Fuel Filter Question?

[jimbo1229]

So took my old fuel filter off and notice it had a stone one in there, ive read there now using paper filters. So was wondering which one would i need for a 4 cyl. mercruiser i/o, its a 1992 beachcraft. i know i need a serial number but the one i given to people like you don, it doesnt come up with the right one, damn boat lol. Also i left it off but am not running it but is it ok to leave open or will air get in while its sitting and cause problems?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Fuel Filter Question?

Ayuh,... It don't matter which of those filters ya use,...

Ideally, you oughta mount a canister type water separator filter, just ahead of the fuel pump...

 

[jimbo1229]

Re: Fuel Filter Question?

bond-o yea I plan on putting a water fuel separator for sure but was wondering which paper filter I would need tho? amd the kits ive seen online have gaskets but when I pulled mine off there was no gasket

 

[Don S]

Re: Fuel Filter Question?

With a water separating fuel filter installed, it doesn't make much difference which filter you have in the pump.
While you may have not seen the gasket, there is one.

 

[Fun Times]

Re: Fuel Filter Question?

See page 2 of 4, http://www.boatfix.com/merc/PBullet/98/pb98_06.pdf

 

[jimbo1229]

Re: Fuel Filter Question?

dang this helps a lot, thanx but again the weird part when I took this out there was no gasket. Maybe it was so old it disappeared. Also the pic shows spring on top then filter then gaskets. Is this how it should be replaced?

 

[jimbo1229]

Re: Fuel Filter Question?

So put in new paper filter at pump and water fuel serperator, she started right up but then for some odd reason when I let her sit and went to start it it was like back to square one. Maybe its just clearing all the crap out of the lines and will run better when I take it out on sunday

 

[Don S]

Re: Fuel Filter Question?

So put in new paper filter at pump and water fuel serperator, she started right up but then for some odd reason when I let her sit and went to start it it was like back to square one. Maybe its just clearing all the crap out of the lines and will run better when I take it out on sunday

Not sure what square one was, but, If you had a lot of crap in the carb by just replacing the filters that are before the carb isn't going to clean the carb out. The only way to do that is to rebuild the carb.

 

[jimbo1229]

Re: Fuel Filter Question?

So boat ran like a champ with the new fuel filter and fuel separator and tune up. Still has a tough time starting but what carb motor doesn't. anyways thanx for the help guys we had it out for 5 hours yesterday and no problems wut so ever

 

[FishHog]

Re: Fuel Filter Question?

Still has a tough time starting but what carb motor doesn't.

the ones that are running right.

From the sounds of things a carb rebuild might be a good idea and you might find that you can get it started easily after.

 

[Don S]

Re: Fuel Filter Question?

If it runs ok, I can't see a carb rebuild as being needed for the starting problem. Choke adjustment or starting procedures most likely needs some fine tuning.
Do you use the throttle only button on the control for cold starts so you can pump the throttle a time or two and give it throttle while cranking to start?

 

[jimbo1229]

Re: Fuel Filter Question?

yes don I use the throttle only button everytime I start otherwise she wont start. I prime it a few times then it struggles to start. once it starts she runs like a new boat but its getting to that point that is hard sometimes even after its been ran for a while and warmed up, but other times ill turn the key and it fires up its so random lol.

 

[Don S]

Re: Fuel Filter Question?

Do you give it throttle after you pump it a couple times? Usually it takes 1/8 to 1/4 throttle and they start. Carbs are all different, you need to learn how yours likes to be started.
Is the choke adjusted right. I find what the book states is always way too tight.

 

[jimbo1229]

Re: Fuel Filter Question?

yes I give it throttle usually bout half way after I pump it, the choke cant really be adjusted because it is a electronic choke.

 

[Don S]

Re: Fuel Filter Question?

yes I give it throttle usually bout half way after I pump it, the choke cant really be adjusted because it is a electronic choke.

Yes it can be adjusted. It's electric, not electronic. But it also depends on if it's actually working or not.

When cold, is the choke plate closed all the way at 1/8 throttle?

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Re: Fuel Filter Question?

a good running carb engine can start at the touch of the key.
Have you ever checked the timing of the engine?

 

[jimbo1229]

Re: Fuel Filter Question?

Haven't checked the timing yet, but it starts right up in the driveway. But for some reason when we get to the lake 30 mins away it takes forever to start like its flooded from the drive there somehow. But once I get it started and run it for a while it always starts up on the water,it's like fuel is leaking into the carb on the drive out there? My quad had a fuel shut off switch for this reason, is there something like this on a boat?
Did notice tho my choke rod was not connected to anything it was just hanging freely, but this doesn't have any affect when the motor is warm,, so I'm wondering if maybe this is allowing the choke to open and fill the bowl while transporting and flooding it when first trying to start????

 

[jimbo1229]

Re: Fuel Filter Question?

Any ideas guys on my last post?

 

[Don S]

Re: Fuel Filter Question?

Check your timing. Not by ear, that will be way wrong for sure and give you problems exactly like you have now.

What ignition system do you have? Conventional (Points), DDIS, or EST?

 

[jimbo1229]

Re: Fuel Filter Question?

EST, but not sure what the timing would do with the bowl filling up with fuel when I trailer it down the road?