220 2 MICRON FITTING ELEMENT

Function and technical context

The 2 micron Racor 220 filter element acts as a high-precision barrier within the fuel supply system, retaining ultrafine particles, emulsified water and contaminants that circulate with the diesel before they reach the injection pump and injectors. It works on the Racor 220 series fuel and water separator prefilter, a common set in medium-length marine diesel engine installations where the quality of the fuel is variable and the risk of contamination in port or at anchor is high. With a filtration capacity of 2 microns—the finest mesh in the range—this element is indicated for engines with Common Rail injection systems or high-pressure pumps that are especially sensitive to dirt. If the element deteriorates or exceeds its useful life without being replaced, the pressure drop in the fuel line causes difficult starts, loss of power, black smoke in the exhaust and, in extreme cases, irreparable damage to the injectors.

When to replace this part?

The most common symptoms of a clogged Racor element are the progressive loss of engine speed under load, the pre-filter alarm warning light coming on due to a drop in differential pressure and sudden engine shutdowns due to a fuel supply cut-off. It is recommended to replace the filter element every 200-250 hours of navigation or at least once a season, advancing the change if it has been refueled in ports with fuel of questionable quality or if the Racor head vacuum indicator enters the red zone. Changing the element preventively at the beginning of the season is the most effective measure to avoid an engine stop while crossing, the repair of which on the high seas entails a much higher cost and risk than the replacement itself.

Equivalent manufacturer part numbers