Fuel Water Separator Differences

savetexomabeaches

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 4, 2013
Messages
420
I'm running a 1991 Mercruiser 3.0 -- It does not have the fws on it. I'd like to add one. My buddy has an OMC 124398 omc.jpg

Will that work, or should I run a mercruiser style?
 

alldodge

Moderator
Staff member
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Mar 8, 2009
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42,537
They all work the same way, just different designs, use any of them including the OMC type above.
 

TyeeMan

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Feb 27, 2006
Messages
849
I think it's the filter unit itself that does the separating. The bracket in the picture is just what the filter screws on to.

Although you are crossing brands, , , that might make for some bad juju. :laugh:
 

dingbat

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 20, 2001
Messages
16,313
Its doesn't matter but.... filters to fit the Merc head are easier to come across than an OMC bracket.
 

Rick Stephens

Admiral
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Aug 13, 2013
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6,118
You can get a simple aftermarket kit like these from iBoats. You can easily get quality filters from your local NAPA or other autoparts store to fit. Make sure you use Marine fuel line.
 

Bondo

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Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,079
Ayuh,.... The problem will be someday someone is gonna try to screw a Merc filter onto it, but the thread diameter, 'n pitch are different on the OMC housin',...
 

savetexomabeaches

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 4, 2013
Messages
420
Thanks guys. I figured if I could use this one, I might as well. Its free lol -- Are those two listed in the links the ones that will fit this?

Bondo --- If someone tries to screw a Merc filter onto it, I'm going to ask them why they are in my boat and messing with it lol
 

dingbat

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 20, 2001
Messages
16,313
They make fuel filters in two thread sizes.

Mercury OEM is 11/16"- 16
OMC OEM is 1"-12

Filters are avaiabile in 5, 10 and 25 micron in various sizes (lengths)
 

enginesilo

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 9, 2008
Messages
355
Sorry if this is considered a hijack. My 2005 3.0L doesn't have a fuel separator, only a tiny filter in the fuel pump. I've made it all these years, any reason to add one of these now? I've wanted to add one all these years and never got around to it.
 

NHGuy

Captain
Joined
May 21, 2009
Messages
3,631
Yes it's a hijack and yes it's wicked smart to have the separator.
 

savetexomabeaches

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 4, 2013
Messages
420
Thanks for the help. and enginesilo --- I rarely ever had issues without having one all these years on my boat.. Then started having dirty/gummy carb issues and figured adding one of these filters would help cut down on the chances of having those issues again.
 

savetexomabeaches

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 4, 2013
Messages
420
My lucky day.. Found a mercruiser 89876 one just sitting around as well... I think I'll go with the merc one
 
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