Would You Use This Water Separator?

[BoatNoobie]

So I ordered a Moeller kit with the clear bowl on the bottom of the filter. It was a toss up between the aluminum or composite head. Since I plan on installing it in the splash well area, I went with the aluminum for durability. In case someone or something fell on it.

Anyways, I just received it today. While inspecting the unit, I noticed all the pitting around the surface of where the rubber gasket would touch.....

In the picture, there's 3 that are very visable. One of those is IMO, very large and deep.

Now is this normal with others? Is it safe to use? Or should I return it for another 1? Or get the composite head instead? Only hassle is, I did buy this online. Oh, I also need to mention how large it is.

I thought it was going to be about the size of a can of soda. It's more like a 1.5 liter of soda, lol. :facepalm:

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Would You Use This Water Separator?

You don't mention what type of engine you're putting it on, but I'm going to say it's probably oversized for what you really need.

That being said, it won't hurt anything to use it. The gasket, once compressed, will fill in any pitted areas. The composite/pot metal ones that you buy are usually rougher than that. The only thing I would worry about is if there were defects which run all the way across the area where the gasket meets the housing. This would allow fuel to flow freely under the gasket.

Install the housing. There are directional arrows to indicate fuel flow. Fill the filter 3/4 and put the filter on hand tight with a bit of engine oil on the gasket to help it seal. Then snug it about 1/8 of a turn more. Test run it and check for leaks.

 

[BoatNoobie]

Re: Would You Use This Water Separator?

You don't mention what type of engine you're putting it on, but I'm going to say it's probably oversized for what you really need.

That being said, it won't hurt anything to use it. The gasket, once compressed, will fill in any pitted areas. The composite/pot metal ones that you buy are usually rougher than that. The only thing I would worry about is if there were defects which run all the way across the area where the gasket meets the housing. This would allow fuel to flow freely under the gasket.

Install the housing. There are directional arrows to indicate fuel flow. Fill the filter 3/4 and put the filter on hand tight with a bit of engine oil on the gasket to help it seal. Then snug it about 1/8 of a turn more. Test run it and check for leaks.

I have a 2005 Merc 60 4-stroke outboard. This was the only true 3/8 head I could find.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Would You Use This Water Separator?

Ayuh,... While their quality control should be Better,...

I don't see a problem, at All....

 

[dingbat]

Re: Would You Use This Water Separator?

I don't see anything to be alarmed about. Flat rubber gaskets are very forgiving with it comes to the flatness and surface roughness of the mating surface.