I'd see if you encountered any surprises in your project. Thanks!

[evm1024]

Hi,

(Darn, I never did follow up on the rebuild or get photos)

The rebuild went smoothly and without problems. I rebuilt the 2 filters at the same time which cleaned up their bowls of some sludge on the bowld and made them clear.

The valve turns smoothly and clicks into position as one would expect. Very nice.

I kept a tupperware box handy to put parts in which kept the engine room much cleaner. Did it using latex gloves to keep my hands clean.

Any chance that you can take photos or a video? I "forgot" to do that.

Regards

[Alceon]

Well, I went ahead and did it before I saw your response, so unfortunately I did not take any photos. It went pretty smoothly. The only issue I had was that the plastic/nylon spool that wasn't working was quite stuck and I couldn't pull it out. So, I drilled in the center with a small bit (maybe 1/8") followed by a larger bit. The larger bit freed things up and the spool started spinning and I pulled it out easily. Then I had to make sure there were no plastic fragments in the fuel lines, then put things back together with the new brass spool. Works like a charm now.

Thanks for getting back to me. Cheers!

[evm1024]

Originally Posted by Alceon

Well, I went ahead and did it before I saw your response, so unfortunately I did not take any photos. It went pretty smoothly. The only issue I had was that the plastic/nylon spool that wasn't working was quite stuck and I couldn't pull it out. So, I drilled in the center with a small bit (maybe 1/8") followed by a larger bit. The larger bit freed things up and the spool started spinning and I pulled it out easily. Then I had to make sure there were no plastic fragments in the fuel lines, then put things back together with the new brass spool. Works like a charm now.

Thanks for getting back to me. Cheers!

Ah, Yes. Now I remember. I also had to drill the stuck plastic. I drilled a small pilot hole and put a long screw in it. The screw became a handle with which to pull. I also looked for bits and pieces. Mine came out clean.

N.B. for all future rebuilds.

Regards!