Replacing the inline fuel filter w/ separator on 92 4.3L gen2

[hangdogger512]

So, I have read thru quite a few older threads from folks with the lame inline fuel filter on the 92 Gen2 era 4.3L Mercruisers, and I know that Mercury makes their own replacement kit with a water separator (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004QJJM00...=22CIM5CCU8W32), but is there any reason that I couldn't (or shouldn't) simply remove the inline filter and hard line, and put in a Sierra kit? They are a 1/4 of the cost, but I have seen several kits that recommend "not for use on 1992 Gen2 4.3L systems. I'll bite the bullet on the Mercury kit if needed, but seems like there has to be another option.

Anyone done this conversion? Recommendations on a system?

Thanks

 

[dingbat]

No reason why not.....You're paying $89 for a name on the side of the filter.

 

[Scott Danforth]

welcome aboard

the filter head is made by a few companies, the filters are made by many companies, Mercruiser puts on a sticker on the ones they buy and charge 4x what you can get the same thing from many places.

get the sierra kit, go boating

 

[hangdogger512]

Thanks, that was my assumption, but seemed odd that all the old posts always referenced the factory replacement kit. I'll do the Sierra kit and post a response with the outcome!

 

[hangdogger512]

Also, do you guys have any insights on the differences in the Sierra kits... seems like there are about a dozen of them (18-7777,18-7982, etc... ). I can tell the difference between the 3/8" and 1/4" systems... but are there variable flow rates or something beyond that?

 

[dingbat]

Filters are rated by particle size (microns), max. flow rates (GPH), pressure drop (PSI) and water removal efficiency (%).

I refuse buy a filter that doesn't give performance specifications.

The specs from my filter:

Particle Size = 10 micron - 10 micron is standard. Now offering 2 micron for injector systems now
Max. Flow rate = 90 GPH - to suit your motors' usage
Pressure Drop = 0.6 PSI - Less is better.... the higher the drop the more wear and tear on your fuel pump
Filter Efficiency - 98% - Higher is better

Of note, some filter manufacturers use specially treated filter paper to boost the efficiency of their filters. Trapped water leeches the chemical treatment from the paper reducing efficiency. Reason why dumping entrapped water from a separator and reusing is discouraged.

 

[hangdogger512]

Thanks dingbat I found the breakdown on the Jamestown page now! Much appreciated.

I will order the Sierra 79861 kit, which is 10micron and 90GPH. Can't find the pressure drop spec anywhere, but hopefully won't be an issue!