Ok to use auto inline fuel filter on the boat?

[nathan104]

Im wondering if it is ok to use an automotive fuel filter on a boat fuel line. I was thinking of putting one of the see through filters between my primer bulb and motor. Will this have an adverse impact on the fuel pump or anything else? I would think it would be fine but I just wanted to hear the answer from the experts. Thanks.

 

[Joey One]

Re: Ok to use auto inline fuel filter on the boat?

I have used one; no problem. However, if you can install it inside the motor hood, there would be no danger of gasoline leaking into the boat.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Ok to use auto inline fuel filter on the boat?

On a four-stroke outboard it's fine. On a two-stroke outboard(pre-mix) it's not a good idea as some auto filters will actually strain out pre-mixed fuel oil.

 

[nathan104]

Re: Ok to use auto inline fuel filter on the boat?

Well mine is a 2-stroke. I dont guess Ive ever heard of it possibly straining the oil out. Think Ill have to go without. Thanks.

 

[j442w30]

Re: Ok to use auto inline fuel filter on the boat?

You can pick up a complete fuel filter/water separator kit for around $35 online, I think the one I got was made by Tempo, it says right on it that it will not filter out the 2 stroke oil.

 

[BillP]

Re: Ok to use auto inline fuel filter on the boat?

I've been using the clear glass type for at least three decades on 2 strokes without problems. The filters aren't fine enough to stop oil...but they stop most jet pluggable dirt and fuel hose chunks. I mount them just ahead of where it plugs into the motor so it captures any bulb rubber debris that lets go (that's what started me installing filters close to the engine instead of near the tank). Its nice to look back and monitor clean or dirty fuel quickly and they show bubbles if you have an air leak. I bought one last week with a new name but same look as Tempo versions. Its a Moeller PN 33319-10. A little care needs to be taken when you tighten them or the filter element will get distorted.

I tried the disposable fram inline plastic types but kept getting air leaks where they are pressed together. These worked great on my motorcyles but not on my boat where the hose flexes big time.

b.

 

[thinksun]

Re: Ok to use auto inline fuel filter on the boat?

On a four-stroke outboard it's fine. On a two-stroke outboard(pre-mix) it's not a good idea as some auto filters will actually strain out pre-mixed fuel oil.

If filter is for EFI automotive straining out oil may occur but so will flow resrtiction. High flow snowmobile style filters work. I had a Land and Sea fuel pump for a 200 mercury V6 when I ran a water separating spin-on filter. Shocking what pours out of a filter after a month.

 

[Chief101]

Re: Ok to use auto inline fuel filter on the boat?

On a four-stroke outboard it's fine. On a two-stroke outboard(pre-mix) it's not a good idea as some auto filters will actually strain out pre-mixed fuel oil.

First time I heard that. I've been using inline filters from NAPA for eons without a hitch so far. I can get them under the hood on the v-4's so they make a neat and easy install. Chief Chief

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Ok to use auto inline fuel filter on the boat?

It really just depends on the 4-stroke filter. The finer the filter element/screen the more likely that oil filtration can occur. Most auto filters, that I have scene, work fine because they aren't anymore fine than 2-stroke filters. But, some are. I've scene some odd ball filters that strained the oil right out of solution. I think they were both some kind of cellulose/paper elements. The main thing is just to make sure that your filter is compatable for 2-stroke use.

 

[delfinasul]

Re: Ok to use auto inline fuel filter on the boat?

I heard many storries about auto gas filter can straining the oil out, i use this kind of filter (based on paper) because the is very difficult to get marine filters here, i premixed a lot of galons of oil, but i never managed to get even 10 ml of oil from my automotive filter . Now i use the oil injection on my DT40 so i don't premix anymore, but i still use an automotive filter and i didn't notice any difference at wot with and without filter.