Fuel filter contaminants

[dmtm]

Hi all
Just changed my fuel filter/ water separator and after pouring it out found a fair amount of thin soft black rubber pieces , some small and long strips 1.5" x 1/8". I seem to recall some issue with ethanol & certain older fuel lines. Is this true? Fuel fill & engine supply line are original (1998).
Thanks in advance.
Tom

 

[dingbat]

Re: Fuel filter contaminants

Ethanol compatible fuel lines, SAE J1527 Type A1, have been mandated for use by the USCG since 1984. If your boat was built to regulations and no one has done you a favor and replaced the fuel line with non conforming materials then the 10% ethanol found in todays fuels is most likely not your problem.

The useful working life of a fuel line is anywhere from 5-10 years depending on the compound and quality of the hose. Given the age of your fuel lines the most likely scenario is that your fuel lines are suffering from old age more than anything.