Importance of having a fuel/water seperating filter ?

[paultjohnson]

Hey, I keep reading about fuel/ water separating filters. My boat doesnt have one, and I have never had a problem. Have I just been lucky? Should I add one ? B T W its an 86 4.3 Mercruiser, Alpha 1. I was just looking for anyone thoughts/experiences of having one or not. Thanks...

 

[Don S]

Re: Importance of having a fuel/water seperating filter ?

My boat doesnt have one, and I have never had a problem. Have I just been lucky?

Lucky, YES.
I would sure add one before this E fuel makes your good luck go away.

 

[paultjohnson]

Re: Importance of having a fuel/water seperating filter ?

On the word of the wise one , install of water seperating filter on top of 2 do list. Thx Don ...

 

[dingdongs]

Re: Importance of having a fuel/water seperating filter ?

its done alright for the last 25 years but can save you some grief IF you get water in your tank from:rain,sea,bad gas station.

 

[cr2k]

Re: Importance of having a fuel/water seperating filter ?

The ethanol in todays fuel is hygroscopic meaning it will hold a certain amount moisture (water). Through condensation more moisture can/will enter the system. When this reaches saturation the water will "fall" out to the bottom of the tank and get sucked in to the fuel system. Fuel/water sep about $60. Carb, fuel tank/system overhaul $hundreds.

And you never know how much water is already in the fuel when you get it.

 

[444]

Re: Importance of having a fuel/water seperating filter ?

It's a good preventative measure and really provides some peace of mind when you haul your boat out to the lake.

And you never know how much water is already in the fuel when you get it.

This is the big issue for me. Back in my high school days I worked at a gas station. And I know how much water I sometimes let get into the tanks when I opened them up. It was a lot! I was an idiot kid and didn't care, and look who works at gas stations these days. Idiot kids who don't care.

 

[sasto]

Re: Importance of having a fuel/water seperating filter ?

Wouldn't have a boat without one. Just my 2cents worth, you already heard fron The Don, the real one.

 

[Art Bernard]

Re: Importance of having a fuel/water seperating filter ?

Yeah man, put one on, it's a great bit of just in case insurance.

Art

 

[paultjohnson]

Re: Importance of having a fuel/water seperating filter ?

Yeah. Thx for the thoughts. It makes sense.. I cant believe i haven't had a prob with the amount of water that sometimes hits my fuel tank vent on the stern. I hope i can find a good mounting spot, I don't imagine I can mount the filter sideways, like some oil filters. I have very little vertical clearance. Will take some ingenuity. Thx

 

[emoney]

Re: Importance of having a fuel/water seperating filter ?

It's usually the most expensive $30.00 part people overlook. Plenty of $600.00 mechanic bills originate from the lack thereof.
Plus, it's so simple even I can do it.

 

[paultjohnson]

Re: Importance of having a fuel/water seperating filter ?

It's usually the most expensive $30.00 part people overlook. Plenty of $600.00 mechanic bills originate from the lack thereof.
Plus, it's so simple even I can do it.

R U a caveman ?

 

[hansr]

Re: Importance of having a fuel/water seperating filter ?

I found a clogged fuel filter at my carb. I don't have a water separator either on a '89 Regal 4.3LX. I wanted to run all the "old" gas out before adding new in this spring. Lots of extra Stabil went into it last Fall. New plugs, wires, cap and rotor (that I had to cut and pry off) and now she won't idle! She will start, but dies from lack of fuel?

 

[Brewman61]

Re: Importance of having a fuel/water seperating filter ?

...She will start, but dies from lack of fuel?

You should start a fresh thread.