Embarrassed to ask this question

[rockyrr]

Three years ago we had problems with out Yamaha 150 4 stroke that was diagnosed at the time as a fuel problem due to using ethanol gas. The mechanic recommended and installed a water separator that was supposed to eliminate this problem. The same/similar problem occurred this past weekend. We have never touched the separator since it was installed. Could it be that we should be taking this separator off and checking it for water and that's the problem?

Thanks

 

[glenn property of pam]

Re: Embarrassed to ask this question

most people say they change them once a year. That means most people change them every 2 years. Its a cheap replaceable part so no harm changing it and seeing what you have in it plus its 3 years old so its due anyway.

 

[Toddboat]

Re: Embarrassed to ask this question

Try dumping the contents of the filter into a glass and leave it there overnight. See if there is a layer of debris on the bottom and/or a layer of water. Install a new filter even if the fuel looks perfect. I just don't see what the filter has to do with ethanol. The ethanol goes right through the filter. It's not an ethanol filter after all. Whether you have the filter or not will not stop the ethanol from eating away at the rubber parts of the motor, including the fuel lines themselves.
The way to prevent damage from ethanol is adding fuel stabilizer to the tank every time you fill up, and especially before periods of storage. Sta-bil is what many people use for this, but there are other fuel stabilizers available.

 

[glenn property of pam]

Re: Embarrassed to ask this question

Try dumping the contents of the filter into a glass and leave it there overnight. See if there is a layer of debris on the bottom and/or a layer of water. Install a new filter even if the fuel looks perfect. I just don't see what the filter has to do with ethanol. The ethanol goes right through the filter. It's not an ethanol filter after all. Whether you have the filter or not will not stop the ethanol from eating away at the rubber parts of the motor, including the fuel lines themselves.
The way to prevent damage from ethanol is adding fuel stabilizer to the tank every time you fill up, and especially before periods of storage. Sta-bil is what many people use for this, but there are other fuel stabilizers available.

ethanol is alcohol which contains a small amount of water.

 

[Pas Bon]

Re: Embarrassed to ask this question

Try dumping the contents of the filter into a glass and leave it there overnight. See if there is a layer of debris on the bottom and/or a layer of water. Install a new filter even if the fuel looks perfect. I just don't see what the filter has to do with ethanol. The ethanol goes right through the filter. It's not an ethanol filter after all. Whether you have the filter or not will not stop the ethanol from eating away at the rubber parts of the motor, including the fuel lines themselves.
The way to prevent damage from ethanol is adding fuel stabilizer to the tank every time you fill up, and especially before periods of storage. Sta-bil is what many people use for this, but there are other fuel stabilizers available.

The filter should separate some of the water that could be created from using ethanol fuel or condensation in the fuel tank?

 

[Pas Bon]

Re: Embarrassed to ask this question

Three years ago we had problems with out Yamaha 150 4 stroke that was diagnosed at the time as a fuel problem due to using ethanol gas. The mechanic recommended and installed a water separator that was supposed to eliminate this problem. The same/similar problem occurred this past weekend. We have never touched the separator since it was installed. Could it be that we should be taking this separator off and checking it for water and that's the problem?

Thanks

Is the gas OLD as in 3 years old?

 

[rockyrr]

Re: Embarrassed to ask this question

The filter should separate some of the water that could be created from using ethanol fuel or condensation in the fuel tank?

Thanks, folks, for the feedback.

 

[joe009]

Re: Embarrassed to ask this question

my f 150 has two water filters one external, one in the engine i change them every year. you should use a fuel additive like startron it works with the e-10 gas

 

[cpt woody]

Re: Embarrassed to ask this question

I change my water separator every 50 hrs. How often you change yours depends really on use not time. I pay $5 bucks a filter to protect a 10,000 investment. It's a no brainer.

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: Embarrassed to ask this question

The Startron is a good product. Most Yamaha owners swear that also using Yamaha RingFree Plus is a big plus.

The 90/10 gasoline is wreaking havoc on outboards, and most of the problems come from aging fuel--boats not being used enough.

I've also heard you wouldn't believe all the trash that comes through a fuel system. Cut your old filter apart and see what he caught.