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I just got my boat, 1993 Montauk and I noticed it doesn't have a fuel water seperator like many of the pictures I see on personal pages. Is it recomended that I instal one. I have a 1993 90 HP Johnson outboard engine with VRO removed?

appriciate any insight

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Usually you don't need them for portable tanks. If you don't use the gas fast enough and it sits, it's not a bad idea even on portable tanks.

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I never had one on my 1978 Montauk that I owned for 15 years.

Is it a good idea? Probably... but not necessary as kamie already mentioned.
The engines have an inline filter already so that stops the dirt and the tanks can be checked for water if necessary and dumped. Not like a built-in tank where you are basically stuck unless you siphon out the tank... That is where the fuel/water separator really earns its keep.

A 1993 without VRO...?.. I hope you like to pre-mix

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Thanks all for the info!

So I'm thinking I won't install one!

Joe, I will find out soon enough if I like to pre mix fuel! I guess it gets old real fast.

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Here is why I would install one (and probably will on the 13), bad gas from the station, already has water in it when you buy it. Just happened to my neighbor. Fortunately for him it was in his tractor and not the boat, so he pulled gas from the boat and got the tractors running.

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So basicly all the "fuel water seperator" it does is keep any water in fuel tank from getting into engine? On hot days dosen't water in fuel tanks evaporate? Currious!

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Very important with fuel injection... injectors Do Not like water...

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Osprey,
Nope, water is heavier than gas so it sinks to the bottom of the tank. Which is why it's a problem, because all fuel pickups are on the bottom.

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Thanks All,

I will think about added one in the future, right know I just want to get some boat time in!

Very Helpfull

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If you can spare the money, do it. It is better to have and not need, than need and not have.

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I agree. Aside from the water separating ability, just having more filtration is never a bad thing, especially depending on what you have under the cowl for an in-line filter. Most spin on filters can filter from 10-28 microns, depending on the type.

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While I can't argue with the "you can never be too careful" idea, I do think it is not necessary, and basically a waste of time and money.

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Go ahead and treat yourself to an early xmas present, BUY A FILTER/SEPARATOR!! You won't regret it. Remember a pint of tcw-3 to every 6 gals. of gas. While you're in the store buying your new filter get that handy measuring container for the oil mixture so you won,t mess up. Enjoy the Whaler as much as you can before,you know, WINTER.

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One thing to consider is how hard it is to change the inline filter on the motor. On mine, once you take off the air silencer and the carbs, you can *almost* reach the filter. OK, I exaggerate, but not by much - if yours is as hard as mine, take off the inline filter and put on an external one.

Tim

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Here in Florida running an aluminum tank, humidity and condensation in the tank is an issue. You can buy good clean gas and end up with significant moisture in the tank just from the condensation that forms on the inside walls when we experience the higher humidity levels in the summer months. One way to help limit the problem is to keep the fuel level as high as possible but that isn't always practical.

I run a separator/filter on all my boats. I know of no good reason not to. With the higher ethanol content of most of today's gasoline, I'd say its a better idea than ever now.

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Thanks all for your insight!

Seems like adding a fuel water seperator is going to be my next project for my boat

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I always run a fuel separator. They are cheap and easy to install. Get a stainless one. only $10 more and it won't corrode like aluminum.

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OK I'll get a SS water seperator! But is there a special kind based on my outboard motor, I have a 1993 90 HP Johnson outboard.

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You just have to make sure whatever separator you buy is rated for the fuel consumption rate of your motor. Being a 90, I don't know of a separator that wouldn't handle such a small motor.