Recommendations for aftermarket fuel filter / separator kit

[BeaufortTJustice]

I plan on adding an aftermarket fuel filter / water separator as my motor does not have one. Any recommendations as to brand / type?

I am not a millionaire, nor am I a professional wrench turner, so I am looking for inexpensive kits (not cheap, though) and relatively simple installation.

I would love to buy from iboats.com to help support this forum, but I am not that familiar with marine brands and reputations. Thanks for the help.

Also, could I use a VP unit that comes standard on other VP engines, like the 4.3L, or is it an engine specific type unit?

 

[JustJason]

Re: Recommendations for aftermarket fuel filter / separator kit

Personally I'd just do the Merc kit. I install dozens of them each year. Its going to cost you about 60 bucks for the initial setup. Thats for the filter kit, the correct fuel barbs, some hose clamps, and some stainless steel nuts and bolts. And the kit comes with a filter.
After that, replacement filters are a whopping 10 bucks.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Recommendations for aftermarket fuel filter / separator kit

Ayuh,... It's not really a Hi-tech item,...
The 1s from here at iboats are of a decent realistic Quality....
As far as I know, there's really only a couple Options,...
Aluminum, or SSteel...
I also think they All take the same filter,.....
Especially since OMC is DOA for nearly 15 years now...

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: Recommendations for aftermarket fuel filter / separator kit

Here is a good read on the different styles, and brands. The filter test results are worth special attention:

http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/fuelFilter.pdf

It is a 2 page PDF file...so be sure that you read both sections!

Happy boating!

 

[BeaufortTJustice]

Re: Recommendations for aftermarket fuel filter / separator kit

Thanks for the solid info. After reading the article that Rocky_Road posted, I think I'll go with the Sierra SS model. It may be overkill to go with SS as this boat will never see salt water, but I only want to do it once.

Thanks again to everyone who responded. Your checks are in the mail...lol.

 

[Lou C]

Re: Recommendations for aftermarket fuel filter / separator kit

I've used the Sierra filters for years and they are good for the price...just changed mine today when I winterized and it was a clean as can be inside....

 

[mwnitz]

Re: Recommendations for aftermarket fuel filter / separator kit

I have a question about the location of an aftermarket fuel/water separator. I have a Mercury 3.0 L. I am installing it before the fuel pump. My question is about the height of this filter in relation to the fuel pump. I want to install it higher than the fuel pump, but lower than the carb. Anyone see any reason I can't do this? Thanks.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Recommendations for aftermarket fuel filter / separator kit

Anyone see any reason I can't do this?

Nope,... Go for it....

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: Recommendations for aftermarket fuel filter / separator kit

I have a question about the location of an aftermarket fuel/water separator. I have a Mercury 3.0 L. I am installing it before the fuel pump. My question is about the height of this filter in relation to the fuel pump. I want to install it higher than the fuel pump, but lower than the carb. Anyone see any reason I can't do this? Thanks.

Here is where I put mine for my 3.0L:

Happy boating!

 

[mwnitz]

Re: Recommendations for aftermarket fuel filter / separator kit

Thanks for the neat pictures. What a perfect location that is on your boat. I think I'm going to steal your idea and use one 90 degree bend fitting on the inlet. Is the outlet fitting on your filter an anti-siphon fitting? I think I'm going to use an anti-siphone fitting on mine. When mine sits for a week or so, there's not fuch fuel left to easily start the engine. I either have to crank forever or drop a little fuel in the carb. I figured an anti siphon fitting couldn't hurt.

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: Recommendations for aftermarket fuel filter / separator kit

Thanks for the neat pictures. What a perfect location that is on your boat. I think I'm going to steal your idea and use one 90 degree bend fitting on the inlet. Is the outlet fitting on your filter an anti-siphon fitting? I think I'm going to use an anti-siphone fitting on mine. When mine sits for a week or so, there's not fuch fuel left to easily start the engine. I either have to crank forever or drop a little fuel in the carb. I figured an anti siphon fitting couldn't hurt.

No, to the anti-siphon fitting. I have never had your issue about a delayed restart. Are you 'pumping' the throttle a few times before cranking?

Since the filter will hold all of it's fuel...and the filter will be fairly close to the fuel pump...you may solve your problem without any further action. I'd give it a try, before adding anything restrictive to the fuel path. Just a thought....

Also...some here will tell you that the filter fittings need to be double clamped for safety. I see their point, but my barbs weren't long enough to do that. I do check them every trip for integrity.

Happy boating!

 

[mwnitz]

Re: Recommendations for aftermarket fuel filter / separator kit

Here's what I ended up doing. I still have to secure the fuel lines with those rubber coated aluminum clamps.

 

[PiratePast40]

Re: Recommendations for aftermarket fuel filter / separator kit

The anti-siphon valve goes on the fuel tank to prevent siphoniong if a fuel line is disconnected or cut. You had asked before and it didn't sound as though you were sure. Your separator outlet fitting look suspiciously like an anti-siphon valve so wanted to make sure you knew where it was supposed to go.

 

[Paul Ryan]

Re: Recommendations for aftermarket fuel filter / separator kit

Wow..looks like you used SS lock washers and Nylon Lock nuts...That puppy aint falling off...lol...I'm looking to do the same thing to my rig. Your install looks great!

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: Recommendations for aftermarket fuel filter / separator kit

Here's what I ended up doing. I still have to secure the fuel lines with those rubber coated aluminum clamps.

Good work!

Looks like you managed to get two clamps on your barbs....

Happy boating!

P.S. Resist the temptation to use a filter strap wrench to install your gas filter...it only needs to be hand tight, and then a little more. This will make the changing a whole lot easier, especially if you swap it while on the water (I always carry a spare filter)! Always check for leaks every outing....

 

[Paul Ryan]

Re: Recommendations for aftermarket fuel filter / separator kit

Good work!

Looks like you managed to get two clamps on your barbs....

Happy boating!

P.S. Resist the temptation to use a filter strap wrench to install your gas filter...it only needs to be hand tight, and then a little more. This will make the changing a whole lot easier, especially if you swap it while on the water (I always carry a spare filter)! Always check for leaks every outing....

Rock hit the nail on the head. ALot of filters have install instructions on the side. Most go something like, Spin the filter up until filter gasket touches fliter housing then 1/2 turn more or some say 3/4 turn more. There is no resson to go beyond this as it will just be harder to uninstall. I have had to CUT filters off because they were over tightened. If you need to use a wrench don't turn beyond 3/4.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Recommendations for aftermarket fuel filter / separator kit

I got the Walmart brand fuel/water seperator for $27, works like a charm, easy to install. A fuel/water seperator has got to be the one best preventive maintenance item that you can get! You know it's working because after you install it, you'll get almost nothing in your under cowl filter again. I still check mine from time to time just to be sure. Good Luck!

 

[robert graham]

Re: Recommendations for aftermarket fuel filter / separator kit

One other item, they recommend not using the teflon tape for any of the fittings. They say use the white teflon pipe compound. Maybe the tape can get loose in the line and really plug things up!

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: Recommendations for aftermarket fuel filter / separator kit

One other item, they recommend not using the teflon tape for any of the fittings. They say use the white teflon pipe compound. Maybe the tape can get loose in the line and really plug things up!

My understanding is that the run-of-the-mill teflon tape is NOT gas resistant.

I believe that there is teflon tape OK for gas out there...but you have to ask for this. If this is true...and someone can verify this...I will need to add this to my 'tool box'!

Happy boating!

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Recommendations for aftermarket fuel filter / separator kit

Permatex Thread Sealant on the threads..it comes in a small blue tube at any auto parts store.The Teflon tape is a no-no.Those are tapered pipe threads and will probably seal without using anything but the thread sealant to be safe.

Where you drilled the holes to mount the housing hopefully some 3M-4200 was used.