Using an automotive inline fuel filter on an outboard

trendsetter240

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Jun 22, 2009
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Anybody ever tried using a standard clear plastic automotive inline fuel filter on an outboard? My 97 johnson 70 needed a new filter and I happend to have a brand new 5/16 auto filter that fits in nicely. Motor starts and idles fine but haven't had it out on the water yet.

Reason I haven't got a new marine filter is it's a 2 hour drive round trip to the closest shop that has the OMC filter.

Anybody tried this and had good / bad results?
 

hidef

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Re: Using an automotive inline fuel filter on an outboard

They work quite well. I am using a couple of them on my outboards and my brother uses them on his twin 115s with no troubles
 

GA_Boater

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Re: Using an automotive inline fuel filter on an outboard

This might be one of the few things that makes no difference if it's marine or auto.
 

boobie

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Re: Using an automotive inline fuel filter on an outboard

If it works, use it. Probably cheaper when you have to replace it.
 

jay_merrill

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Re: Using an automotive inline fuel filter on an outboard

I installed one on my 65hp Johnson - worked fine. I did this, because I found a piece of plastic in the HS orifice of one of my carbs. I was totally baffled (and still am) as to just how it got past the screen in the fuel pump, but decided to remove the chance of a similar problem in the future, by putting the filter between the pump and the carbs.
 

trendsetter240

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Re: Using an automotive inline fuel filter on an outboard

Thanks guys, didn't think there would be any issue but thought I'd check.

Cheers
 

kodibass

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Re: Using an automotive inline fuel filter on an outboard

they work fine as fuel filters, however they are not sediment/water catching filters.. most outboard filters have a container to allow water to settle in the bottom then the container can be unscrewed and the water disposed of. but as far as filtering particulates they are fine.
 

jay_merrill

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Dec 5, 2007
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5,653
Re: Using an automotive inline fuel filter on an outboard

they work fine as fuel filters, however they are not sediment/water catching filters.. most outboard filters have a container to allow water to settle in the bottom then the container can be unscrewed and the water disposed of. but as far as filtering particulates they are fine.

True, dat. I use the in-line filter on the motor and a filter/water separator between the tanks and the motor.
 
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