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My local marine mechanic installed a cheap in-line fuel filter this Spring. I bough a new fuel line assembly b/c I appear to be losing fuel pressure and I know the line/bulb I have is old. But, I figure I should replace the in-line filter with a good Racor filter. Except, I can't figure out the ideal model for my motor. I have a 1994 Johnson 88 SPL on my '62 Currituck.
Does anyone know which Racor model fuel/water separator/filter is ideal for my motor? Also, I realize everyone seems to believe Racor is the best. But, is there another brand equally as good for less money? Serra? SeaSence?
Bruce,
resolve the fuel delivery issue first. If you are using portable tanks, there is really not a need for a separate water/separator filter, the inline should do fine. The reason I like the rancor is the clear bowl and the ability to drain off any water.
I agree with kamie......determine the cause of the initial problem and then improve on it from there. You can purchase a new few line........test it out......if that solves the problem then you can simply splice a fuel filter/seperator into the line. If the new fuel line doesn't work then check the vents on your gas tanks......this can be easily done by just opening the filler cap while you are running to see if that makes a difference. I'm sure you have already checked this, but make sure the fuel line isn't connected backwards..That happens fairly often
Bruce, give this ARTICLE a read, pretty informative on whether there really is a difference between fuel filter manufacturers.
Kamie, I run the portable tanks with my Etec. I have the stern mount BRP spin on filter and there's a smaller filter under the engine cowling (has the water sensor element in the housing). I just changed both filters after about 34 hours of use and was amazed at the amount of sediment that came out when I dumped both filters and drew off the fuel. Looked in the tanks and couldn't see any particulate at all. I don't fill up at the dock, but I'd imagine if you do, a separator filter would be worth having....
Thanks for all the advice. Yeah, I plan on installng a new fuel line this weekend. The old one has been on there for years and is not as supple as it should be and could have a leak in it, causing my problem. It's a relatively inexpensive part to change out, so I'll do that frst, as suggested. Can't hurt. The (2) portable 6 gal. tanks, both Moeller, have the vents open, but I'll try running it w/ the tops off as well. But, one tank s brand new, and the problem happened wth both tanks, so I kind of think it's something else, like the line.
The reason I'm asking about a fuel/water separator is that the inline filter has only had about 12 gal of gas run through t since installed and I can see a bunch of crap in it already. My 2 tanks, as I mentoned above, are Moellers. The older one was drained/cleaned in the Spring so sediment from the tank sholdn't be an issue. Must be in the gas, which I do buy in town and not at the marina. But, my boat can sit for 2 weeks at a time without being used, and with E10 these days, I don't feel good about running "old" gas through my engine without a filter. I do use star-brite water absorber in each tank but will switch to sta-bil with the next tank full since my boat does sit at times.
Well, I'll change out the fuel line assembly this weekend and let y'all know how it goes. I'll also clean out the inline filter and re-attach it for now.
