2 stroke 4 stroke uses same fuel filter... How?

Stumpknocker

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Iboats advertises some fuel filters as double duty. How can they work for either....? If one has pre-mixed fuel it seems too be a problem. Maybe they exclude 2 strokes that don't have oil pumps... anybody out there know?
 

walleyehed

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Re: 2 stroke 4 stroke uses same fuel filter... How?

The filter for pre-mix is actually screen and not paper...the screen will not allow oil to be absorbed, and of course this could be used with either engine.
 

Stumpknocker

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Re: 2 stroke 4 stroke uses same fuel filter... How?

Screen... same as used in the automotive see through filters? They look identical yet warn against marine or outboard use.
 

walleyehed

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Re: 2 stroke 4 stroke uses same fuel filter... How?

Then I have no Idea as to why they say that....Paper elements, yes, they don't work with oil.....the fuel screen on the engine is metal in most of the older (80's) Mercs and the screen in the fuel pump in my 115 97' Jonny is metal, I believe........?????????<br />Maybe someone else can be of more help.. :)
 

seahorse5

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Re: 2 stroke 4 stroke uses same fuel filter... How?

Mixed fuel and straight fuel can use the same marine fuel filter.<br /><br />Auto filters say not to use in a marine environment because of the Federal Laws concerning fuel and ignition related items used in gasoline engines in enclosed areas on boats.
 

Stumpknocker

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Re: 2 stroke 4 stroke uses same fuel filter... How?

I guess the title "marine" is the key to this. The auto type see through filter has a glass canister. Maybe the "marine" item has plexiglass or nylon material rather than glass and the filter (screen) itself isn't the issue. I have not actually seen the "marine" version to attest to its see through material. Anybody have any input on this? I'm sure many of you probably have both types installed... no problems?
 

BillP

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Re: 2 stroke 4 stroke uses same fuel filter... How?

All I can say is I've used the $10 glass types and $3 clear plastic body Fram disposable auto gas filters on many manual mix obs and never had a problem. These filters catch the "big chunks", not the oil. The cheap plastic filters they sell in marinas by Tempo don't say anything about "marine use" on the package either. They are probably repackaged auto filters.
 

Stumpknocker

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Re: 2 stroke 4 stroke uses same fuel filter... How?

Thanks Billp...this is what I need to hear. Actual users input. I suspect that the only problem would be using an automotive paper pleated type filter. What about automotive 5/16 fuel lines vs OMC marine fuel lines or similar types? Marine fuel lines manufactured differently?
 

Stumpknocker

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Re: 2 stroke 4 stroke uses same fuel filter... How?

I went to a local Mercury dealer today and asked them about the pleated er see through auto fuel filters used on Outboards. They had no idea, but were aware of people using them. Also they had no idea of any difference between marine fuel lines vs automotive fuel lines. Of course I also called an Evinrude dealer to find out a cheap source for a tach to tune my carbs...they advised they don't even have or use one. I asked them how they set the carbs without one.... they just said they have never used one in 17 years... VERY SCARY.
 

seahorse5

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Re: 2 stroke 4 stroke uses same fuel filter... How?

I don't know that town in Florida, but those 2 "dealers" sound suspect, or you didn't talk to the right person. The parts counter is not necessarily the best place to obtain service information.<br /><br />Marine fuel lines come in Type A and Type B, depending on application and they are stenciled along their length saying which one. They are also alcohol resistant.<br /><br />For the most accurate and inexpensive tach, use a digital Tiny Tach for about $50. You can find them at tinytach.com or precisionmfgsales.com.
 

sloopy

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Re: 2 stroke 4 stroke uses same fuel filter... How?

The coasty's require that all fuel lines must be able to have a flame placed under them for 10 minutes with out cracking, leaking or igniting the fuel. there are different types of ratings, most outboard fuel lines are able hold a flame for 10 minutes, other more expensive types can be placed in burning gasoline and not ignite for ten minutes. <br /> I use the lawnmower in line fuel filters you can get at any hardware store. They are THE SAME THING as the tempo MARINE inline small outboard filters.
 

Stumpknocker

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Re: 2 stroke 4 stroke uses same fuel filter... How?

Seahorse the two dealers are in Lake Wales and Lake Hamilton. Both individuals I talked to are principles and have been there for years. I suppose at the Mercury dealer I could have gone to the head mechanic and he might have felt otherwise about the fuel lines.... will ask after the first of the year. They were out of stock anyway. <br /><br />Sloopy in regards to the filters, I suspect the warning in the Purolator inline filter was because it was glass, vs plastic or something. I believe I will keep the one I bought and use it anyway. Anybody know why it is recommended to place the fuel filter upstream from the bulb?
 

Stumpknocker

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Re: 2 stroke 4 stroke uses same fuel filter... How?

Seahorse, I forgot to mention that I have a Tiny Tach on order. Should fill the bill just right.
 
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