Fuel water separator mouning question

[Drowned Rat]

Hi guys.

I want to install a fuel water separator on my boat but was curious if it has to be mounted in the vertical position. Or, does it have to be mounted at all? What if it were mounted upside down, would it still work? I don't want to mount it to the transom on an inflatable boat because I wouldn't want it left there when rolling up the boat for stroage. Do they make an inline fuel water separator that might work for me? That way it could just be part of the regular fuel hose next to the primer bulb.

Any suggestions?

The boat may become swamped, frequently, illustrating the need for the filter. The boat could flip so I'd like to know if filter orientation matters or not.

Thanks for the help.

DR

 

[JUSTINTIME]

Re: Fuel water separator mouning question

vertical

 

[Mark42]

Re: Fuel water separator mouning question

Mount it as per the instructions (which should indicate a vertical mount). If it is mounted upside down, or flat, the water can collect where the gas exits and just pass right through.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Fuel water separator mouning question

Thanks for the replys. Yes, that is what I figured, but if water can freely flow into the outlet when inverted, it also seems it could splash up there during normal use even when mounted vertically.

I just thought the membrane might act as a check valve that would trap water in the unit. I don't know that much about them obviously.

Thanks for the help.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Fuel water separator mouning question

Well there are different types, but the most common (the ones that look like spin-on oil filters) have a medium that does not let water pass, and water collects in the bottom of the filter. There are others that just use gravity to allow the heavy water fall to the bottom and then it is drained out, and others that are a combo of the two technologies.

Thats a simplification of the technologies, but it should give you a good idea of whats involved. The Racor line is popular because they have a transparent bottom that lets you see and drain the collected water. I use a small racor with replaceable filter element and clear sight bowl. Works great for my 40hp Evenrude.

 

[DJ]

Re: Fuel water separator mouning question

DR,

They are designed to work vertically. There is nothing preventing you from mounting it on a quick disconnect bracket. That way the seperator gets stored with the engine and the bracket stays with the boat.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Fuel water separator mouning question

Great idea DJ. Do they make such a thing or will I have to fabricate one? I guess some studs in the transom with wing nuts on them would do the trick. Perfect!

 

[DJ]

Re: Fuel water separator mouning question

Great idea DJ. Do they make such a thing or will I have to fabricate one? I guess some studs in the transom with wing nuts on them would do the trick. Perfect!

DR,

I've never seen one but your idea is excactly what I was thinking.

 

[seahorse5]

Re: Fuel water separator mouning question

I just thought the membrane might act as a check valve that would trap water in the unit. I don't know that much about them obviously.

This fuel filter article may help with your understanding of how they work, and that they do not stop water from getting into your motor when the filter fills up.

http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/fuelFilterTest-TrailerBoatsMag.pdf

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Fuel water separator mounting **NEW** question

Re: Fuel water separator mounting **NEW** question

One more question on this please. Where should the primer bulb be in relation to the filter? Should it push the fuel through or should it pull the fuel from the filter? Or does it matter?

Thanks!!

 

[DJ]

Re: Fuel water separator mouning question

DR,

I prefer "pushing" the fuel through.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Fuel water separator mouning question

Thanks DJ!

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: Fuel water separator mouning question

I have bulbs on each of my saddle tanks, prior to the filter, and a bulb at the motor, which is after the filter. I have found that either position works fine.

 

[basstracker2008]

Re: Fuel water separator mouning question

I have bulbs on each of my saddle tanks, prior to the filter, and a bulb at the motor, which is after the filter. I have found that either position works fine.

I have mine after the filter.But fuel is not pushing through when bulb is pressed. I check it by pressing the bulb and poking the end and see if fuel will burst.

Any information will be appreciated.

 

[gss036]

Re: Fuel water separator mouning question

Basstracker, might be better if you just start a new thread. But 1st thing, which was is the arrow pointing? That is the direction of fuel flow . Did you have fuel flow when you were "POKING" the end to see if fuel came out, you didn't say.
The bulb sucks the fuel from the tank. Maybe you have a clogged pickup inside the tank.

 

[basstracker2008]

Re: Fuel water separator mouning question

Basstracker, might be better if you just start a new thread. But 1st thing, which was is the arrow pointing? That is the direction of fuel flow . Did you have fuel flow when you were "POKING" the end to see if fuel came out, you didn't say.
The bulb sucks the fuel from the tank. Maybe you have a clogged pickup inside the tank.

Yes I have another thread that had this question. But to answer your question.

Yes, I have no problem with the inlet and outlet. No fuel came out after poking.
No clog because I can siphon fuel by the just the hose directly connected to Tank.

I guess I need to understand the right setup. If I have to have the bulb between tank and filter or after or what. Another thing is how to test if fuel is sufficiently flowing to the motor. Right now I have the primer after the filter but as I have had said, no fuel came out when I poked the valve after priming it. Not sure if they call the end of fuel primer a valve????.