Pump Bulb(s) & Fuel/Water Separator

[Ixolib]

I have an 18 gallon above-deck fuel tank and a fuel/water separator mounted on the gunwale.

My question: Do I need a pump bulb between the tank and the filter AND another bulb between the filter and the engine? Or will one bulb be better - and if so - should it be before or after the filter?

Seems to me the more bulbs - the more potential for air leaks, etc....

 

[F_R]

Re: Pump Bulb(s) & Fuel/Water Separator

You only need one bulb. Put it where you can get at it easy. The gas doesn't care where you put it. It could make a difference if something is plugged up or leaking, but you are supposed to fix that stuff.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Pump Bulb(s) & Fuel/Water Separator

prefer way is filter, bulb,engine. this way you are not forcing gas thru the filter, you are drawing it thru. only drawback is, when changing filters, you have to fill new filter with gas to help reprime. i perfer my filter to be in the splahwell if you have on. keeps spilled gas out of the boat.

 

[Ixolib]

Re: Pump Bulb(s) & Fuel/Water Separator

prefered way is filter, bulb, engine.

Great! That makes sense to me. Thanks...

Also wondering about the opinions or experiences on the bulb itself. Is one better than the other? Tempo, Attwood, OMC, Merc, Other??

 

[F_R]

Re: Pump Bulb(s) & Fuel/Water Separator

I was just reflecting on that question last night. I am old enough to remember when the OMC ones worked great. They had both an inlet check valve and and outlet check valve. I don't have any newer ones so I don't know about today.

But I say all that to say that the two Atwood ones I have in my boat (two tanks) are crap. They must not have an outlet check valve and rely on the checks in the fuel pump to make it work. And the inlet check leaks back so badly that you can squeeze all day and never can tell when the carb is full. It does fill them, but I prefer the satisfaction of being able to feel it as evidenced by a firm bulb. Also, they don't work at all unless you hold it verticle, outlet end up.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Pump Bulb(s) & Fuel/Water Separator

go with the brand of your engine. they were built to work with it.