water seperator/gas question

jmarty10

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 6, 2007
Messages
560
Ok - after practically tearing my shoulder off, I took my old water seperator off my 4.3 merc. When I was unscrewing it all the way off it slipped and gas poured out about half of the old seperator and down into bilge. (1 problem solved, another created) I ragged up the gas going down into the bilge but cant reach down into it.
So my question is: will running the hose and flushing out the bilge clean this out. I dont want to blow up when I start the boat on Saturday.

Question 2. I tightened the new seperator all the way up and turned about 3/4 tight. Its on tight. Obvioulsy when I start, I'm looking for leaks......correct? thank you
 

robert graham

Admiral
Joined
Apr 16, 2009
Messages
6,908
Re: water seperator/gas question

Flush out bilge with water and detergent, open hatch and let it dry out, you should be good to go! I always wrap a rag around separator while unscrewing it because they're easy to drop and spill all over the bilge.
 

Utahboatnut

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jan 15, 2009
Messages
785
Re: water seperator/gas question

I would think if you flush it out well and use a little simple green etc. you would be fine. I would for sure leave the engine cover off for a few days or even tow it the last ten miles with it slid forward or something if thats applicable on your boat. If not make sure and run the blower for a good ten minutes prior to startup.
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,088
Re: water seperator/gas question

Ayuh,... I'd go for Soap,+ water scrubbin/ flushin for the bilge,... It's on the hard, Right,..??

For filters, Gas, or Oil,...
Crack it loose with your strap wrench,...
Then slip a Glad freezer baggie around it, spin it off, drop it in, Zip it up....
 
Top