Installing Racor fuel filter head from an old CRD

alex_dsf · **Joined:** Mon Jan 11, 2016 2:15 am **Posts:** 10

Hello everyone

Tried using search, but with so many topics related to problems with 1st gen fuel filter head and installing brand new Racor heads I couldn't find the info I need.

I live in Europe and have a 2005 CRD with 1st gen fuel filter head. And of course it's now leaking fuel. Ordering a 2nd gen filter head is quite expensive. But I should be able to get a Racor head from an old 2.5 or 2.8 CRD considerably cheaper. An added benefit would be possibility to use 2 micron filters instead of 10 micron OEM. Is it overall a good idea? And if it is, how difficult would it be to install that head?

I think I will need to get WIF sensor and connector and heater connector with with the new head. Will WIF sensor from an old CRD work on a new one? And is fuel heater designed for the same voltage?

I think old CRDs didn't have temperature sensors. So I will have to either find a suitable temperature sensor or just leave the old one hanging in the air. Is that correct?

Thanks in advance for help and sorry if I'm asking questions that were already discussed on this forum.

95Z28A4 · **Joined:** Sun Mar 30, 2014 9:53 am **Posts:** 297

Have you seen this install? It may not answer all of your questions, but should answer some if not most.

http://auerbach.ca/kj/racor/

alex_dsf · **Joined:** Mon Jan 11, 2016 2:15 am **Posts:** 10

Yes, I have seen this and a couple of similar ones. But I haven't seen a single case where somebody would install fuel filter head from an old CRD, that's why I posted my question.

Infinite_Karma · **Posted:** Thu Mar 10, 2016 6:13 pm

I am thinking about trying out these (MANN WDK 962/12) 1-2 micron fuel filters since I don't want to mess with replacing my 2nd Gen OEM fuel filter head yet ... and it seems like they are about the same price as our crappy 20 micron rated OEM fuel filters (52129238AA).

The MANN WDK 962/12 specs are as follows: Nominal flow rate [l/h] [gph] = 580 (153.24); Separation efficiency = > 98.6%; Permissible operating pressure [bar] = 15, Micron (what they call Multigrade HE+) = 1 Micron
(see the Mann catalog specs pdf here: https://www.mann-hummel.com/fileadmin/user_upload/service/catalogues/pdf/MH_Liquid_Filters_en.pdf)
On page 94 is states that "Micron specifications in connection with fuel filters common reference is made to µm specifications without reference to a test standard. In this catalogue all the separation efficiencies are according to ISO. In order to compare the MANN+HUMMEL media with the micron specifications commonly used elsewhere, please use the following table: ... Multigrade HE+ Main filter 1 µm"

Now they don't have a water separator sensor port on this filter so that is a disadvantage, but from what I've read, that might not be necessarily a deal break with more routine filter changes.

https://www.dieselfiltersonline.com/wdk_962_12_mann_industrial_hp_spin_on_fuel_filter_si_industrial_off.html

Anyone have thoughts or see any big problems with this 1 micron fuel filter?

lacabrera was kind enough to post this information back in November of last year (http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=83388&hilit=wk+962)...

Infinite_Karma · **Posted:** Thu Mar 10, 2016 6:19 pm

I wonder if the Gaskets will/won't line up. ... hmmmmmm

flash7210 · **Posted:** Fri Mar 11, 2016 8:57 am

Do you plan to install that Mann filter on a stock fuel filter head?

The stock filter uses two gaskets. The Mann filter in that picture only has one.
So the Mann filter may not work on a stock filter head.
But I cant be sure. You really dont know until you try.

Also, I would highly recommend installing a lift pump when using a 5 micron (or better) fuel filter.

Auberon · **Posted:** Fri Mar 11, 2016 12:08 pm

The thread by Eurekaboy as outlined does answer most questions anyone would have about this. Its an excellent write-up and does all the thinking for you.

On the retro-fitting idea.....it is highly likely that an aged Racor head (it would now be well over 10 years old) may have questionable seats (I think an orange O ring) and although this is repairable as a kit the brittle seat and possibly corroded check-ball for bleeding may cause some grief.
New Racor heads aren't too expensive anyway.

Other than electrical connections and adding a couple of extra inches to the inlet fuel hose to stop kinking they fit quite neatly into the space - same bolts etc.
As a side note....Voltage needs to be specified when purchasing.

Its probably a good time to mention a recent article by one of our leading 4wd mags - the consensus of the Big-boys in automotive diesels here was that for all breeds of CRD engine longevity fuel should be filtered to 2 microns. Not saying issues with resistance to flow can't happen but I've not measured (Speedtracer) or noted by seat of the pants any loss of performance not having fitted a pusher pump yet. I do have one to fit just because I think it's a good idea in general. We each have our own Priorities. Remembering I am at 2 microns not 1 as the Mann & H is. That may make a difference.

Infinite_Karma · **Posted:** Fri Mar 11, 2016 2:55 pm

I will be the guinea pig on this Mann WDK 962/12 filter. I ordered one yesterday, and it's on the way. I have an inline lift pump that has been waiting for the install, and so I'll install both and see how it goes!

I'll do a full write up with pictures too, and post a tread of it after it's all done.

Thanks for all the feedback and prompts!

WWDiesel · **Posted:** Fri Mar 11, 2016 3:19 pm

I found and installed a Donaldson 10 micron / filter water separator with clear water bowl that fits the OEM filter head & threads. I then installed a Donaldson secondary <2 micron final filter to filter the fuel before it enters the CP3 pump on a Wix filter head.... I also have a gauge on the outlet side of the secondary fuel filter to monitor fuel pressure feeding the CP3 pump and both filters status...I do have an in-tank fuel pump! :wink:

This setup works great!!!! :BANANA:

View thread and pictures here:
http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=98&t=80139&hilit

Infinite_Karma · **Posted:** Fri Mar 11, 2016 4:25 pm

NICE! Great write-up.

Infinite_Karma · **Posted:** Thu May 05, 2016 3:30 pm

Little update: I found the youtube video below of how big the WDK-962/12 MANN INDUSTRIAL HP SPIN-ON FUEL FILTER really is.

Seems pretty long in the video, but maybe that is normal without the WIX/Mopar 52129238AA to compare it to side by side.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suUxSnndfO8

I ordered two of the MANN filters from https://www.dieselfiltersonline.com/wdk ... l_off.html back in March 11th, and they have yet to arrive.

I've been in email communication with Deb at dieselfiltersonline, and I guess Mann is a couple months delayed in shipping them out or something.

Anywho, once I get them, I'll document/photo my install and post it. I'm hoping/betting on the fact that the small interior o-ring on the Mopar 52129238AA / WIX fuel filter will transfer over to the WDK-962/12 MANN filter, and still seal down tight.

We'll see!

Installing Racor fuel filter head from an old CRD

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