Water separator/fuel filter???

[Zrt1200]

Ok guys, What is the best water separator / Fuel filter I can put on my in-line 80hp Mercury outboard?? Or should I look at one of each?? This is going on a completely rebuilt outboard!! Thank you all in advance!!!

 

[robert graham]

Re: Water separator/fuel filter???

You can get a Racor or Yamaha and spend some money or get the Walmart fuel/water separator for $27, which has worked fine for me. I just unscrew the cartridge, dump it into a clean container to see what was in it, and screw it back on. But I do carry a spare cartridge on the boat just in case. Fresh/clean cartridges are probably more of a critical factor with the high horsepower/high fuel flow rate motors due to a plugged filter restricting fuel flow. My motor is a 90HP and I rarely run wide open throttle, so the flow rate through the filter is fine. The fuel/water separators have got to be the best preventive maintenance item yet. The new Yamaha High Output motors actually have double fuel/water separators on them, one on the transom and the one under the cowl, if that tells you anything about Yamaha's opinion on is on these. Good Luck!

 

[gss036]

Re: Water separator/fuel filter???

I would suggest a RACOR or an Honda/Racor in the small model, it is about 1/2 the size and works great. I use one on my Honda 225, (installed by same dealer who did the engine) and works great. Good for at least 15 gallons an hour. My local Honda guy says that is all they install and do not even stock the larger one. If you can install it in the motor well where it is visible and you cana drain it when ever you see anything in it.

 

[sschefer]

Re: Water separator/fuel filter???

Racor or Merc are good choices. I like the Merc with the 25 micron filter when I run a pulse style fuel pump and I like the Racor with the 10 micron filter when I run an electric fuel pump.

I've actually used the 10 with both types of pumps and didn't notice any difference but I get a little freaked out about leaning out a fresh engine so I break them in with the pulse pump and a 25 on pre-mix. After 25 hours I switch to the electric and the 10 on pre-mix, (I hate squeeze bulbs).

10 to 1 half dozen of the other, they both work.

 

[Zrt1200]

Re: Water separator/fuel filter???

Racor or Merc are good choices. I like the Merc with the 25 micron filter when I run a pulse style fuel pump and I like the Racor with the 10 micron filter when I run an electric fuel pump.

I've actually used the 10 with both types of pumps and didn't notice any difference but I get a little freaked out about leaning out a fresh engine so I break them in with the pulse pump and a 25 on pre-mix. After 25 hours I switch to the electric and the 10 on pre-mix, (I hate squeeze bulbs).

10 to 1 half dozen of the other, they both work.

Which make and model of electric pump do you use???

 

[ENSIGN]

Re: Water separator/fuel filter???

Well at least you have enough smarts to use one. I use the merc or racor but i work for a mercury dealer.Just be sure to check it often and carry a spare.Install it between the motor and primer bulb so that it filters everything.

 

[gss036]

Re: Water separator/fuel filter???

ENSIGN, why between the primer bulb and engine? I have my Honda/Racor just before the primer bulb and have used it that way for over 20 years w/o and problems. My outboard engine also has a filter and water separator under the cowling.

 

[j_martin]

Re: Water separator/fuel filter???

ENSIGN, why between the primer bulb and engine? I have my Honda/Racor just before the primer bulb and have used it that way for over 20 years w/o and problems. My outboard engine also has a filter and water separator under the cowling.

He said so it filters everything, like crap getting shed from a deteriorating primer bulb.

I personally installed mine first after the tank. I keep an eye on fuel system condition, and I also do not run any gasohol in it.

my 02
John

 

[gss036]

Re: Water separator/fuel filter???

OK, if you say so.

 

[ENSIGN]

Re: Water separator/fuel filter???

The primer bulbs do go bad,the ethanol seems to cause the interior to flake off.

 

[Zrt1200]

Re: Water separator/fuel filter???

Well at least you have enough smarts to use one. I use the merc or racor but i work for a mercury dealer.Just be sure to check it often and carry a spare.(( Install it between the motor and primer bulb so that it filters everything))

That's a very good point. I never thought about a deteriorating primer bulb!!