Racor Fuel Water Separator Problem

Blue_Runner · #1 08-01-2005, 04:00 PM

Yes, the fishing trip was great and yes, there was a problem with the V21. Not with the new motor, but with the fuel water separator.

I'd say the first 7 hours of operation were smooth as silk with the new motor. Then, out of no where, we are running along at 3/4 throttle and the motor starts to lose power (actually losing fuel). All of the fuel in the bulb was getting used up and the ball was all squeezed in as if it couldn't get more gas from the tank. The boat would operate just fine at low RPM, but this problem would repeat each time you re-primed (which was difficult) and tried to run 3/4 to full throttle.

After reading the instructions for the fuel water separator I decided it must be time to put a new "element" or filter on the thing. I bought a new one just like the one on it, replaced it and no more problems - until two days later when it did it again. The first time there was definitely some sediments and a little bit of water in there but now the sight bowl on the separator is as clean as can be. I don't know how this could be clogged so soon. Maybe I neede to clean the fitting out before screwing on the new element? Anybody with some experience on this, please chime in.

I've isolated the problem to the separator for sure. I know this because I stubbed in a temporary line around the separator and she runs marvelous!

Help! Help! Calgon, take me away :(

Thanks,
Blue

Franco · #2 08-01-2005, 06:50 PM

IS THE BULB BETWEEN THE RAYCOR AND THE MOTOR OR BETWEEN THE TANK AND THE RAYCOR. WHAT EVER IS BEFORE THE BULB HAS A RESTRICTION, THE FUEL PUMP CAUSES A VACUM COLLAPSING THE BULB.

#3 08-01-2005, 11:41 PM

I know this might sound simple, but check the flow direction for the inlet/outlets on the fuel/water separator assy and same for the priming bulb. Also the priming bulb should be post fuel/water separator and just before the motor.

Could be a bad priming bulb or a blockage in the separator assy.

phester · #4 08-01-2005, 11:49 PM

I believe there is sort of a check valve,or a one way valve in the primer bulb. They can get a bit crusty as time goes by,may want to swap that out and get a new one

Skools Out · #5 08-02-2005, 01:25 AM

Hate to say this But you had problems with your other motor not making RPMs Have you checked the vent for the fuel tank to make sure it's open and also that the hose hasn't gotten soft and after running it could collapse and close off the tank vent. Sounds like 2 motors with same kinda issues then look at the tank and vents. When you bypassed the separator you would have given the tank a change to fill back up with air which would have given you another several hours without any problems to show up.

reelapeelin · #6 08-02-2005, 10:14 AM

BR, me and Skool thinkin' same way...vent line...clear that or replace or whatever; check fittings and all...if there's a loop or just a low spot, have something ready to drain into...

But here's the thing, if it isn't vent, then all the suggestions above sound good as well, which shouldn't take long to check and correct... ;) :D...

Musta been a true BUMMER to have that new motor die on ya... :P...I feel for ya, Pal...tain't a good feelin' at all! :-[ :'(...GOOD NEWS is, you'll have her up and hummin' along in short order, I'm SURE!... ;D...keep us posted... 8)...

Hey, Man..didja get up to Twin Lakes?...

jaysea · #7 08-02-2005, 10:36 AM

you mite be having a vent problem if your having to take a long time to fill the tank at the pump,if it spits gas back at you,an can you hear air coming out the vent while filling up,mabe try to drive around with the gas cap a little loose an that mite help if there is a vacum problem.till you can fix it

Blue_Runner · #8 08-02-2005, 01:26 PM

Thanks for all of the thoughts on this problem. It hasn't caused me any down time as I ran it on vacation for 3 days with the by-pass line.

Franco, bulb is in the right place - just before the motor. You are exactly right - there is some sort of blockage. It should be fairly easy to track down.

Skool, I feel you on what you are saying about the problem with the other motor and all. But, I'm positive that the other motor had different problems (fouled plugs) and never sucked the ball dry. I know it didn't reach full RPM, but it wasn't due to lack of fuel (unless fuel pump was the prob) as the ball stayed primed very well.

About the vent - I have checked it pretty extensively and I feel comfortable saying that it is definitely not the problem. Right now, I'm leaning heavily toward Wellcraft_Dave's diagnosis of blockage in the fuel water sep assembly. That's one thing I didn't do when I changed the element. I forgot to take a good look in there before screwing the new element on.

If that's not it, the line between the separator and the squeeze ball may be collapsed or pinched in some way. There's not a really good way for me to see what's going on with it. That's about the only two things it could be IMHO.

Thanks for all of your helpful remarks. I've gotten more info here in 1 day than I've gotten in 1 week of asking around.

Preciate it! ;D I will let ya'll know once I'm able to get in there and mess around.

Franco · #9 08-02-2005, 03:23 PM

HEY BLUE, PING ME IF YOU NEED SOME MORE INFO - I HAD A SIMILAR CONDITION ON A 24 GRADY WHITE I FISHED ON - IF I CAN HELP LET ME KNOW

Blue_Runner · #10 08-02-2005, 03:37 PM

We'll do Franco. Thank you sir.