Re: Change out flame arrestor?
I don't believe that the Coast Guard ever approved ANY filter material, paper or gauze, for marine use because of the fire potential.
It's OK, you can believe it. They did it. USCG regs
click here states that
"All gasoline engines must be equipped with an acceptable means of backfire flame control.". They then break down three "acceptable means of backfire flame control for gasoline engines"
They are:
i) A backfire flame arrester complying with SAE J-1928(ALL K&N flame arrestors meet this standard and are so marked) or UL 1111 and marked accordingly. The flame arrester must be suitably secured to the air intake with a flametight connection.
(ii) An engine air and fuel induction system which provides adequate protection from propagation of backfire flame to the atmosphere equivalent to that provided by an acceptable backfire flame arrester. A gasoline engine utilizing an air and fuel induction system, and operated without an approved backfire flame arrester, must either include a reed valve assembly or be installed in accordance with SAE J-1928.
(iii) An arrangement of the carburetor or engine air induction system that will disperse any flames caused by engine backfire. The flames must be dispersed to the atmosphere outside the vessel in such a manner that the flames will not endanger the vessel, persons, on board, or nearby vessels and structures. Flame dispersion may be achieved by attachments to the carburetor or location of the engine air induction system. All attachments must be of metallic construction with flametight connections and firmly secured to withstand vibration, shock, and engine backfire. Such installations do not require formal approval and labeling but must comply with this subpart.
Wrong again, the only time the USCG stipulates "Metal Only" is in section (iii) and this setup
IS NOT a flame arrestor at all. It is simply an intake pipe that leads overboard. And although it only states that the connections need to me metal, I would still recomend that in this case then entire thing be made of metal.
...but what about the guy that is going to try to save your sorry *****?
PC response: I am deeply touched and appreciate your concern for my well being.
Not appropriate response.
Do you know him? Perhaps he is a SHE, they have started allowing that you know?