Fuel Filter

[HPLou]

Mercruiser 4.3LX 1989 s\n OC534197
Good Day,
I owned the boat for 4 years now and believe the previous owner never replaced the Inline Fuel Filter.
I have never had any fuel distribution problem with my boat but want to do a full maintenance on the engine.
Here is my question;
My boat does not have a Water\Fuel seperator but a Inline Fuel Filter (#11004) before the fuel pump.
Should I replace the filter even if I have had no problem yet?
If Yes, Does my present fuel filter acts like a Water Fuel Separator?
If not, Can I completely remove the present inline fuel filter and replace with a water\fuel separator?
Thank you

 

[redneck joe]

Yes
probably not
yes


i run both

 

[Grub54891]

Without seeing a pic of what you have it's hard to know what type of filter you have now. If just simple inline filter, no it does not separate water. Yes you can remove it, and add a real fuel/water separator. Either way, you should replace the filter every time you lay the boat up for the season.

 

[alldodge]

I would answer all your questions with
Yes
Sort of but not very well, the pump is mounted up side down so water does not float to the bottom
Yes, you can by installing the canister model, but keeping both in cannot hurt

The filter part number is 35-8M0046752
Here is your fuel pump parts list
http://www.mercruiserparts.com/bam/subassembly/31478/951/90

 

[HPLou]

Thank you very much for the replies.
I will replace my actual fuel filter and add a Fuel\Water separator.
Does the Fuel\Water separator needs to be mounted near the fuel pump at same height ?

 

[alldodge]

Does the Fuel\Water separator needs to be mounted near the fuel pump at same height ?

It can be mounted off or on the motor, but needs to be close to the level of the top of the fuel tank top. The pump will be sucking fuel so you want it to have an easy time downing it. If it is mounted higher it has to work harder.

 

[HPLou]

I understand AllDodge, Thank you for the precision.