S3213 fuel/water separator filter- Racor vs China noname from Amazon

[SkunkBoat]

S3213 and Sierra 18-7919 are 10 micron filters that use reusable clear bowls. They fit Mercury, Yamaha, and Suzuki OEM mounts. They have 11/16"-16 thread. (OMC used a larger thread)

I used Racor S3213 with the clear bowl for 18 years on my last boat. I also used them on this boat but started using Sierra 18-7919 because West Marine had them and they were a little cheaper.
A few years ago I replaced the Mounts with Sierra branded SS ones and so got new Sierra clear bowls.

Last year I tried Amazon "S3213" unbranded filters. Knock-off Racors. Painted to look like Racors.
They seemed OK. They fit. The Sierra bowl fit. They were like $16 I think.

I reordered another set of them and just installed them. On one, the bowl popped off in my hand as I tightened it. I got it back on but it didn't look right. Gap not the same all around.
I was in the middle of replacing the fuel valves and wanted to get things done so I filled, installed and left them on at least to test the engines. Thought was to maybe get some Sierras at West Marine before launch.
Before I got to run engines, "non boat life" got in the way, but I had a power washer out so I hit the bilge and "fuel filter doors" with a quick blast.

Later that evening I remembered I needed to switch off my batteries. I see the trouble filter HAS NO BOWL ATTACHED! Must have knocked it off with the power washer. Pint of gas spilled into bilge and some made it out the garboard drain to mess my driveway. I didn't know if it was the bowl or the filter that was the problem.

So I went to West Marine and bought a RACOR S32013 (S3213 with bowl included) for $80. They didn't have an equivalent Sierra in stock.

So here is a comparison... I don't have a Sierra 18-7919 for comparison. I don't have a china noname bowl for comparison.

Racor- Labeled "Parker/Racor" and made in USA on box and on filter. Price without bowl between $36 and $40. Price with Bowl $79.99
(Sierra 18-7919 run about $26)

China- No manufacterer's name on box or filter. Box says made in China . Price without bowl as low as $15





Chinese noname on the right.




Racor top- powder coated top rim.
China- bare metal rim.


Racor left- beveled rim where bowl oring seats. Threads right up to rim
China right- flat rim. gap between threads and rim.




Ran the motors today. No drips. Ran Great.

 

[Hookup1]

I use the Sierra filter/bowls in place of my Yamaha cans. never been a problem. Works every time.

Try this...

Amazon.com

I joke about the beauty of standards...there are so many to choose from! Why can't there be a simple substitution for a Yamaha fuel filter? This works for me every time.

 

[DennisG01]

I wouldn't be surprised if there are differences on the inside, as well.

I once had about 20 oil filters that were used on Mercruiser small blocks (all from recent oil changes at the shop). There were Mercruiser brand, Sierra, Fram, etc. I cut a whole bunch of them apart. Obvious differences inside. And... TWO of the Frams... the pleats were actually separated!!! In other words, pretty much zero filtration happening! Yeah, I stick with what I KNOW is good... happy to spend more money to sleep well at night.

 

[SkunkBoat]

I use the Sierra filter/bowls in place of my Yamaha cans. never been a problem. Works every time.

Try this...

Amazon.com

I joke about the beauty of standards...there are so many to choose from! Why can't there be a simple substitution for a Yamaha fuel filter? This works for me every time.

Yes I've bought Sierra on Amazon. $26 ... I just couldn't wait 2 days. needed to run the motors. so I went to West Marine.
They have the Sierra bowl on Amazon for $35. Its $39 at WM.

I somewhat trust the seirra...why? idk...I guess West Marine gives it some respect.
I trust RACOR but damn its expensive.

The knock off S3213s are dead to me. could be filled with cotton balls for all I know....

 

[Hookup1]

West Marine is inconsistent. When they didn't have what I wanted they fumbled around. I got a Raycor on the shelf from them but don't trust it. Amazon got me what has been working for me.

 

[Halfhitch]

The fuel system is one place where cost savings should not control what you install. When the day is done and it's 40 miles to the shore and the night is coming, it is a good feeling to know you have the best fuel system you could provide. IMHO

 

[kirk a]

Agree with half hitch. My repower was almost 70k, not a chance that I'll not use the Yamaha filters. There are places to cut back and save in boating, but IMO, this is not one of them.

 

[Hookup1]

I'm less concerned about dirt than I am about water. I like the ability to see what is in the filter bowl. With the Yamaha can you have to drop them and dump them to see how much water you picked up - if any.

My Yamaha engine only have a water sensor on one engine - assumption being water should happen to both. But this is when the Yamaha primary filter has significant water in it and it getting into the secondary on the engine. If you are out on a long run you are going to have to stop and deal with it.

I'm less concerned with a different manufacturer filter on the primary. It's a coarse filter and water separator. The secondary file is fine and protects the injectors from dirt.

 

[wspitler]

As an aside, the clear filter bowl, water separators are not USCG approved for boats that have any kind of machinery, such as a generator below decks. Unless the filter is outside the bilge compartment.