fuel/water seperator needed?

[dough41]

I recently obtained a 98 Monterey bowrider with a 3.0l merc/alpha 1 gen 2 outdrive. While getting it ready for the upcoming summer, I changed the fuel filter in the line into the carb and the one in the glass bowl at the pump. Do I need to add a fuel/water sperator in line ( I've done that with other boats) or is that overkill. Also I noticed in the manual not to add an inline one as it may cause vapor lock etc. But a mechanic I know said it would be good protection? Any suggestions? First time post...thanks

 

[achris]

Re: fuel/water seperator needed?

Welcome to iBoats.<br /><br />As long as the fuel in the seperator doesn't get hot (ie being mounted next to a hot part of the engine), and the filter is mounted lower than the fuel pump, then you'll not have any vapour lock problems. <br /><br />All the V6 and V8 engines from Mercruiser come standard with an engine mounted water sep fuel filter.<br /><br />Personally, I look at it like this. Do I want to reduce the chances of have a 'water in the fuel' problem? Silly question!<br /><br />Chris.........

 

[Bondo]

Re: fuel/water seperator needed?

Ayuh,..............Welcome Aboard.........<br /><br />I Agree with Chris,........Again.........<br /><br />I've Never Seen Over Filtered Fuel..........<br /><br />Just mount it within the guidelines Chris has lain out........

 

[trog100]

Re: fuel/water seperator needed?

i wouldnt disagree with the previouse two answers.. but i dont really think u "need" one.. so i have to say yes its over kill.. it wont do any harm thow..<br /><br />i say this cos my 18 year old 3.0L powered boat seems to have left the factory/yard without one and it dosnt seem to have done it any harm.. i also dont feel the need to rush out and fit one..<br /><br />with diesel engines i think water traps are very important.. with gas powered engines less so.. small amounts of water can/does safely pass thru the carb without doing harm or causing problems..<br /><br />this is my alternative (different) view.. take it for what its worth.. the bottom line is your own peace of mind..<br /><br />trog100

 

[tommays]

Re: fuel/water seperator needed?

well i got buy with out one for 8 years BUT about the time we could not buy 100% gas anymore i started to have problems that the filter solved<br /><br />the EPA blend seams to attract water<br /><br /><br />tommays

 

[BRG25]

Re: fuel/water seperator needed?

For the spin on canister Sierra filters, would you apply a thin layer of motor oil on the gasket (like changing an oil filter)?

 

[achris]

Re: fuel/water seperator needed?

Originally posted by BRG25:<br /> For the spin on canister Sierra filters, would you apply a thin layer of motor oil on the gasket (like changing an oil filter)?

Yep! It's still a rubber gasket that needs to be lubricated to reduce the risk of tearing or distorting during installation. But I'd use a thin film, not a layer. <br /><br />Chris..........

 

[dough41]

Re: fuel/water seperator needed?

Thanks so much for the input. This forum is the first I've participated in and is a wealth of info. Thanx to everyone who replied!

 

[achris]

Re: fuel/water seperator needed?

Originally posted by dough41:<br /> ...and is a wealth of info.

Nah.... we're all just trying to get our 'posts' count up. <br /><br />You're welcome dough41.<br /><br />Chris..........