Best Fuel water separator

[muskrat808]

Hey - Got a 1973 140 hp Merc I/O w/o a fuel water separator . What's the best brand or are they all the same ? Also -pros and cons on ones with the drainage hole on bottom . Thanks

 

[rbh]

Re: Best Fuel water separator

OK, here's the scoop (as far as I can figure it)
"GAS" IO's do not use water separators with the drain **** in the bottom or be made from plastic, steel only.
(they could drip fuel causing a explosive condition or if it gets to hot melt)
only ones you see running those are IO diesels or outboards

Check out your local parts store for whats available "Marine".

 

[Beefer]

Re: Best Fuel water separator

Racor is supposed to be the best, but you'll pay to have a Racor system. As with automobile oil filters, there are differences (I guess). My boat came with a Racor, but if I was installing one, I'd probably go with Sierra.

The advantage of the drain is so you can check to see if there is water (feel the discharge), allows you to remove what water has accumulated, and (theoretically) extends the life of the filter. With an I/O, USCG does not allow you to use the glass/plastic bowl for below deck installation, so you'd have to get the solid metal one with the drain. My boat has the bowl (even though it shouldn't), and it's useless in my installation, since you can't see it anyway.

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: Best Fuel water separator

Give this a 'read'...you will be a filter guru!

http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/fuelFilter.pdf

Happy (filtered) boating!

 

[Beefer]

Re: Best Fuel water separator

After reading rocky_road's post, reminded me that whatever you get, make sure it's a 10 micron filter. They have 2 microns too, but I saw a chart a while ago that showed what was in gas from various places, and there was negligible amounts of particles that were <10 micron, and I also think they'll clog faster, or restrict.


***EDIT*** Not to slight rocky_road, as the link is quite valuable. Just note that the article/test is from 2004, and there have been many changes and improvements since.

 

[muskrat808]

Re: Best Fuel water separator

Thanks guys -very helpful