water/fuel seperator??

[JoChek219]

not sure where to post this topic but i was wondering if its possible to put in a water/fuel seperator in a boat that doesn't already have one? I have an 87 Thompson 18.5ft with a inline 4cyl 165Hp mercruiser and was wondering if I should put in a seperator...... and I was also going to replace my bilge pump and was wondering how big of a pump would be sufficient?

any advice and help is greatly appreciated

 

[Don S]

Re: water/fuel seperator??

Sure you can add a filter. It gets installed some place in the hose that goes from the fuel tank to the engine fuel pump. Most marine stores carry different kinds. Don't get one with a clear fuel bowls like some of the Racor filters. Those are for outboards and are not mounted inside an engine compartment. They won't pass the USCG flame tests.

Here is a link to one.

Racor Filter

 

[bjcsc]

Re: water/fuel seperator??

And as far as the bilge pump goes, get the highest GPH you want to afford. In my opinion, smaller boats need bigger pumps because they fill up faster. I use an 800GPH...

 

[JoChek219]

Re: water/fuel seperator??

awesome, thanks for the advice guys.... I plan on fixing up, tuneing up , and getting all of my gagues back up and working in the spring.... lots of work planned for the boat

 

[180shabah]

Re: water/fuel seperator??

I agree, get the largest pump you can, cause you will never say "I sure wish this thing didn't suck the water out so fast.":/

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: water/fuel seperator??

And as far as the bilge pump goes, get the highest GPH you want to afford. In my opinion, smaller boats need bigger pumps because they fill up faster. I use an 800GPH...

Using a pump that can deliver like that, am i right in assuming one would need @ least a 1" hose or greater to flow that much water? Any brand recomendations?

 

[Don S]

Re: water/fuel seperator??

An 800 GPM pump is about the smallest you can get.
Look at the paperwork (or website) for each pump. A lot depends on hose size, head pressure (height of outlet) length of hose etc.
I try to always use a small 500 to 800 GPM pump (AUTOMATIC) under the engine (usually only a small one will actually fit there) as close to the transom as possible. With as short and small dia. hose as possible. This keeps the least amount of water in the bilge. When there is water in the bilge, and it gets deep enough to get up to the flywheel, it will splash water right into the starter. That little bilge pump keeps it below the flywheel, especially when getting on plane and the bow of the boat is real high and the water all heads for the back of the boat.
Then, if you are serious about getting large amounts of water out of a boat, use a 1500 GPM or larger pump in front of the engine where it will fit and you can access it.
Rule, is a top of the line pump. I wouldn't use anything else.

 

[bjcsc]

Re: water/fuel seperator??

My pump is a Rule (I agree with Don S. regarding Rule) and it's &frac34". It's the highest volume Rule makes with &frac34" out. Their smallest pump is 360GPH (the one my boat came with) and they make a 500GPH as well, all &frac34"...