Fuel water separator question

[Searun1]

Hey guys,<br /><br />How often should I be changing out my fuel/water separator? I have the Tempo maxflo on the boat. Is it worth the money to change out this set up for one of the see-thru varieties like Racor makes? I was thinking that currently I never know if I have fuel in the separator or how full it is and with the see-thru I would be able to monitor and drain it. Also because you can drain these do they last longer? Thanks for any and all advice!<br /><br />SeaRun1

 

[springhead]

Re: Fuel water separator question

hey searun, i have the same type and change it out<br />twice a season, once in the spring, shortly after<br />defogging motor and taking the boat out for a few spins, then of course, change or clean the spark plugs the same time,then i change it late summer,my boat season is from spring thru the fall, i might be over doing it but it cant hurt.<br />i guess if you have the extra cash for the see thru,y not

 

[Searun1]

Re: Fuel water separator question

Well I don't really have "extra" but what little I do have I would like to put towards other improvements of course. I am still saving up for a Chartplotter. But if I can spend a little on vital things that will make the boat live longer then thats a priority.<br /><br />SeaRun1

 

[gss036]

Re: Fuel water separator question

I would suggest that when you do change out your filter to dump the contents is clear qt jar and let it settle out. This way you can see if you are accumulating water. If it really gets full of water you will get some surging on your motor, especially in rough water. This way you can judge for yourself if you need to change more often. I normally change my Tempo Maxflo ( I always try to find filters with the rounded type of gasket)about every 6-8 months and alway find about 20% of filter is water. I am running a 115 gal alum tank, so I get some condensation with it. I store my boat in a pole barn so I unscrew the filler cap and stuff the hole with a paper towel so moisture can escape. That helped a lot.

 

[seahorse5]

Re: Fuel water separator question

If you do not have a water in the fuel problem, the recommended filter replacement interval is once a season or 100 hours, whichever comes first.<br /><br />If you are worried about water, buy just the Racor replacement filter and cup, then "spin it on" your existing filter bracket. That way you can use the $22 Racor elements if you wish, or the $6 ordinary elements when you want.<br /><br />The March issue of Trailer Boats had an article on fuel filters, and tested them to see how they held water.

 

[Searun1]

Re: Fuel water separator question

As usual lots of excellent advice. Thanks to all of you for your help. So far I have not noticed a fuel problem and I have a 30 gallon aluminum tank. I think I use the fuel quickly enough. This is my first boat with a separator. Also I will try the paper towel idea. Thanks again...<br /><br />searun1