Fuel Water Separator/Filter On A 35hp?

[AgTires4295]

From reading through the forums, I feel like this could stir the pot by asking:

With my 1981 Johnson 35, would it be too restricting to add a fuel/water separator in addition to some sort of in-line filter?

In ordering online replacement parts, I saw the only filter is a (what I consider) nearly worthless metal screen at the intake to the fuel pump. In eliminating this screen and adding a fuel filter (in-line), what are the negatives?

Again, would adding a fuel/water separator cause additional restrictions?

I'm hoping the little fuel pump wouldn't be overwhelmed by the added modifications.

 

[Will Bark]

I added a Moellner fuel/ water separator to the fuel line on my 1977 15hp Rude and it works just fine, left the screen at the fuel pump in with no problem. Good luck

 

[steelespike]

Filters and separators are surely a good addition as long as they sized for the job.
My 88 50 hp has never had additional filters etc and it has spent 90% of its life outside, in the north east, winter and summer.
Never any fuel related issues.I'm probably just lucky to not have gotten a load of bad gas.

 

[gm280]

Never have used any type fuel/water separator in any boating situation, so I have to ask because I honestly don't know, if a person uses fuel and adds any type additive like stabil or such, doesn't that mix the water into the fuel? And if it does, how does the fuel/water separator actually work then? IDK :noidea:

 

[AgTires4295]

In my mind, the fuel/water separator would not only separate the two but wouldnt it also filter the fuel like an in-line would since its well, in-line? The fuel has to go through the separator filter anyway so wouldnt it also act as a filter?

With the heat it has caused on other forums, I thought this thread would have blown up with responses and more personal experiences.

Thanks for everything so far guys! Id love to filter out water AND whatever particulates are in the gas but again, dont want to burn anything up from having too many restrictions

 

[F_R]

Generally speaking, those filters are sized to be used on much larger motors than your 35hp. What I'm suggesting is that if they will allow enough flow for those big gas eaters, then your little 35 wouldn't amount to much at all. Oh, and a lot of those big motors use the same fuel pump as your 35 so it certainly is capable of the job.

 

[bonz_d]

Guess I'm another one that has never used an add-on filter. Only once did I ever have a problem with water and that was because of a cracked fuel gage in the tank cap. Replaced tank and problem went away.

 

[F_R]

A friend of mine works for the state. His job is visiting gas stations to keep them honest. One thing he checks is the amount of water in the bottom of their storage tanks. They are allowed to have a certain amount. When it gets over the certain amount, you start getting it from the pump.

 

[boobie]

I always buy my fuel from a high volume station. Another thing I practice is, I never stop at a station when I see the tanker filling up their tanks.

 

[nwcove]

^^^ theres some good advice right there !!!!!

 

[Fed]

Between my own cars and employee work cars which I supervised over I'd conservatively estimate at the very least 10 Million Miles worth of fuel used... NEVER had water in any single one of them.
Needless to say I'm skeptical about getting water in fuel from the pump.
FWIW that 10 Million estimate is very conservative could have easily been 20,30,40 Million.

 

[AgTires4295]

Okay cool I like how this thread is evolving with input on personal experience and advice. Can anyone advise if a fuel/water separator is able to also act as a fuel filter?

 

[Will Bark]

It is a fuel filter as well as a water filter.

 

[AgTires4295]

Thanks! That settles it then. I'll be installing a spin-on fuel/water separator instead of a paper filter that I'd have to clamp on and off everytime I wanted to see what was inside. Win-win

 

[boobie]

Make sure you get one that has a glass or plastic bowl on the bottom so you can see what's in it.

 

[1nebel0]

I own 9 boats from fishing to racing boats and would NEVER own a boat without a racor water separator with a 10 micron filter...With ethanol you are going to get water in the fuel by nature of the ethanol...Google it...I won't run an outboard without it given the cost to repair one even though I do all my own repairs..If you want a cheap one go buy one at Wally World..Anything that filters water is better than not...

 

[Outsider]

Make sure you mount the canister properly (meaning 'hand tight + just a little). And make sure you change it on a schedule. You can't imagine the fun in getting one lose when the gasket welds to the bracket ...