*THE HULL TRUTH is the world's largest FREE network for the discussion of Boating & Fishing. Whether you're researching a new boat, or are a seasoned Captain, you'll find The Hull Truth Boating & Fishing Message Forum contains a wealth of information from Boaters and Sportfishermen around the world.
Welcome to the updated THT!
If you are having trouble signing in, please email feedback@thehulltruth.com with your username and we will help you. We thank you for your patience as we help you access the new site!
Random Quote: If fishing is a sport, you are lookin' at an athlete!
Nothing like SeaNile but it's keeping me busy. First are the batteries in place, second one of the Racors, then the new battery switch (not hooked up yet), and finally the new WAY-COOL Newmar waterproof box for the 5 PowerPosts to be mounted in the bilge. That's a piece of 2/0 cable for reference.
They are REALLY strong. One problem (actually a couple)...they seem to come pretty close to the terminals on the group 27s. I think I'll add a plastic washer for comfort. The other problem that's associated with the first is that battery makers seem to make batteries that are in a certain range size-wise. I mean the batteries fit, just not perfectly. I tried several other batteries I had layin' around and they were all a little different. That seems to be what's taking me so long wiring this boat up (besides the fact that I have never done it before .) All the little things you have to figure out on your own....and the fact that you have to wait for the UPS guy for virtually all the parts. darn WM!!!!!!
Are those the group 27 batteries from Cabelas? Are you using them for starting duties and house batteries? Looks like a super clean install. I hope mine looks half as good when I undertake the challenge soon.
My observation, the clear plastic Racors are made for outside mounting location, for inside location you need the metal bowls. I also noticed that the Racor filter S3240 is a 30GPH filter, Think I would have gonme to a 60GPH filter
the clear plastic Racors are made for outside mounting location, for inside location you need the metal bowls.
The metal bowls are only required when the fuel/water separator is located in the same compartment space as the motor. That is, inside the motor box adjacent to the motor in an I/O or inboard installation.
They are prefectly legal and appropriate, when used as seen in an outboard equipped boat.
Very clean work.
__________________ .
Capt. Kevin ~~~~~~~~~~><((((*>
The batteries right next to the oil tanks are Cabela's group 27, the ones in front are Cabela's group 30 (house bank). I never thought that the plastic boxes would be strong enough. I think they would have been fine in a bilge or an aft battery box, but not in the console....too much movement. I really don't like those 1/4" terminals but I guess everything's a compromise. The Racor is one of two...one on each side for 60 gph total. I believe the thought on plastic bowls is to keep them out of a HEATED engine space. Now I have to sit around all day and wait for the UPS guy again.
Forgot one other thing. Before anyone asks the white stuff on the group 30s is a sheet of rubber drawer liner. I mentioned above that the batteries "sort of" fit. Well, I had to add a small length of aluminum U-channel on each side of each battery so that the top mount wouldn't slide around. The rubber is to guard against corrosion between the aluminum and the stainless. Hope it works. It doesn't look great but it's the only thing I could figure that would work. I'm always open to suggestions.
tg said...
I believe the thought on plastic bowls is to keep them out of a HEATED engine space.
Actually, the thought is that the engine space is the most likely place for a fuel fire. See-through water retention bowls will not survive the required amount of time in the motor space in the event of a fire. That is why the CG requires metal bowls on the separators when the racors are located within the engine space. It keeps the separators from contributing extra fuel to a motor fire in the event something goes 'poof'.
__________________ .
Capt. Kevin ~~~~~~~~~~><((((*>
About $80. I found some aluminum billet ones but they were almost as much. That's why I went stainless. IM me for the company as I don't know if Wiley has rules about non-sponsors.
Megabyte - don't want to start a war, but I decided to go to Parker Hannifin
( RACOR) to verify my post.
Here is my request:
I am trying to decide on the proper configuration fuel filter
separator I should purchase. I have
an outboard powered boat, and really
want to know if I use your fuel
water separator with the plastic
bottom bowl if it is acceptable for
use in a confined enclosed space.
Even though the description
indicates these separators are used
for outboard boats. Does that mean
provided it is mounted in a well
ventilated area such as an engine
well. If I were to use this same
filter in an enclosed area even
though outboard powered does the
ruling state to use the
configuration with the metal bowl or
inboard applications? Thanks!
Here is their response!
If it is mounted in an enclosed area it needs the metal bowl.
Mike Noldin
Technical Service Specialist
Racor Division
Parker Hannifin Corporation
So it looks like the plastic bowl FS is for outboard locations
such as the motor well etc! So my post is correct!
Not to continue a war or anything, but....while Racor may recommend a certain part for a certain application that does not mean that the USCG regulations state the same. As far as I can tell ( and I've read through the Fuel System Standard, 33 CFR, 46 CFR, etc.) the specific application is not addressed. I believe the INTENT for enclosed space use of the metal bowl is for fire safety (the 2.5 minute fuel fire test). But with no motor in the enclosure from which a fire would start, what would be the point? There is no more likelihood that a fire would start in my bilge as there is one would start in the fishbox. 46 CFR 182.455 does mention a bowl that is not subject to thermal shock and/or breakage. But, again, theres nothing in my bilge to come loose and break it and I don't worry about thermal shock in Naples. I could still be wrong and if that's the case I can change out the bowls.
If the clear/blue bowls should not be installed in conpartments/bilges of outboard boats, there are a lot of manufacturers and installers that are wrong. Racor needs to update its web site as well if that is the case:
"
The Most Complete Protection On the Water
Being on the water is fun, having water in your fuel is not. And more than ever today's high performance gasoline inboard and outboard engines require clean, dry fuel. Standard spin-on filters simply don't offer the improved features and peace-of-mind that come with quality Racor fuel filter/water separators.
Clear contaminant collection bowl with drain valve for outboards
Ten micron Aquabloc media
Long life with 98% efficiency
Corrosion-resistant construction
Metal bowl units inboard powered boats meet 33 CFR and USCG standards
Meets ABYC standard H-23 "
Looks like the response you got to an e-mail was the safe cya response. The web site is not clear that the outboard units must be mounted in a motor well or on the transom.
Now I think that the clear/smoke bowls are only for diesel....
tg - argue all you want , vapors of any sort do not need an engine to ignite, any source of ignition, will ignite fuel vapors!
Vapors will collect in a bilge regardless. If you have anything, battery connections, pumps as in this case, if you have vapors you have an exposure!
Good point, and I'm not arguing. I'm merely pointing out that the USCG regulations do not address this application...at least as far as I can tell. If you can find then by all means show me. And if fuel vapors were a major concern in a non-engine compartment bilge, why no requirement for blowers?
Good point. After you install the blower, you should consider a sniffer and Automatic fire suppression, Halon, only with the appropriate warning stickers for occupants of the console to evacuate. May want to consider finding some externally vented stainless steel oil tanks as well.
Never can be too safe.
I'm just adding fuel to the fire, pun intended. I just know that on almost all OEM installations of Racors will have the clear bowls in the transom enclosed area. I've got them and am not worried. I don't have large loose items in the vacinity that could impact and break the bowls, unless my batteries come loose.
TG, what kind of boat is that, anyway? Also, why the shutoff at the Racor?
Hardbitten update 2 
Those battery boxes look awsome! 
.) All the little things you have to figure out on your own....and the fact that you have to wait for the UPS guy for virtually all the parts. darn WM!!!!!! 
