Water Watch System

[Bluedog16 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Bluedog16]

Hi Andrew,
I am leaning towards the WaterWatch as it will suit my skills better and plan on having the Toyota filter changed at 40000km. Do you think changing the filter at 40000km. is Ok without an additional filter fitted?

WaterWatch have had a re look at the 150 Update model and added a bracket for the Relay box to move it which is in the way. However, it is still not quite as simple as they state I think. The space is very tight to fit one and I am not sure it can be easy accessed or if it interferes with the Toyota filter and makes it difficult to operate.

Was the WaterWatch in your customers vehicle easy to access to drain the bowl and did it not interfere with the Toyota filter?

thanks
David

[AussieAndy Find all posts View Profile Close AussieAndy]

I havent actually seen a waterwatch fitted to a 150 in person, but i can't imagine it being too difficult to drain. There actually is a fair bit of room down in that back corner of the engine bay, i think you would be surprised. As far as the Toyota filter, i dont know about other mechanics, but i remove the entire filter assembly from the car and change it like that. Changing the filter every 40,000Km should be fine, that is what we recommend to customers that run a stock fuel system, even without the waterwatch. Im glad you know your limitations and are looking for a setup to match your skills, that is forward thinking and a good plan. I would go with the waterwatch, you have done the research and i think anymore will just help you second guess. Hope you enjoy your prado, anymore questions i hope i can help.

[Bluedog16 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Bluedog16]

Hi Andrew,
Thanks for your thoughts -much appreciated.

David

[Bluedog16 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Bluedog16]

I havent actually seen a waterwatch fitted to a 150 in person, but i can't imagine it being too difficult to drain. There actually is a fair bit of room down in that back corner of the engine bay, i think you would be surprised. As far as the Toyota filter, i dont know about other mechanics, but i remove the entire filter assembly from the car and change it like that. Changing the filter every 40,000Km should be fine, that is what we recommend to customers that run a stock fuel system, even without the waterwatch. Im glad you know your limitations and are looking for a setup to match your skills, that is forward thinking and a good plan. I would go with the waterwatch, you have done the research and i think anymore will just help you second guess. Hope you enjoy your prado, anymore questions i hope i can help.

Hi Andrew,
Some more thoughts (brain getting quite sore)
From more reading it has been said that ULSD (Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel) has a surface tension that is so similar to water that water and fuel now dissolve into each other much more easily then ever before. In ULSD rates as high as 2000ppm have been recorded before water "free up" where as in old sulfur diesel, water would "free up" at rates as low as 50ppm. So it appears water is far more readily 'stored' in the diesel supplied now.

If the above is correct it leads to more thoughts/questions:-
1. So is water mixed in with ULSD diesel now a real issue too? -as much as 'free water' in diesel ?
2. The Racor filter you installed removes water mixed in with the diesel. Is it known what % efficiency it does this?
3. WaterWatch states it removes 'free water' well - but does it remove water mixed in with diesel?-efficiently?
4. Do you think a Racor will fit in a 150 Update with plenty of space around it as per the 'standard install' ?- i.e. behind the Toyota
filter
5. Is it easy /possible to undo and change the Racor filter by leaving the whole unit in place- i.e. not spill diesel when undoing the
filter and or knock the knuckles due to the tight space ?

So strongly back to considering the Racor 230R10 due to above!!
As you may recall my main concern was if I could change the filters myself. I have changed plenty of oil filters and the odd petrol filter in the past but are a bit nervous about changing a diesel filter for some reason -maybe in case of leaks if I remove the fuel hoses all the time like you do to change your filter.

thanks again
David

[snapper49 Member Find all posts View Profile Close snapper49]

I have drained my water watch just to see if I could and yes its quite easy
As per instructions don't over tighten when shutting off tap

[AussieAndy Find all posts View Profile Close AussieAndy]

Hi Andrew,
Some more thoughts (brain getting quite sore)
From more reading it has been said that ULSD (Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel) has a surface tension that is so similar to water that water and fuel now dissolve into each other much more easily then ever before. In ULSD rates as high as 2000ppm have been recorded before water "free up" where as in old sulfur diesel, water would "free up" at rates as low as 50ppm. So it appears water is far more readily 'stored' in the diesel supplied now.

If the above is correct it leads to more thoughts/questions:-
1. So is water mixed in with ULSD diesel now a real issue too? -as much as 'free water' in diesel ?
2. The Racor filter you installed removes water mixed in with the diesel. Is it known what % efficiency it does this?
3. WaterWatch states it removes 'free water' well - but does it remove water mixed in with diesel?-efficiently?
4. Do you think a Racor will fit in a 150 Update with plenty of space around it as per the 'standard install' ?- i.e. behind the Toyota
filter
5. Is it easy /possible to undo and change the Racor filter by leaving the whole unit in place- i.e. not spill diesel when undoing the
filter and or knock the knuckles due to the tight space ?

So strongly back to considering the Racor 230R10 due to above!!
As you may recall my main concern was if I could change the filters myself. I have changed plenty of oil filters and the odd petrol filter in the past but are a bit nervous about changing a diesel filter for some reason -maybe in case of leaks if I remove the fuel hoses all the time like you do to change your filter.

thanks again
David

Hi David,

Sorry for the late reply, been busy and haven't checked in here for a couple of days

You have been reading quite a bit by the looks. The Racor filter apparently does filter any water out, no mention of "free water" by racor. I cant remember exactly the specs Racor state. I know the Racor filter and ARB compressor fit on the AMTS bracket in the facelift, in fact, in Andrew's instructions to fit the bracket the pic of the facelift fuse box relocation is my prado.

In the AMTS bracket there is next to no chance of changing out the filter with it bolted in place, just like the original Toyota fuel filter. It really is a simple procedure to changing out the filter though, anyone with a little mechanical knowledge should be capable of helping you the first time or so. As for leaks at the hose, use good quality stainless screw up hose clamps and they will last forever and tighten up nicely on your hoses.

All in all i would only charge an extra 0.2hrs to change this filter when doing a service on a customers car, so not that hard at all.


Cheers,
Andrew

Edit-
Just looked on the Racor site and they claim "near 100% water separation", see page two of this link
http://www.parker.com/literature/Rac..._-_RSL0158.pdf

[Bluedog16 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Bluedog16]

Hi Andrew,
Thanks again for your reply.

I gather from your reply that the Toyota fuel filter is completely removed to actually change its filter as you do for the Racor filter.
Therefore I assume that if it is a tight fit between them it won't really matter for the Toyota mechanics as long as they can undo the bolts and hoses?

I have a portable ARB compressor in a case so I won't be considering using the AMTS bracket to put the Racor on.

Any ideas then how to fix the Racor? Are there any brackets available or do I need to make my own? I notice a wire from the Toyota filter in the way which would make it very difficult to attach anything to the Toyota bracket like another member did with a homemade bracket.
There are 2 threaded bolt holes on the 'mudguard' next to the Toyota filter could they be used?

Should I be concerned about the height of any additional filter installed compared to the Toyota filter?, i.e. air bubbles trapped if Racor installed higher etc ?

The Donaldson 'fuel manager' filter comes with a bracket but uses a 30 micron filter. Any thoughts on these? 30 micron to large?


Thanks for the link- very helpful.

David

[AussieAndy Find all posts View Profile Close AussieAndy]

Hi David,

The way most mechanics i know change the factory filter is by removing the assembly and replacing the element before reinstalling the assembly. It is definatly the easiest way in my oppinion.

I am not sure of any other brackets available, but im sure one wouldnt be too hard to fab up if it is required. The bracket i use uses those threads, so there is no reason i can see that you couldn't use it. The threads on the guard are about 80mm centre to centre, and the Racor would need approx 55mm centre to centre. You could use one of the treads and install a rivnut/nutsert at the appropriate location.

As long as the filter is installed upright, it is not possible to get air bubbles caught regardless of its mounting height.

I have seen the Donaldson kit at a parts supplier we use for work, but haven't looked into it too closely. The way i understand it is that the Racor filter is the only one produced with the water resistant paper in the element, and therefore more effective at removing water. I think the Donaldson kit is actually bigger again than the Racor, which may cause some problems. The Donaldson kit would be cheaper and easyer to get replacement fileters for though, at least in my local area.

Cheers,
Andrew

[Guest Close Guest]

I have a portable ARB compressor in a case so I won't be considering using the AMTS bracket to put the Racor on.

David

The portable compressor can be easily converted to an under bonnet version via a kit available from ARB.

[Bluedog16 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Bluedog16]

Hi Andrew,
Thanks for your thoughts.
I am beginning to see the light. Amts's bracket is a very sensible way to go for many reasons.
I had a read of his thread outlining it. I assume the bracket for the 150 update requires no modification thanks to your car as the trial! I am a little confused though as there is mention of using an additional bracket on the 150 update to move the Toyota filter forward to create space ?
I have been recommended also a Donaldson filter (P903316 model) which has a flow rate of 114l/hr being the same as the Racor but it uses a 3 micron filter which may be a too fine too use along with the Toyota filter? I am a bit more comfortable with the 10 micron Racor and also the Toyota filter does some work. Donaldson filters are $17 a big tick but this model I think has a 95% water removal which is less than the Racor of 99% too much so?
Raco is 229mm long while Donaldson is 263mm long. The Racor will fit in AMTS's bracket as you have proven but not sure if the Donaldson will being 34mm longer will yet?

So I think I now much closer thanks to your time, knowledge and patience.
David

[Bluedog16 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Bluedog16]

Hi amts,
Thanks for your thoughts. I won't be doing a lot of off road driving so happy at this stage to leave compressor more portable.
I really like your bracket. I have the 150 update and AussieAndy has been helping me with advice including recommending your bracket which he has installed.

I assume for a fuel filter (Racor 230R10) I would use your mk2 bracket which needs no modification except me moving the relay box out of the way. (So I could change my mind at a later date and install my ARB potable compressor with an additional bracket too if I wish!)

What is the availability of the bracket at the moment? Is the cost $148 delivered to 3199 still?

thanks
David

[Guest Close Guest]

The Mk2 bracket includes an offset bracket to move the factory fuel filter forward towards the fuse box. There is no need to move the fuse box.

There is also a separate bracket ($8) to fit a Fuel Manager filter. So all bases are covered.

[Bluedog16 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Bluedog16]

Hi amts,
What is the availability of your Mk2 bracket?
David

[Guest Close Guest]

Hi amts,
What is the availability of your Mk2 bracket?
David

Last one available.
http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread...et-for-120-150