Question on fuel/wtr separator

[jgresham75]

I have read that fuel water separators are cheap and therefore, once you get water in them or remove them, replace them.

I am looking at replacing my standard fuel filter/water separator (looks like oil filter) with the one that has the metal bowl (to be able to drain and check). The cartridge for this is around $30, even though it seems to be the same but with threads on the bottom. Anyway, my question relates to the replacement. I always replace my canister type fuel filter at least once, maybe twice a year. With the cartridge type w/bowl, do you still have the same problem where if you EVEN remove it, you should replace it.

The answer may effect my desire to add the bowl if the cartridge of $30 replaces the filter of $8. Thanks in advance.

 

[[OBC]Patch]

Re: Question on fuel/wtr separator

Its a $5 item at Wallyworld, why mess with it? Just replace it with a new one as often as you like.

 

[109jb]

Re: Question on fuel/wtr separator

The benefit of the filters with the separate bowl is that you can drain off the water without changing or removing the filter. I like the clear bowls myself because you can actually see if there is water in there instead of guessing. On my boat I will be changing at the next filter change.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Question on fuel/wtr separator

Like everything you get what you pay for. Make sure your comparing apples to apples.

What are the specfications of this $8 filter? How do they compare to the $30 filter?

The filter is the most important parts of the system yet few know the difference between a good and bad filter. Most just assume that as long as they both filter to 10 um they are equal in performance. In reality, that couldn?t be further from the truth.

The pressure drop (flow restriction) thru a filter is critical to the performance of both the filter and the fuel pump. A lower pressure filter keeps the load on the fuel pump at a minimun and will last longer than ones with a higher PD. I have seen filters with pressure drops of 2-3 psi out of the box.

You also want to check the water separation efficiencies. Filter efficiencies vary from less than 90% to 99.9% efficient.

The filters I use cost a couple of dollars more per filter, but they have less than a ?-psi drop thru them and they are 99.9% efficient in water removal.


The frequency you have to change the filter depends on how clean your tanks are and how clean your suppliers tanks are. I changed my filters based upon the pressure drop, not on a schedule. I typically put 1,000-1,500 gallons of fuel thru one between changes.

 

[gozierdt]

Re: Question on fuel/wtr separator

Dingbat,

What brand is the top efficiency filter you use? I'd like to give them a shot...

 

[dingbat]

Re: Question on fuel/wtr separator

Dingbat,

What brand is the top efficiency filter you use? I'd like to give them a shot...

I run Racor filters.

Racor makes filters to fit most head units.

One is the "Mercury type", called that because it was OEM for Mercury Marine. The other is what they call the OMC/Evinrude Style, because it was OEM OMC/ Evinrude type.

The Merc head has 11/16"-16 thread and the OMC has a 1"-12 thread. Most filter heads have the 11/16"-16 thread but I would check before ordering.

The Racor B32103 fits the merc heads and the Racor B32014 fits the OMC head