Can I install this fuel water separator?

[flakeys2005]

I have been having a problem with my engine (1988 omc 3.0 4 cyl.) seemingly starving for fuel at different times during a trip. For instance one trip it will run for two hours with no problems, another time it might happen at one hour or maybe a half hour. Well I've been asking around on this forum and at the marina and it was suggested that I install a fuel water separator.

I bought a Marpac Marine Filter Kit that states on the outside of the package that it can be used with all 2 & 4 stroke engines, but when I opened it to read the instructions it states "WARNING: For Outboard Engine Use Only!"

Has anyone installed one of these on an I/O or can anyone explain why this filter would not work on an I/O? I would call the marina where I bought it but they are closed today.

Thanks, Mike.

 

[mikeneal]

Re: Can I install this fuel water separator?

What exact filter kit did you buy? Post pic or model number. Only ones I have ever seen that were marked outboard use only had clear polycarbonate bowls and they are not coast guard rated to go in enclosed engine compartment, typically they are mounted in engine well of outboard boats.

 

[flakeys2005]

Re: Can I install this fuel water separator?

What exact filter kit did you buy? Post pic or model number. Only ones I have ever seen that were marked outboard use only had clear polycarbonate bowls and they are not coast guard rated to go in enclosed engine compartment, typically they are mounted in engine well of outboard boats.

I'm sorry. I am not too good with computers so I don't know how to post a picture, but the model number (or the order number) is 7-0873. It is not a clear bowl. It has a white filter and a black aluminum ( I think ) mounting cap.

Thanks, Mike.

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Re: Can I install this fuel water separator?

The "outboard use only" kinda throws a red flag.

Does the white filter itself have a tapping on the bottom of it like the top, to receive another fuel bowl under it or is it solid?

 

[Beefer]

Re: Can I install this fuel water separator?

Side note - have you checked your regular fuel filters?

 

[flakeys2005]

Re: Can I install this fuel water separator?

The "outboard use only" kinda throws a red flag.

Does the white filter itself have a tapping on the bottom of it like the top, to receive another fuel bowl under it or is it solid?

It is a solid filter, similar to an automotive oil filter.

 

[flakeys2005]

Re: Can I install this fuel water separator?

Side note - have you checked your regular fuel filters?

I was told by the mechanic at the marina that my engine probably does not have a fuel filter, but just has a screen in the carb. I need to check that out. I was considering putting a filter inline before the fuel water separator but I read somewhere on here that is against coast guard regulations. Any truth to that or does it have to be a special marine filter. Maybe I read that it is against coast guard regs. to use an automotive filter.
Thanks, Mike.

 

[Blk-n-Blu]

Re: Can I install this fuel water separator?

If you have a fuel /Water seperator filter between the tank and the pump, why put another one inline???

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: Can I install this fuel water separator?

The water seperator filter is the ONLY filter you need. I know Sierra sells a small one for outboards, and it doesn't have enough volume for large engines, according to their rep.

 

[flakeys2005]

Re: Can I install this fuel water separator?

If you have a fuel /Water seperator filter between the tank and the pump, why put another one inline???

I don't have a separator on there now. I go from the tank to the fuel pump to the carb. As I was reading further, I saw that the fuel pump may have a fuel filter built in. I'm going to check that out soon, but we just got back from a trip on the river and the problem is as bad as ever, so I am in the process of taking my tank apart and cleaning it out.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Can I install this fuel water separator?

Is this the one you bought?

If so, it looks fine to me. In fact, here what it says online about this model:

# Can be used on all gasoline outboards, stern drives and inboards
# Replacement part for Mercury/Mariner Outboard & Mercruiser Inboard/Outboard #35-60494A4, 35-802893Q4 & 35-805269A4 / Suzuki 99105-2001 / Yamaha ABA-SEPAR-AT-OR and Crusader #22687
# Includes filter, bracket and two brass plugs

 

[iconracing]

Re: Can I install this fuel water separator?

just use it

 

[flakeys2005]

Re: Can I install this fuel water separator?

just use it

What experience or expertise prompts you to say just use it. I don't see any reason not to, but if the manufacturer is warning against using it on an I/O then I have to take precautions before I modify this fuel system and put my family on the boat.

 

[flakeys2005]

Re: Can I install this fuel water separator?

Is this the one you bought?

If so, it looks fine to me. In fact, here what it says online about this model:

That looks just like the one I bought, but the particular brand or model that I bought doesn't give the green light on I/O. I really can't think of any reason why it would make a difference if I install it between the fuel tank and an inboard or if I install it between the fuel tank and an outboard.

 

[NHGuy]

Re: Can I install this fuel water separator?

Then return it and get one for an I/O. It does look like mine but maybe it is different because of the flow rate or anti-siphon valve resistance.
I personally think you are smart to err on the side of caution.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Can I install this fuel water separator?

That looks just like the one I bought, but the particular brand or model that I bought doesn't give the green light on I/O.

The one I pictured above is supposedly the same model as the one you bought - a Marpac 7-0873. The wording is taken from their web page. I can't explain why the instructions say not to use it for an I/O. Usually the ones with the glass or plastic bowls have that warning. But yeah, as NHGuy says, if you have concerns then take it back and get a different one.

 

[flakeys2005]

Re: Can I install this fuel water separator?

I brought my filter back to the marina today and showed them the package. They were quite confused as to why it warned against using on an I/O and told me they put them on all of their boats, so they called the company rep who just left about 10 mins. before I showed up and he said it was fine to use. They printed those for the outboard only models with the glass bowls on the bottom of the filters, and used them on all of there packaging. I guess they will be printing separate ones for the I/O in the future. Anyway, problem solved and thanks to every one who replied.
Mike.