Fuel Filter Woes

[chrismarion]

I am getting closer to going insane while fighting this fuel/water separator. Its not a pump problem since the system works perfect if I bypass the separator. I can pump that primer bulb as much as I want but it aint doing anything. I can look at the clear glass filter and see that the fuel is not flowing. I put on a new filter to see if it was clogged, that was a waste of $8. Check the lines and the fittings at the filter, clear.Took off the filter to check the port holes and they are clear. Screw filter back on and restart the war. I cannot get this thing to prime for my life. Yes the filter is full of gas, I can suck the gas out of the filter for a bit and then it stops.
System primer (parts in West Marine Catalog):
under deck 16 gallon tank (Tempo#640030), 90 degree elbow at top of tank and runs though 3/8 line parrallel to the top of the tank to transom. There it goes into a glass filter(Tempo#170025), then up 7 inches into the fuel/water separator (Sierra# 18-7852-1)and out to the engine which is above it. WHY wont this thing prime? I have tried different configurations of the lines going into the filter, but with no luck. The filter isnt leaking and I dont hear air sucking in at any of the fittings.

If I take the separator out of the equation, all is well. Put it back in and it starts over again. Can I or Should I put in a small 2psi electric pump before the separator? I really would like to have that extra insurance of having it, but not if I cant use the boat.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Fuel Filter Woes

Have you tried priming it with the bulb in a vertical position with the arrow pointing up? This worked well for mine....

 

[JRJ]

Re: Fuel Filter Woes

Have you tried priming it with the bulb in a vertical position with the arrow pointing up? This worked well for mine....

+ 1

 

[MrBigStuff]

Re: Fuel Filter Woes

16 gallon tank (Tempo#640030), 90 degree elbow at top of tank and runs though 3/8 line parrallel to the top of the tank to transom. There it goes into a glass filter(Tempo#170025), then up 7 inches into the fuel/water separator (Sierra# 18-7852-1)and out to the engine which is above it.

Just curious, where is the primer bulb in this sequence of parts?

 

[72SideWinderSS]

Re: Fuel Filter Woes

Can you verify the hose fittings in the filter base are in the proper holes (Line from tank to in, line to primer bulb to out ). I have a Tempo Fuel/Water separator on my boat and it has four different places to put fittings or the plugs that come with it,depending on how you need to install it. Be sure the pipe plugs and fittings are in secure and sealed.

 

[chrismarion]

Re: Fuel Filter Woes

The primer bulb is just before the motor. Leaving the filters on the suction side. I read through other posts that being a good spot to install it in.

Yes, I do have them in the right spot. I even tried reversing them thinking 'Just to try it, who knows' . I will try priming it with the bulb being vertical. Sealing wise, it is tread taped and then Seal-All behind it. Seal All is gas/oil pervious for that "just in case teflon fails later" scenario. So there is NO AIR leaking in or out.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Fuel Filter Woes

Put primer bulb at the other end of the install.
Between the tank and the filter.

 

[DJ]

Re: Fuel Filter Woes

Put primer bulb at the other end of the install.
Between the tank and the filter.

I agree. It's easier to push fuel through the filter as opposed to pulling it through.

 

[gss036]

Re: Fuel Filter Woes

After reading this post several times, I will throw in my 2 cents. You have 2 input and 2 output fittings for the filter. How many are you using? Are the unused ones plugged?
Have tried to check fuel flow before the glass/plastic filter on the engine ? I have never seen a small filter installed by the tank and then going into a water/fuel seperator filter. The fuel should (in my opinion) flow to the w/s filter and then to the engine filter(glass/plastic). I would think that you are restricting your fuel flow with the way you have it set up w/the small filter at the tank. Just some ideas. Does the primer bulb get firm?
You have never said what type of engine, hp or anything else.

 

[chrismarion]

Re: Fuel Filter Woes

I have a Force 125. I will have to get a couple feet of fuel hose tomorrow as I dont want to cut the primer bulb hose incase the swap doesnt work.

I was wondering the same thing about the little filter being first, but it seems to flow pretty darn good. Two filters may seem dumb, but its cheap insurance against trash and water. The bulb does get firm too. As for the F/W filter ports, I am using one side of ports. In and out. The other side I plugged using the provided plugs and sealed them when I installed them. Since I dont see me having twin motors on here or dual tanks.

After I get the extra hose for this filter/bulb swap, I will post up as to what the results are. Just to be certain I will go from tank, primer bulb, F/W filter, little engine filter and then to the engine.

 

[chrismarion]

Re: Fuel Filter Woes

To give you an update, I got the system redone per the above advice. Granted its cold and raining, it finally let up. And YES, it works pushing.

Thankyou guys for you help, I really do appreciate it! I will test it out on the water saturday to see if it flows well too.

Chris

 

[MrBigStuff]

Re: Fuel Filter Woes

Sweet! Had a hunch that was it.