RACOR filter primer inoperative

[ksanders]

The primer bulbs on both of my RACOR fuel filters are inoperative.

I do not remember the number of the filter, but this is a pump housing with a black bulb that you push to prime the filter.

Does anybody know if parts for these are available? If so, does anybody have the p/n for the repair kit for the primer pump? I suspect that all the bulb type pumps are the same.

​​​​​​​Thanks!

 

[STB]

Hey Kevin,

Are we talking about a squeeze bulb?

I sort of had the impression that any squeeze bulb in the fuel line below deck would have to be rated to the same standard as a fuel hose and that none for sale met that requirement.

I guess what I've been told is that putting an outboard type squeeze bulb below deck is a big no-no because they tend to dry out and split and, can do all of the bad things a bad fuel line might do. For example, if the tanks gravity feed -- empty them entirely into the bilge.

Given what I think I know, it might be the case that you want to remove them for compliance, or find the best ones you can and inspect them frequently.

Of course, I could be totally wrong on this. I've never looked up the code or recommendation.

 

[STB]

Hi Kevin,

Or, maybe is this for an outboard?

 

[Comodave]

I think maybe you have a Racor 490 series filter, a diesel spin on filter. They have the black priming pump button. Maybe try Racorstore.com. I have bought Racor stuff from them. I ordered on Thursday afternoon and the parts arrived on Saturday. No affiliation.

 

[STB]

Hi Kevin, Hi Dave,

Oops. I misunderstood. The primer was built in. If Dave is right about it being a 490, maybe this helps...

If it is the 490MAM (Marine rated, diesel), the part number is:
-- RK 22425
-- https://www.racorstore.com/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/10951

The manual with parts diagram is:
-- https://www.racorstore.com/PDF/22490_Rev_A_(400MAM_Series).pdf


If it is the marine gasoline version, the part number is:
-- RK24000

And the manual with the break out is:
-- https://www.parker.com/parkerimages/Racor/14345 Rev A (490R-RAC).pdf

Those things ain't cheap!

 

[Comodave]

If I remember correctly that is what Bayliner put in the 4788s. Good news is that the primer looks like it is all part of the filter head which costs only $207.62.
What a deal...

 

[sunchaser]

GK
Check Seaboard's site to see how Tony sets up squeeze bulbs. Basically a Teed and valved off line that is only used when priming filters is required.

 

[STB]

Hey Sunchaser,

Thanks so much!

That's a nice idea for someone that wants those. I've heard people mention it, but never knew who came up with it or seen it. It is much neater than I imagined.

I usually get away with filling up the filters and not needing to bleed much. I have inline electric for the more major service work. PO put those in. So nice.

 

[firehoser75]

GK
Check Seaboard's site to see how Tony sets up squeeze bulbs. Basically a Teed and valved off line that is only used when priming filters is required.

+1 on the Seaboard "squeeze bulb" idea. The clear plastic tubing and the bulb are isolated by separate shutoff valves and are only used when "priming". It works great. For those who really care, no it technically does not meet "code" (ABYC), but I can't see how this set up could, in reality cause a problem. Also, as far as the bulbs are concerned, Tony states that in his long time career, he has never heard of one failing in this type of use!
No affiliation, just believe Tony knows of what he speaks

 

[ksanders]

If I remember correctly that is what Bayliner put in the 4788s. Good news is that the primer looks like it is all part of the filter head which costs only $207.62.
What a deal...

Thats what I’m finding. No parts for the thing.

 

[ksanders]

GK
Check Seaboard's site to see how Tony sets up squeeze bulbs. Basically a Teed and valved off line that is only used when priming filters is required.

I’m probably going to go with tony’s setup, but I really like the Racor clear base on their filters.

 

[firehoser75]

Hi Kevin,
I think what Sunchaser and I were referencing was Tony's squeeze bulb priming set up. Yo could keep what you have now (as long as the only issue is the priming pump) and just add his squeeze bulb set up. Of course, you could go whole hog and switch to his double filter set up as well as the squeeze bulb.

 

[ak-guy]

I have the same filter and the primer pump also failed. I wrote Racor and they offered to sell me a new head. I installed an outboard primer bulb. This one actually says it is approved for diesel.
https://www.fisheriessupply.com/scepter-epa-rated-primer-bulb

My filter is not in the engine space so I didn't feel too bad about installing the bulb.