Fuel Water Seperator Problem

[xcelr8z28]

I finally converted my (inline fuel filter) with the mercury fuel water seperator kit. Everything is installed and toqured properly but im not getting any fuel to enter the filter. I cranked the motor 4 times for 15 seconds, and you can hear the pump running for a few seconds after stopping cranking. There are no obstructions in the lines the boat started right up this spring with the old filter. Would filling the filter with gas first help or maybe the fuel pump isn't strong enough to pull the gas from the tank? Please point me in the right direction. Engine is a 92' mercruiser 4.3LX #OD833432

Also I noticed there are two ins and two outs on the filter bracket, the lines are going in and out the same side, it doesn't look like this should cause a problem but just curious. Thanks a bunch!

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Fuel Water Seperator Problem

If you have easy access, it wouldn't hurt to pre-fill the canister before CAREFULLY spinning it back on.

On the other issue, as long as the inlet line has the arrow pointing toward the cannister, and the outlet (to the carb) has the arrow pointing away from the cannister, you're good.

 

[xcelr8z28]

Re: Fuel Water Seperator Problem

ill be sure to try that tommorow! any other suggestions or ideas on why its not pulling the fuel?

 

[littlebookworm]

Re: Fuel Water Seperator Problem

If your engine's got a carb, prime it by pouring a little gas down the throat. When the engine starts, it will draw more fuel through the separator. You'd be surprised as to how much pumping is required to fill that filter. Good luck. Hy

 

[Wotknot]

Re: Fuel Water Seperator Problem

Depending on where you mounted the filter, you do not want it higher than the fuel pump.

 

[xcelr8z28]

Re: Fuel Water Seperator Problem

i mounted the filter on a piece of carpeted wood that surrounds the battery mounting area, its about equal to the height of the fuel pump if not a little lower, i will see if i can reposition it lower than the pump this might be the problem any other advise is greatly appreciated

 

[Maclin]

Re: Fuel Water Seperator Problem

You mentioned that there are two in and two out connections. Are the ones you are not using blocked off?

How far is the run from the filter to the fuel pump?

Is the filter oriented properly, i.e. hanging down from the mount?

 

[xcelr8z28]

Re: Fuel Water Seperator Problem

yup the other side is blocked off with the plugs supplied w/ the kit, the filter is firmly attached to the mount, i havn't offically secured the mount yet but its still straight up and down where its mounted going to try and fill the filter with gas and see what happens with that, hopefully it works because the original inline fuel filter is obsolete and isn't made anymore:redface:

 

[chiefalen]

Re: Fuel Water Seperator Problem

while your there. how is the check valve on top of the gas tank?how is the vent?if vent clogged you have a vacume condition.easy to check both.save you time latter.

 

[xcelr8z28]

Re: Fuel Water Seperator Problem

I remounted the filter below the fuel pump, there is 12" of hose between the filter and the pump, i filled the filter with gas and put some in the carb ran for about 30 seconds then died, i tried this 3 times and still can't get fuel to pump threw the system, i will check the vent on the gas tank and see if that will help. any other ideas or suggestions are still greatly appreciated thanks for all the help!

 

[Coors]

Re: Fuel Water Seperator Problem

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=167561

 

[xcelr8z28]

Re: Fuel Water Seperator Problem

Well im still stuck, pump is creating vaccum but still im not getting any fuel, the electric kicks on when cranking and runs for maybe 20 - 30 seconds after stopping, there isn't any gas getting drawn into the filter. Seems to be something not hooked up properlly Does it really take that long for the gas to get to the carb, i would think maybe 5 or 6 times trying to crank and it would be good to go, before i bring it to the shop and pay for them to figure it out maybe someone knows a secret or trick to get it workin properly thanks for all the help as always

 

[Maclin]

Re: Fuel Water Seperator Problem

See if you can get a couple of pics posted.

Just double check everything.

Positive/Negative polarity correct on fuel pump connections.

In/Out plumbing correct.

All hoses straight and not kinked, gentle turns, no obstructions in the hoses.

No way for air to get in the system via old cracked hoses or fittings.

Filter matches the housing, rubber gasket seats correctly, definitely a water separating fuel filter and not something else.

Stuff like that.

Walk/Talk it thru with someone else even if they are not mechanically inclined to see if it makes sense to them.

 

[Don S]

Re: Fuel Water Seperator Problem

If you have an outboard fuel tank handy, hook it to the filter in place of your normal system. Pump the bulb up, then start the engine (on muffs of course) and see if it keeps running. May take a while for it to run out of gas after you prime it with the primer bulb let it run for 15 minutes just to make sure. If it works, then hook up your normal system and see if it still works.

 

[xcelr8z28]

Re: Fuel Water Seperator Problem

i will try that thanks don!

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Fuel Water Seperator Problem

Put a primer bulb in the line(temporarily)pump it up and see what happens.
Jerry

 

[xcelr8z28]

Re: Fuel Water Seperator Problem

Thanks for everyones help, it turns out that the directions were correct, you cannot use the fuel water seperator kit with the electric fuel pump that comes stock with my year motor, it doesn't have enough vaccum. I took the loss with the kit seeing I cannot return it now but i did get the boat running just installed another inline filter with some slight modifications seeing the orginal was obsolete. Again thanks for the help all is well and im ready for water!!! hurray