Fuel Water Seperator

[THunt]

Need to install a fuel/water seperator on my boat for Yamaha outboards, and wanted to see what type is the best.  I see they have ones with a petcock on the bottom to drain water off?  Anyone use this kind?

Thanks Tyler

[rasbo]

Need to install a fuel/water seperator on my boat for Yamaha outboards, and wanted to see what type is the best.  I see they have ones with a petcock on the bottom to drain water off?  Anyone use this kind?

Thanks Tyler

gotta laugh,I need to see what type I have.I will report back thanks for bringing it up

[kenzmad]

The one with the petcock isn't necessary. just get a good spin on type filter one. change every year and keep a spare filter onboard. my experience with the petcocks is that they rust. after a couple of years you cant open it, so it's useless

[THunt]

Glad I could make you laugh Rasbo!!  I was thinking that the petcock wasnt necessary. Thanks

[fishinmike]

The one with the petcock isn't necessary. just get a good spin on type filter one. change every year and keep a spare filter onboard. my experience with the petcocks is that they rust. after a couple of years you cant open it, so it's useless

[Gobble Doc]

I've got a 40 hp outboard yamaha with a fuel water separator.  I got the boat this last year used and just replaced the filter as it was the style that looks like an oil filter.  Out of curiosity I tipped it upside down into a plastic dish and was actually surprised to see some water droplets come out of it.  I picked up a new filter at 3 rivers for something like 10 bucks. 

[BigD]

Not sure what brand mine are, they are spin on with no drain, napa auto carrys the replacements that fit.

[jeepster]

get a RACOR make sure its the right size for your engine and that its for outboards.

i use a 3227 on my boat, works great, but, ive been thinking about going bigger, i have a 180hp inboard

[THunt]

So should I run by main motor and my kicker through it? 

[kenzmad]

So should I run by main motor and my kicker through it?

there 2 schools of thought on this. I personally run both motors through it. others say your kicker should have its own fuel source in case the main has a fuel related issue. your choice I guess

[jeepster]

yeah on my boat i have a valve on the inlet to the filter, and then a 1,2,off valve on the output of the filter thats outside of the engine space so i can select my main or my kicker, but only one or the other... its a pain in the ass sometimes, as i forget to switch it back over to the main sometimes, but, i feel alot better knowing i can shut the entire fuel system off in case of a problem without opening the engine compartment

 i also have it set up this way so i can easilly swap out fuel filters when im out on the water and not have to worry about tons of fuel gushing everywhere. id reccomend doing a similar setup (an on/off valve in the input and output of the filter) especially if you have an older boat with alot of crap in the tank and the tendency to plug up filters, plus running a fine micron, you will more than likely catch alot more crap that would otherwise go through your engine.

 there are other ways to do it, but it works for me

[THunt]

I never thought about putting in a valve.  I would want to do a valve for each line but it would be nice for changing filters.