Primary Fuel Filters

[NorthernFocus]

A couple of weeks ago in preparation for servicing the engine(2008 R25 w/Cummins 150hp) I started filling out the parts order form to get the parts I needed from Ranger. However for the primary fuel filter Ranger indicates the element as a Racor R11T. But physically in the boat the element is a Racor R12T. Well this led me (thankfully) to research the difference. The R11T fits a canister housing while the R12T is a spin-on. Well that makes a difference. Other than that the specs are the same, 10 micron rated for 15gph. But wait... the Cummins manual calls for 10 micron primary filtration sized for 60gph("Racor 500 Series or equivalent"). Huh? Ranger installed a filter that's only 1/4 the recommended size? But obviously it's been working. So what me worry?

Unfortunately, I'm no longer ignorant of this situation so am unable to carry blissfully on(can't help it). So some questions that I have for the Tugnut community:

1) For Cummins owners, do you have the same filters, i.e. R11 or R12 elements?
2} For those with these filters, have you had any issues such as inability to reach rated RPM at WOT, frequent filter changes, etc?
3) Has anyone upgraded to the recommended filter size? If yes, did you note any change in performance or filter life?
4) For those with later model boats, do you have similarly sized filters or larger?

 

[walldog]

A couple of weeks ago in preparation for servicing the engine(2008 R25 w/Cummins 150hp) I started filling out the parts order form to get the parts I needed from Ranger. However for the primary fuel filter Ranger indicates the element as a Racor R11T. But physically in the boat the element is a Racor R12T. Well this led me (thankfully) to research the difference. The R11T fits a canister housing while the R12T is a spin-on. Well that makes a difference. Other than that the specs are the same, 10 micron rated for 15gph. But wait... the Cummins manual calls for 10 micron primary filtration sized for 60gph("Racor 500 Series or equivalent"). Huh? Ranger installed a filter that's only 1/4 the recommended size? But obviously it's been working. So what me worry?

Unfortunately, I'm no longer ignorant of this situation so am unable to carry blissfully on(can't help it). So some questions that I have for the Tugnut community:

1) For Cummins owners, do you have the same filters, i.e. R11 or R12 elements?
2} For those with these filters, have you had any issues such as inability to reach rated RPM at WOT, frequent filter changes, etc?
3) Has anyone upgraded to the recommended filter size? If yes, did you note any change in performance or filter life?
4) For those with later model boats, do you have similarly sized filters or larger?

I would share your concern to have the right filter, but I doubt that you will ever need or be able to push or pull more than 9-10 GPH through the filter, thus the sizing by Ranger Tugs.

 

[NorthernFocus]

I would share your concern to have the right filter, but I doubt that you will ever need or be able to push or pull more than 9-10 GPH through the filter, thus the sizing by Ranger Tugs.

That is the logic that I suspect they used and exactly what concerns me. The engine is rated at 9gph at rated power. For filter flow the fuel return flow also has to be accounted for. Thus far I've been unable to find specific information on return flow rate. From what I've been able to gather it is likely 30-50% as much as fuel burned. If that's so it's OK but cutting it awfully close.

What will really tell the tail is a gauge on the engine side of the filter. Aside from compromising filter efficiency, low line pressure to the pump is not good. The manual provides the maximum allowable pressure drop. I was planning on putting a gauge on it anyway so will do that before getting too carried away. Racor also makes another element that will fit the same housing that is rated at 20gph. That would be the easiest way to get at least a marginal upgrade. The worklist is already long enough...

 

[Levitation]

The real question is has anyone reported an engine or power problem due to the size of Racor filter?
:mrgreen:

 

[NorthernFocus]

The real question is has anyone reported an engine or power problem due to the size of Racor filter?
:mrgreen:

...So some questions that I have for the Tugnut community:

1) For Cummins owners, do you have the same filters, i.e. R11 or R12 elements?
2} For those with these filters, have you had any issues such as inability to reach rated RPM at WOT, frequent filter changes, etc?
3) Has anyone upgraded to the recommended filter size? If yes, did you note any change in performance or filter life?
4) For those with later model boats, do you have similarly sized filters or larger?

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