Fuel / Water Separating Filter Comparison

[jmw129]

Crew,

I'm seeking personal experience here, actual comparison by using different filters on your own engine. I'm sure someone has something to say about this topic.

I've personally been pretty happy with Sierra overall.

Now last year used Sierra Fuel / Water Separating Filter on my 350 Mercruiser. This year used a Quick Silver Fuel / Water Separating Filter sold by Walmart.

I noticed the Quick Silver unit was smaller. I don't recall seeing a Micron filter # rating on Quick Silver but remember seeing a Micron rating of 21 on the Sierra?

Is a micron rating of 21 good? If so would that be comparable to a car oil filter that is 99% rating?

So who makes the better filter, Sierra or Quick Silver? There is maybe a $2 to $3 difference with Sierra being just a bit more.

My gut tells me Sierra is a superior filter compared to the Quick Silver filter. Am I spot on or are these two filter's on the same level??

Thanks Crew!

 

[MarkSee]

Re: Fuel / Water Separating Filter Comparison

I won't be able to tell you the exact spec for a micron count on the Quicksilver but in case you are not aware, Quicksilver is the same as the Mercury part just has a slightly different part number and can be sold at non-Mercury dealers also.

Mark

 

[Another retired guy]

Re: Fuel / Water Separating Filter Comparison

One thing to look for is the quality of the fittings ( I just learned the hard way ) - the better filters will have brass fittings, and the others will have aluminum alloy. I bought a filter that had the aluminum fittings but after installation found two were leaking. When I tried to remove them they wouldn't unscrew - they were jammed tight. Local shop couldn't move them either. Had to buy a new ( better quality) filter

 

[jmw129]

Re: Fuel / Water Separating Filter Comparison

I won't be able to tell you the exact spec for a micron count on the Quicksilver but in case you are not aware, Quicksilver is the same as the Mercury part just has a slightly different part number and can be sold at non-Mercury dealers also.

Mark

Thank you for the input. Do know by chance from experience or reliable sources which brand is better?

 

[MarkSee]

Re: Fuel / Water Separating Filter Comparison

Thank you for the input. Do know by chance from experience or reliable sources which brand is better?

I've only bought the Merc/Quicksilver brand just figuring if it's good enough for brand new boats it'll be good enough for my replacement needs. I've had no issues with it not sealing or have any reason to believe it's not doing the job properly and I do replace the wsff every November as part of my normal maintenance routine.

Mark

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Fuel / Water Separating Filter Comparison

Thank you for the input. Do know by chance from experience or reliable sources which brand is better?

There really isn't any evidence (testimonial or otherwise) to suggest which one is better. Filter technology hasn't changed much in many years.

The Mercury filter (since they don't actually manufacture it them selves) could be made by the same company that makes them for Sierra (since Sierra isn't a manufacturer either)

You could by a Napa (WIX), Fram, Baldwin (who is a manufacturer), STP, Motorcraft, Sierra, and a host of others and not know who made them (except Baldwin)

Buy the cheapest one you can find.


Regards,


Rick