Fuel Filter, Water Fuel Separator or Both???

[SkiSprinkle686]

Need some help deciding what to do. I was out on the pontoon yesterday and running full throttle when the motor revved down to around 1000RPM and then stalled out. It thankfully cranked right back up only to do it again 2 mins later. Again, it cranked right up. Was thinking it might be my fuel filter getting clogged? Just bought this used boat a few weeks ago and still trying to take care of all the things the previous owner ignored.

My question is should I go ahead and replace the fuel filter only or should I replace it and add a fuel water separator? Also, any other suggestions as to what might have caused this?

It's an 02 Sylvan Mirage 822 with an 03 Johnson 50HP 2 stroke.

Thanks!

 

[ahicks]

If the boat has a history of trouble like you describe, I would have a look at a remote filter/water separator. However, a lot of boats get away just fine without anything like that. So, I would confirm you do have a filter that's starting to plug up. Pull it and see if you can blow through it with no effort. If dirty or partially plugged, you should be able to feel a restriction. If plugged, you know you're on the right path. Replace it and see if it happens again.

The issue is you haven't had the boat long enough to know if there's an issue or not. You don't know when that filter was replaced last. It could be an original!

OR - just spend the money and effort to make sure you don't have a fuel flow issue. Get a large filter separator, install it, and replace the element every season.

 

[SkiSprinkle686]

I read somewhere else it could be the fuel lines going bad or maybe even the fuel pump?

I am pretty sure this filter is original so I will probably start with that since its probably the least expensive fix.

 

[ahicks]

Fuel pump possible, but not likely.

As mentioned, you might want to confirm that is your problem by attempting to blow through it. If the filter is under the engine cowl right near the pump, and it is showing signs of being plugged, sometimes the filter body is clear and you can see what contaminated it. If it's not clear, might pay to cut it apart so you can see.

 

[SkiSprinkle686]

For some reason, I am not having a lot of luck locating a replacement filter. I believe it shouldn't be more than a few dollars because it is the cheap plastic one.

 

[ahicks]

Pull it and take it to a discount auto supply to see how close they can get to it. Might take you a couple of tries, but you should be able to come up with something close.

 

[Scott Danforth]

if its a clear cheap see--thru filter, it is not legal for marine use.

 

[alldodge]

Agree, you probably don't want the plastic inline filter on the boat, get a regular canister fuel water separator.

It may also be the fuel pump or pickup in the tank

 

[ahicks]

if its a clear cheap see--thru filter, it is not legal for marine use.

Oh for Pete's sake. Something like that would likely work fine - within reason.

Here's a link to an OEM filter. I'm guessing it's legal?
https://www.amazon.com/Johnson-Evinrude-OMC-INLINE-0397607/dp/B06XKLGVBZ

 

[GA_Boater]

Plastic and glass housing filters are not approved for the engine bay of I/O's. Same goes for filter/separators with the clear plastic collection bowl. However these three are approved for outboards, although I don't think the glass housing things should be used in a boat of any kind.

 

[SkiSprinkle686]

I have ordered a basic fuel filter and I'm going to start with that. Some time down the road I will add a fuel water separator just because I don't think it's gonna hurt anything.

 

[Lightwin 3]

I would do the water seperator. Also, make sure your tank is VENTING. Run it with the filler cap loose for testing.

 

[SkiSprinkle686]

It's definitely venting. I just installed a new fuel tank install kit 2 weeks ago and that was included. Have it venting out of the back of the boat.

 

[ajgraz]

110% on adding a fuel/water separator ASAP. IMO those are mandatory!

 

[mjc3834merc]

I put one of these on my pontoon. Change it once a year in the spring. Cheap protection.

Well, I've tried everything I can think of to put a picture on this reply. The link below doesn't work. Never had a problem on any other forum. Guess I'll just give up.