Duel Racor Filters

When using a duel Racor filter with the filter selection valve, what is the life expectancy of the non-selected filter? In other words, is the non-selected filter's life shortened by sitting in diesel fuel without use for 1-2 Years?

The newer black elements are supposed to have a different better filter material with a better water rejection component that isn't supposed to deteriorate over time. Don't think they list a life expectancy in fuel though.

As a practice, I run the element for a year then switch to the other and replace the used one. So, the element sits for a year and then is used for a year. Being that I'm OCD, 2 or 3 times a year, I will switch to the alternate filter element for 15 minutes to flush the fuel out so that the fuel doesn't sit in the filter for a year. I know, totally OCD. But it's easy to do and gives me peace of mind.

Ted

Codger2 said:

When using a duel Racor filter with the filter selection valve, what is the life expectancy of the non-selected filter? In other words, is the non-selected filter's life shortened by sitting in diesel fuel without use for 1-2 Years?

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I had the same question a while back. In trying to find an answer, I found one reference from Parker that said that the filter elements would age and so should be replaced after a certain amount of time even if they aren’t very dirty.

However, it was only that one reference that I found back then and since I’ve not been able to find it again. Ted may be correct that an improvement in filters have eliminated this concern?

FWIW, I finally just decided to do the same thing as Ted. I replace the in-use filter and then switch to the filter that has been essentially unused for a year.

Think Parker says about a year on the water blocking chemical...the filter still works but I cant say how much the water blocker is affected.

psneeld said:

Think Parker says about a year on the water blocking chemical...the filter still works but I cant say how much the water blocker is affected.

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I read the same a while back.
That said I have been on the same side changing elements once per season and I think I'll change the other side now since it's been probably 5 years or so.

You guys need to buy dirtier fuel Takes care of all these problems!

If concerned, might take a little longer to switch over but you could always leave the back-up filter dry in the housing till needed, assuming not an emergency situation. Just fill the back-up and bleed air when needed. On the other hand, in over 5,000 miles of running, we never had any detectable water in our twin Racors.

For 20 years I switched sides once a year, but then I fuel polished frequently. I also changed sides and filter when I had more than 200 hours on a filter. Not once in the 20 years did I have a fuel problem at the twin Racor set up. Once at the secondary filter (typically on the engine.)

Switch filters once a month during the engine room inspection and replace both at the same time.