Stalling cat -Spin on Racor + other question

[mrdonut12]

John,
First, please list your year, model and location with each post.
We don't always remember and, in this case, may make a difference in
advice whether you're in Phoenix or Frostbite Falls, Minnesota
regarding the fuel heater. ;o)
You're beginning to learn about Blue Bird engineering and how
EVERYTHING is over-engineered and usually has a back up system to boot.
The reason FOR sticking with the 900 series is it's greater
capacity and the glass bowl. Think about it, if it has 4 times the
flow capacity, you can get nearly plugged up and not have a breakdown
because of the excess capacity.
If you get a filter system that's designed for the capacity, it
will take less obstruction until you're sitting on the side of the road.
The glass bowl lets you see how much water or rust particles
you're getting. A 25 year old fuel tank is full of rust bits and you
need all the filter you can get.
The past experience of the guys here has told me to use the 30
micron filter in the Racor, not the 10 or the 20, as they get plugged
faster.
I'd either fix the 900 series or replace it for those reasons.
Regarding trying to start the Cat without the filter--if you
think you have problems now, you ain't seen nuthin' yet if you put
gunk into the injector pump or injectors. ;o)
I hope this helps.
George Witt
81 FC 35
Lincoln, Nebraska


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Adria Haynes"
<mrbeebody@n...> wrote:
> I still haven't really tried to start my 3208 again yet. I got the
> 900 series Racor off and found some of the internals to be damaged
> from excessive heat. I have since decided to live without a heating
> element in my water seperator as I move forward since I really don't
> need my fuel so hot that it melts plastic inside of it - right next
> to my LP pig.
>
> In looking into the option of just replacing my filter/seperator
> instead of rebuilding it, I stopped by the local West Marine as you
> guys advised. The guy there showed me a flow chart that shows I
> should be able to EASILY live with a 300 series seperator (320R
> actually) with the spin on style filters.
>
> Maybe I'm too green, but it seems like a no brainer. But I don't
> really want to make any moves or spend any money without consulting
> you professionals first, though. The things I liked about that unit
> was that is had a primer built into it, the filters seemed easier to
> change, and changing them seemed like it wouldn't be as messy. The
> things I didn't like was that each new filter was like $27. A small
> drop in the bucket I know, but still.
>
> Please advise on any of your thoughts or experiences concerning
> installing and/or maintaining one of these spin on style
> filter/seperators.
>
> Also, once the new unit is installed, how do I go about pushing fuel
> up the line to the secondary filter? Just use that built in primer?
>
> How do I do it if I go with another 900 series Racor?
>
> How bad of an idea is it to just eliminate the Racor for the
> afternoon to see if I can get the damn thing running without it at
> all?
>
> Still overwhelmed,
> John