Where do you shop?

[KyleR]

Been up shopping for hours and every time I get ready to pull the trigger on a purchase, I do a quick google search to review the company. It seems that no matter the company the most recent reviews are not so great. Maybe related to the mess of the last two years - maybe other factors. Either way, the last thing I want to worry about is whether my parts order is going to make it to me in one piece and I'll actually get what I ordered!

What I am looking for tonight are Racor filters (2040N or 2040V in 10 or 30 micron) and two Racor RK19671 vacuum gauges.

Anyone RECENTLY used Defender.com? Prices seem reasonable and they have what I want, but the recent reviews were terrible.

Amazon has the parts for a little more but doesn't specify if the filters come with o-rings.

Same thing at Racorstore.com - products decently priced but bad recent reviews. Plus they also don't specify if the filters come with o-rings.

I'm not looking to buy at the cheapest price - just a decent place to buy from that I can trust. Any help is greatly appreciated!

[Midnightsun]

Defender is my favourite boating store by far for all the products they offer and their very competitive prices. My goto place for almost every filter required for my engines with exception to the air filter is https://www.dieselfiltersonline.com/. Just punch in 2040N in the search field. Delivery is sometime a little slow however their pricing is hard to beat. I always order so I have 2 years stock on all filters so basically when I'm installing my last ones I order for 2 more years. As for most item, the local boat store or if I have the time i scour the net with a model number and usually go for the best price. Yes I can be cheap at times.

Diesel filters does charge for shipping therefor larger quantities does bring down the overall cost and therefor my 2 years worth at a time.

Just an FYI, vacuum gauges are vacuum gauges, no need to have the "Parker/Racor" one. The gauge you are looking for is a bottom mount 1/4" npt. I am not familiar with the gauge as my boat does not have one but I am 99% sure it is 1/4" NPT as this is the standard. 2" glycerin filled will give you a more stable reading than with out. Your T fitting is probably good for life so change just the gauge. Will need to purchase on with the correct range on the dial and then indicate (P-Touch) at what pressure Racor considers change time as there will not be a color schem on the aftermarket one. https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=vacuum+gauge+ ... ndcgq7mf_e

[Rocketman]

I get all my filters from
https://marinepartssource.com/
They have all the Volvo, Kohler, and Racor filters and free shipping above $50.00 (I think that is the amount).
I have not found another single place I can get everything at their pricing.

[KyleR]

Thanks for the info - I'll check these out!

Defender is my favourite boating store by far for all the products they offer and their very competitive prices.

I was all set to check-out on their site but when I read reviews I got a little freaked out. I realize many times people only like to write reviews to criticize and not praise. Glad to hear you've had positive experiences. Maybe I'll give them a shot when I am not under a time crunch.

[bud37]

Regarding the vacuum gauges.....I always liked to get gauges with the smallest scale range so as to show small reading changes better....it makes changes in your operating / filter use range more obvious. Better quality gauges are worth it IMO.

[Midnightsun]

Believe me, almost all gauges are pretty much the same. No need to pay big money to get a $$$ product unless you need a certified lab tested with certificate of accuracy gauge which is another story. I have had our $20 gauges sent in and calibrated/certified as the customer wanted this due to them being used in a nuclear facility. The 6x 20$ gauges came back certified with no modifications required! I have been in hydraulics for over 40 years and know all the big brand names. That being said our standard gauges we mount on our equipment which are stainless, glycerin filled, 0-3000psi. go for about $20. The suction gauge being referred to is way overpriced for what it is.

Agreed Bud37, the smallest scale suited for the application will give you the best accuracy.

[Viper]

Source of the post....they also don't specify if the filters come with o-rings....

Get the 2040V filter, the "N" is outdated for marine applications. If they are true Parker Racor filters, they are packed with an o-ring.

[KyleR]

Get the 2040V filter, the "N" is outdated for marine applications. If they are true Parker Racor filters, they are packed with an o-ring.

Thanks - just came across the Racor spec sheet where they upgraded the "N" to the "V" a couple years ago - and that the "V" is backward compatible. Good stuff!!

[KyleR]

The suction gauge being referred to is way overpriced for what it is.

That's what I was thinking. I guess that's what they call the "marine mark-up"!

[Midnightsun]

Source of the post

The suction gauge being referred to is way overpriced for what it is.

That's what I was thinking. I guess that's what they call the "marine mark-up"!

Just Parker mark up. I have contacts that have visited the plant where Parker fittings are produced in China. Both Parker and another no name brand at 1/4 the price come off the same assembly line, go figure. Sometimes a brand name means little when you know the entire story.