Fuel sediment bowl

[noah4009]

I have a 1971 55HP Chrysler. When I pump the bulb before starting I can see particles moving in the fuel sediment bowl. Should I just remove bowl and clean or is there more to it then just that? Rebuild?

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Fuel sediment bowl

That's pretty much it Noah. When you drop the bowl, there will be a screen above it. Remove the screen without damaging it and clean it too.

You only need to rebuild if the valves are not working and that is very unusual. You only need to replace the diaphragm if you have fuel delivery problems and as regular maintenance, say, every two years.

If you can not find a diaphragm, later Chrysler and Force fuel pumps used a diaphragm that differed only in that the screw holes were larger. So, if you are careful in assembling, you can use the later diaphragm. Ask for a diaphragm and gasket for a 1990 Force 90 or 125. Valves were exactly the same.

If you want to upgrade, you can use a bypass cover and newer fuel pump from a later Chrysler or Force. I think you can even use the bypass cover and Mercury fuel pump from Late Force engines.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Fuel sediment bowl

Put a water seperating fuel filter in the system and it will stop a lot of that.J

 

[noah4009]

Re: Fuel sediment bowl

Put a water seperating fuel filter in the system and it will stop a lot of that.J

What is a water seperating filter, and where does it go?

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Fuel sediment bowl

A water separating filter is a rather large, rather expensive filter that looks a lot like an automobile oil filter. It has a clear bowl on the bottom so you can see if there was water in the gasoline that was filtered or separated out. It is usually mounted inside the boat splashwell. They range in price up to about 90 bucks and spin on replacement elements run around 30.

Depending upon your tank and where you buy fuel, the initial expense can easily pay for itself the first time it keeps you from stalling on the water due to contaminated fuel. Usually, it is not necessary if you use portable tanks because they are emptyed quickly and usually don't get condensation in them.

I was lucky enough to find (for free) an old air filter used in high pressure air lines. These units are really pricey, around 2-300 bucks, but they have a sintered plastic filter that is cleanable and a centifugal element that separates out water. It did save my butt once. I had about a quart of water in the 30 gallon tank in my cuddy. I was able to run the engine until the separator filled, then open the bottom drain. Then I repeated the process about ten times until the water was cleared. Took a little longer, but I got back without a tow.

 

[noah4009]

Re: Fuel sediment bowl

That's pretty much it Noah. When you drop the bowl, there will be a screen above it. Remove the screen without damaging it and clean it too.

You only need to rebuild if the valves are not working and that is very unusual. You only need to replace the diaphragm if you have fuel delivery problems and as regular maintenance, say, every two years.

Hi Frank
When I took off the fuel sediment bowl, the cork gasket fell apart. I got in touch with Franz and ordered the fuel sediment bowl gasket. I also ordered the diaphram and its gasket. Figured I don't know when that was last done so I would change that also. Thanks again for your help.

 

[arsenalpsu]

Re: Fuel sediment bowl

Frank,

When you say replace the diaphragm every two years, are you talking about the float? Thanks.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Fuel sediment bowl

NO! The float is inside the carb and rarely goes bad. The diaphragm is between the two halves of the fuel pump. With alcohol added to the gasoline these days they tend to harden and lose performance. SO: it pays the at least check it every couple of years if not each season.

For the three bucks and 10 minutes it will take, it is not worth trying to save the money and experience the aggravation of getting stuck.

I buy 8 at a time so I always have a couple on hand. If you buy more than one, they come in 4 packs.

 

[arsenalpsu]

Re: Fuel sediment bowl

Where would i get the Diaphrgam along with the seal along with the fuel pump and bowl gaskets? Thanks.

 

[noah4009]

Re: Fuel sediment bowl

Where would i get the Diaphrgam along with the seal along with the fuel pump and bowl gaskets? Thanks.

Hey, If you are talking about parts for a chrysler/Force. Franz is the man. I order most my parts from him. Franzmarine.com is his web site and email is franzmarine@aol.com. Tell him Hector from pensacola sent you. He might get a laugh and tell you what a pain in the azzzzzzz I am. LOL