Fuel/Water separating Filter or inline filter

[further]

I'm making a list of the stuff I plan on doing over winter and one of those items is a fuel filter. I'd like to know who here uses fuel/water separating filters or inline filters. Are the fuel/water filters worth it? One of the mechanics i had service my motor this summer said I shouldn't put a filter on it at all becuase he feels it puts more restriction on the fuel flow? What do y'all think? Thanks everyone

 

[pnwboat]

Re: Fuel/Water separating Filter or inline filter

I would change mechanics. If the filter(s) is working properly and is the correct size and is designed for the right diameter fuel line you're using, the restriction is negligible.

The filters are like an insurance policy. Hopefully you won't run into a situation that requires them, but if you do, you have one. I have a fuel/water separator between the tank and fuel pump. I also have a small clear see-through in-line filter between the pump and carbs. Fuel/water separator takes care of any water issues due to ethanol additive that is used in my area of the country and any other debris that may get sucked up. The inline filter will catch any debris that may be the result of the rubber diaphragm or check valves deteriorating in the fuel pump.

 

[further]

Re: Fuel/Water separating Filter or inline filter

Thanks for the info. Sounds like I will get the filters - any you could recommend for my 1988 85 HP and where would you mount the fuel/water separating filter? It's damn hard to find a mechanic that is decent round these parts!! The last guy told me that my motor is getting tired? what the heck does that mean. My take on these from reading this forum and info i get from all you guys is that if these engines are maintained properly they will last and run well. I need to find someone in the north jersey area that knows these motors!!

 

[robert graham]

Re: Fuel/Water separating Filter or inline filter

The fuel/water seperators are a real "no-brainer". I have the Walmart fuel/water seperator($27) mounted on my transom, works like a charm. Now I never have any trash or water in the little plastic filter under the motor shroud because the big filter catches it before it ever gets up there. I believe the water/fuel seperators are the best preventive maintenance item you can get. If you have a big motor where fuel flows are a factor then get a Yamaha or Racor unit with a 90GPH flow rating and keep a spare cartridge on board. Good luck

 

[robert graham]

Re: Fuel/Water separating Filter or inline filter

The filter can be mounted anywhere in the back of your boat between the fuel tank and motor with 2 screws. just cut your fuel line and attach to filter as per directions. You'll need a couple of 1/4" or 3/8" barbs and maybe some clamps or tie-wraps to hold fuel line tight. There's nothing to it! Good Luck!

 

[pnwboat]

Re: Fuel/Water separating Filter or inline filter

Mounting the fuel/water separator is really dependent on how your boat is layed out. Mine is mounted close to the built in tank close to the transom and bilge area. You want to place it in an area that will give you easy access to change the filter.