Fuel filter question

[DMontana]

I recently bought a used 2017 Avalon pontoon, powered by a 2017 Suzuki DF60AV with 124 hours.
Since I do not know the history of this motor, I am going to change all fluids, filters, plugs, water pump, etc.
I have ordered all OEM parts and was looking at the Low Pressure fuel filter under the "hood".
Is this a Fuel/water separator of sorts? Just asking because it looks like the filter element is at the top and there is a rubber cap at the bottom. I am planning on installing a real fuel/water separator at the end of the season, however, if this filter is one would that be redundant?
Thanks

 

[99yam40]

yes it is a water separator, and should stay in place even if you put another on in the boat

 

[DMontana]

yes it is a water separator, and should stay in place even if you put another on in the boat

Thanks for the reply.
Yes, I was going to keep it, already have a replacement on hand. Just wondering if adding an external separator would still be a good idea. looking at the racor with plastic drain bowl. Finding a place to mount it will be a challenge, I have a pontoon with a small deck on back, so it will have to go into either the same compartment as the battery, or the opposite side compartment which is storage.

 

[99yam40]

if you have problems with water, it may help to have another one bigger

 

[airshot]

Can't have to many filters in my opinion

 

[DMontana]

if you have problems with water, it may help to have another one bigger

Ok, thank you! I have not had any issues so far, and looking to keep it that way! Lol. Thanks for the confirmation on the "built-in" separator, I couldn't find any info on it other than it being a "Low pressure fuel filter".

 

[DMontana]

Can't have to many filters in my opinion

I don't know, I would think there could be some restriction/flow issues. But I understand your thinking.

 

[airshot]

I don't know, I would think there could be some restriction/flow issues. But I understand your thinking.

Could be, but have never experienced an issue. My fuel goes thru 3 filters before reaching each carb, motor is a 1992, never an issue even on E10 fuel.

 

[boscoe99]

Can't have to many filters in my opinion

Mercury says that you can.

 

[airshot]

Mercury says that you can.

That is true on EFI engines, I did mention carbs....

 

[99yam40]

That is true on EFI engines, I did mention carbs....

but this thread is about a EFI motor

 

[airshot]

but this thread is about a EFI motor

Adding an inline filter of the proper size won't hurt a thing, adding numerous filters could cause a flow issue on an EFI system.

 

[99yam40]

most boats have a boat side filter and the one on the outboard, just do not install a small micron filter in the boat side.
get rid of the big stuff and water with the one in boat and let the motors filters handle the rest

 

[DMontana]

most boats have a boat side filter and the one on the outboard, just do not install a small micron filter in the boat side.
get rid of the big stuff and water with the one in boat and let the motors filters handle the rest

So I have decided to add a separator and been doing some research. I'm thinking of going with the Sierra brand due to ease of getting replacement filters (local store close by). My question is, if I decided to go with one that has the plastic drain bowl, which I probably will, do you have to replace that bowl every filter change? Those filters seem expensive with the bowl, or is the filter element separate? Sorry for my ignorance on the matter, I've had several boats but never had a separator on one, never really thought about it.

 

[DMontana]

So I have decided to add a separator and been doing some research. I'm thinking of going with the Sierra brand due to ease of getting replacement filters (local store close by). My question is, if I decided to go with one that has the plastic drain bowl, which I probably will, do you have to replace that bowl every filter change? Those filters seem expensive with the bowl, or is the filter element separate? Sorry for my ignorance on the matter, I've had several boats but never had a separator on one, never really thought about it.

Nevermind, I found a better picture of it and found they are separate. I thought the bowl was integral to the filter cartridge.

 

[Chris1956]

One advantage of those plastic bowl Racor's is that there are two places for them to leak, and they often leak around the plastic bowl. Another advantage is that the cartridges are real expensive, and the plastic bowls can become brittle in sunlight. The final advantage is that they are not avail everywhere.

You have detected the sarcasm? Get a 20GPH plain jane metal separator, and go boating.

 

[dingbat]

So I have decided to add a separator and been doing some research. I'm thinking of going with the Sierra brand due to ease of getting replacement filters (local store close by).

Not a fan of aftermarket filters unless they provide detailed specifications noting pressure drop, and efficiency at a minimum.

I can have a (documented) Racor filter for my system (S3214) delivered to my front door within 24 hours for $15

My question is, if I decided to go with one that has the plastic drain bowl, which I probably will, do you have to replace that bowl every filter change?Those filters seem expensive with the bowl, or is the filter element separate?

You can buy just the element.

Realize, with the clear fuel bowl, you will not be changing the filter on an annual basis. You only change the filter when it gets dirty (increased pressure drop) or the can starts to rust (saltwater).

I change mine on average of every 3 years

Sorry for my ignorance on the matter, I've had several boats but never had a separator on one, never really thought about it.

The dirty little secret they don't want you to know....... Racor makes a filter that "bolts up" to your existing OEM filter mount.

Racor B32013 filter replaces Mercury, Mercruiser, Quicksilver, Yamaha, Suzuki, SMI, Volvo Penta, Sierra, AquaPower, Honda, Tohatsu and other filter heads (comes with clear bowl) 10 micron.

After that, you only need to buy the filter....$15 deliverd to the door.