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Do I Need A Fuel/Water Separator For A 15HP
thegage	#1  Posted on 04/06/10 - 11:33 AM
Member Personal Page Posts: 341 Comments: 1 Joined: 06/25/09	I've got an '88 Yamaha 2-stroke 15 that I use on my '69 13-foot Sport. On the final outing last season it was having trouble reaching full throttle. I turned it over to my boat shop for a check-up. Prior to looking at it one guy at the shop said it was probably fuel gelling in the carbs from ethanol, while a second guy said he wasn't so sure. It was the second guy who fixed it up, and said it was varnish in the carbs (not surprising since the engine sat for a couple of years without use) and so he rebuilt them. I asked him if I needed a fuel/water separator and he opined that he didn't think they really made that much difference. The first guy, who also happens to own the shop, recommended that to address the "gelling problem" I should buy a new four-stroke. Admittedly he has a dog in this hunt, but there is a lot of discussion on the board here about separators, so I was wondering if I really need one or not. John K.
brooks89	#2  Posted on 04/06/10 - 1:31 PM
Member Posts: 177 Comments: 0 Joined: 05/24/07	If you are using a small portable tank buying good gas from a reputable source and using it in a timely manner you shouldn't have problems with water in your fuel, so don't bother. Have fun!
DWinter	#3  Posted on 04/07/10 - 3:38 AM
Member Personal Page Posts: 252 Comments: 0 Joined: 01/02/10	I concur, It's not necessary. Duane G Winter 1984 BW Sport 15 Center Console
wannabe	#4  Posted on 04/07/10 - 9:10 AM
Member Posts: 287 Comments: 1 Joined: 06/03/09	I disconnect the fuel line and run the gas out each time I take my little tender out.
gigem	#5  Posted on 04/07/10 - 12:29 PM
Member Posts: 136 Comments: 0 Joined: 07/16/08	thegage wrote: The first guy, who also happens to own the shop, recommended that to address the "gelling problem" I should buy a new four-stroke. That's hilarious!
DWinter	#6  Posted on 04/07/10 - 1:29 PM
Member Personal Page Posts: 252 Comments: 0 Joined: 01/02/10	Just as a reminder to all concerned, running the fuel out of a carbed motor is fine, and on a little motor not a bad idea, just don't do it to a fuel injected motor. You can destroy an injector by running it dry. Duane G Winter 1984 BW Sport 15 Center Console
HarleyFXDL	#7  Posted on 04/07/10 - 6:16 PM
Member Personal Page Project Albums Posts: 917 Comments: 30 Joined: 07/24/07	gigem wrote: thegage wrote: The first guy, who also happens to own the shop, recommended that to address the "gelling problem" I should buy a new four-stroke. That's hilarious! This is the kind of guy that gives the marine industry a bad name. Let me guess, this "first guy" just happens to sell new 4-stroke engines and probably has a kid in college or is planning on installing a new pool in his back yard. Kevin 1988 11' Super Sport, 1987 Johnson 15hp. If you think education is expensive, try ignorance "Vegetarian - old Indian word for bad fisherman."
MW	#8  Posted on 04/08/10 - 2:38 AM
Member Personal Page Posts: 1827 Comments: 10 Joined: 01/08/06	I use a small portable 6 gal. tank, I use about 3 gal. per outing. A spalsh of "Sea foam" or "Carbon Guard" goes in the tank every time that I add fuel. No problems to report. For my application and use, I see no reason to add a filter, and with my luck, I would just be inviting an air leak. Matt