1990 Force 50 - Add Permanent inline Fuel Filter or Water Separator?

[Jlesinski]

Hello,

While troubleshooting another issue I was told I should add a fuel filter between the fuel pump and carburetor to help diagnose the issue. I am wondering what the best practice is for adding a fuel filter permanently on this motor, or in general for an outboard.

I had done some reading on adding a fuel/water separator or adding an inline filter, but it doesn't seem there is a best practice for it. I think I would like to have one on there permanently though to help with particulates, but I don't want to negatively affect performance or damage the motor.

Thanks for your insight!
Jim

 

[ondarvr]

Nothing will be damaged, pick a style and location and install one.

​Since you have a 50hp motor I'm thinking you run off of small 6 gallon portable tanks, either type filter can be used with these, but it's more common to use an inline filter mounted under the cowl.

 

[Jiggz]

The inline clear fuel filter as previously mentioned, is more of a troubleshooting aid than a fuel filter. On the otherhand, the fuel-water separator is just that a liquid filter to separate water from fuel. There is no absolute requirement for neither.

 

[jerryjerry05]

I install a filter between the carb and fuel pump.
Fram G2 G3 G12
If you let the boat set for extended periods??
​Then a water sep filter would come in handy.

 

[JDusza]

I believe you have a fuel filter inside the fuel pump. Add another if you want security, but, I've had much more trouble with bad fuel. I'm seeing more water contamination than ever before. I've even had crap gas from a Mobil;brown water. I won't go back to them.

Drain your tank and decant off what you can of the good fuel and put it in your car. Get completely fresh fuel in your boat.

You're better off spending your $$ on a water separator.

J