Fuel-Water prevention - anyone install Racor filter on tractor?

ljjhouser · Jul 11, 2022

There had been a lot of posts and discussion about water contamination in diesel fuel. Many have mentioned installing a Racor filter on their storage tank and some have mentioned installing a Racor on the tractor just after the fuel tank. Sure would like to know which one they used and where it was installed. Pictures and how it was installed would be great. Anyone know about this. Thanks

dodge man · Jul 14, 2022

This was my install on a Kubota BX about 10 years ago. It’s a small tractor and I spent a lot of time trying to figure our where to mount it. This is where other people have put it so that’s where I ended up. The BX has a small filter and then a small lift pump, then another small filter near the engine. The lift pump and first filter are at the back of the tractor as is the fuel tank.

The Racor took the place of the first filter that way it’s protecting the lift pump. This is a bit of a pain since where I mounted it meant there is a fuel line running from the tank to the Racor up front, then towards the back of the tractor to the lift pump. Not quite as bad as it sounds.

I just looked at prices on Amazon and the Racor identical to what I got is about $135. A knock off is less than $30. I’m not sure I’d trust the knock off but it might be just as good.

Eagle1 · Jul 14, 2022

Pretty sure I would kill the filter there in NY minute.... I had to armor much of the underside and still manage to yank a fuel line now and then. I'm trying to keep my new tractor out of the crap I put the BX into all time.

dodge man · Jul 14, 2022

It’s fairly well protected there. I had it mounted somewhere else, a little further forward and the tire rubbed on it. My fabrication skills aren’t the best so I spent some time on that little project.

Eagle1 · Jul 14, 2022

Not knocking for you, in my case the BX spends a lot time in thick brush, dragging wood, making trails, etc. I get tangles in 2 to 3 inch stuff frequently. I've learned to hide things behind covers

repete · Jul 14, 2022

I have always considered there are only two ways water gets into fuel.

First way is it is delivered with the fuel so removing it from the supply is the best way there. Capture it before it goes into the tank.

Second way is by means of condensation within the tank. The tank is heated during the day (or during use) and then when the tank cools outside air is drawn into the tank and condenses inside. Best way to avoid that is to keep the tank full.

5030 · Jul 14, 2022

Actually, the tank cap on my bulk tank is designed to relieve internal pressure but not allow outside (ambient air) back in. I do prefer to keep it full but with today's fuel prices that has become difficult.

5030 · Jul 14, 2022

Gonna put Racor's on both my tractors, just not sure which. Shot an email to Parker asking them for their recommendation.

repete · Jul 15, 2022

5030 said:
Actually, the tank cap on my bulk tank is designed to relieve internal pressure but not allow outside (ambient air) back in. I do prefer to keep it full but with today's fuel prices that has become difficult.

By tank I was speaking of the tank on the tractor. Do you have to open the cap on your bulk tank when filling from it? I have a check valve on my below ground tank as well. Only allows air in when using.

5030 · Jul 15, 2022

repete said:
By tank I was speaking of the tank on the tractor. Do you have to open the cap on your bulk tank when filling from it? I have a check valve on my below ground tank as well. Only allows air in when using.

No, I don't. Has a one way check valve. Tractor saddle tanks have their own vent hoses.