Inspection and Replacement of Fuel-Water Separating Filters

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Author Topic:   Inspection and Replacement of Fuel-Water Separating Filters

Powergroove803 posted 01-23-2013 10:55 AM ET (US)
I installed a new water filter for my gas line this past summer. Should it be replaced or flushed? It does not have that little window and spout, it is just a standard filter.
jimh posted 01-23-2013 11:20 AM ET (US)
I suggest you read:
http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/fuelFilter.pdf
to learn more about the characteristics of fuel-water separating filters.
If you have a fuel-water separating filter in your gasoline fuel line that is in a metal canister and does not have a sight-bowl, there is no way to determine if there is water entrapped in the filter. You can remove the filter, pour out the fuel from the filter into a glass beaker, and let the fuel settle. If water is present in the fuel to a greater concentration than can be held in solution with the gasoline, it will settle out. You can visually inspect the filter for presence of contaminants. You can decide if you want to re-install the original filter or replace it with a new filter. Considering the cost of a filter, and comparing it to the inconvenience that occurs if the filter becomes clogged, or comparing it to the cost of repairs to the engine if the filter blocks the flow of fuel or begins to allow water to flow to the engine, it does not seem particularly prudent to re-use filters.
Although the RACOR fuel-water separating filter with drain and sight-bowl may initially cost more than a metal canister filter without a drain and sight-bowl, the RACOR filter permits checking for water by either sight or draining of the fuel. These advantages may save money and time in the long run, and that may make up for the added initial cost.
jimh posted 01-23-2013 11:27 AM ET (US)
Moved to REPAIRS/MODS. Separated from another discussion on a different topic.
L H G posted 01-23-2013 03:22 PM ET (US)
I have used the Mercury/Quicksilver water separating fuel filters on my Whalers with built-in tanks since 1986. Once a year, I pour the contents into a glass jar and check for dirt or water. I have NEVER found any water in all of these years. I pour the gas back into the fuel tank, and check the filter for rust or corrosion. If any, I replace it, but if it is clean and rust free, I put it back on for another year. I generally get about 4 years out a filter, but in saltwater areas I would think less. I always carry a spare filters and a filter wrench in the boat.
jtms posted 01-24-2013 03:39 PM ET (US)
I replace mine every year when I do my annual service. For $10, it isn't worth it to me to risk it. I usually check it once or twice during the year to inspect for water.
If there isn't any water in the filter and it isn't rusted on the inside, I don't see why you couldn't keep it on for another 6 months to a year.
If you use ethanol fuel, I would check it and replce more often because you will have water accumulation.
tmann45 posted 01-25-2013 11:17 AM ET (US)
If you have free water in your ethanol fuel, phase separation has occurred and the fuel should not be used in your outboard.

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Author	Topic: Inspection and Replacement of Fuel-Water Separating Filters
Powergroove803	posted 01-23-2013 10:55 AM ET (US) I installed a new water filter for my gas line this past summer. Should it be replaced or flushed? It does not have that little window and spout, it is just a standard filter.
jimh	posted 01-23-2013 11:20 AM ET (US) I suggest you read: http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/fuelFilter.pdf to learn more about the characteristics of fuel-water separating filters. If you have a fuel-water separating filter in your gasoline fuel line that is in a metal canister and does not have a sight-bowl, there is no way to determine if there is water entrapped in the filter. You can remove the filter, pour out the fuel from the filter into a glass beaker, and let the fuel settle. If water is present in the fuel to a greater concentration than can be held in solution with the gasoline, it will settle out. You can visually inspect the filter for presence of contaminants. You can decide if you want to re-install the original filter or replace it with a new filter. Considering the cost of a filter, and comparing it to the inconvenience that occurs if the filter becomes clogged, or comparing it to the cost of repairs to the engine if the filter blocks the flow of fuel or begins to allow water to flow to the engine, it does not seem particularly prudent to re-use filters. Although the RACOR fuel-water separating filter with drain and sight-bowl may initially cost more than a metal canister filter without a drain and sight-bowl, the RACOR filter permits checking for water by either sight or draining of the fuel. These advantages may save money and time in the long run, and that may make up for the added initial cost.
jimh	posted 01-23-2013 11:27 AM ET (US) Moved to REPAIRS/MODS. Separated from another discussion on a different topic.
L H G	posted 01-23-2013 03:22 PM ET (US) I have used the Mercury/Quicksilver water separating fuel filters on my Whalers with built-in tanks since 1986. Once a year, I pour the contents into a glass jar and check for dirt or water. I have NEVER found any water in all of these years. I pour the gas back into the fuel tank, and check the filter for rust or corrosion. If any, I replace it, but if it is clean and rust free, I put it back on for another year. I generally get about 4 years out a filter, but in saltwater areas I would think less. I always carry a spare filters and a filter wrench in the boat.
jtms	posted 01-24-2013 03:39 PM ET (US) I replace mine every year when I do my annual service. For $10, it isn't worth it to me to risk it. I usually check it once or twice during the year to inspect for water. If there isn't any water in the filter and it isn't rusted on the inside, I don't see why you couldn't keep it on for another 6 months to a year. If you use ethanol fuel, I would check it and replce more often because you will have water accumulation.
tmann45	posted 01-25-2013 11:17 AM ET (US) If you have free water in your ethanol fuel, phase separation has occurred and the fuel should not be used in your outboard.