fuel filters for outboard

[slimtim]

Do I need some sort of fuel filter between my tank and outboard? I have seen filters/water seperation units mounted on the transoms of RIBs, but is this more necessary for fuel injection models?

My outboard is a 1996 tohatsu 70hp carb model so no injectors to damage (but obvioulsy a fuel pump). I have had a look in the plastimo catalogue at filters and there seems to be 3 different types of water seperation and then the cheapo in-line throw-away filters. Anyone have any idea what I need?

Also, I have a shiney new ali tank and plan to fit one of those plastic plastimo fuel tank plates (with the filler cap and sender fitting etc) that was kindly donated by Mr Rogue Wave (thank you sir). Trouble is, when I was scavaging through Mr Wave's portacabin, I neglected to pick up the feed pipe which goes into the tank. Does anyone have any suggesions as to what hose I could use for this (just a length of normal fuel hose perhaps?), and can I get little wire mesh caps to go on the end?

thanks in advance for the help!

Cheers

Tim

[Richard B]

Originally Posted by slimtim

Do I need some sort of fuel filter between my tank and outboard? I have seen filters/water seperation units mounted on the transoms of RIBs, but is this more necessary for fuel injection models?

I would say that you do. CAV and Racor make units like this... not sure of the best supplier....

[Richard B]

Here ya go... just a short hop away in Lymington!

http://www.force4.co.uk/ProductDetai...productID/1109

[roycruse]

Originally Posted by Richard B

Here ya go... just a short hop away in Lymington!

http://www.force4.co.uk/ProductDetai...productID/1109

Suggest you go there in person though - these guys are useless at mail order.

Everything takes weeks to come and they regularly get the order wrong.

They do speak very nicely to you and apologise for the mess up - but thats not much consilation when your in a hurry for a spare bit and the summer is ticking away...

[danny]

Originally Posted by Richard B

I would say that you do. CAV and Racor make units like this... not sure of the best supplier....

I'm using these filters for some years now without any problems.
Though I met an Optimax dealer last weekend on the water who told me that these filters are not made for petrol but for diesel. Petrol would possibly destroy the glue that is used for the cartouchefilter and could give problems on the injectors.
Reason why I used these filters is because I make a switch system with two of them. If you have filter or water problem at sea, it's possible to switch from one filter to the other in seconds and keep the engine running.

[Jackwabbit]

Originally Posted by Richard B

Here ya go... just a short hop away in Lymington!

http://www.force4.co.uk/ProductDetai...productID/1109

This item states “this unit offers efficient dirt removal & water separation from diesel fuel lines.”

Having had problems with fuel in 2 stroke engines for many years, I was a little surprised to find our Humber didn’t have a transom fitted filter when we picked it up from new. I have been looking for a while to find one to fit between the fuel tanks & our Suzuki 70hp 4 stroke engine.
So if anyone has any links to something suitable it would be much appreciated.

[Richard B]

IIRC you can use the diesel filters on petrol engines, but not advised t'other way round. Racor do a petrol filter/separator unit, but finding a link is more elusive!

[Pete7]

Originally Posted by danny

Though I met an Optimax dealer last weekend on the water who told me that these filters are not made for petrol but for diesel. Petrol would possibly destroy the glue that is used for the cartouchefilter and could give problems on the injectors.

As Richard and your Opti dealer says they are not designed for use with petrol. However back in the real world, we have had one on the club dive rib since 1995 and changed the filter twice in that time I think. It just works, year in year out. Being a diesel filter it will be finer than a petrol filter and has the advantage that you can see water in the glass bit whilst the Mercury filter is just a metal cannister.

Tim, Panda in Fareham charge £37 for one of these so good price from Force 4, (volvo wanted £70 in 1995 ) but the nice thing is replacement filters are about £3 each, no idea how much the Merc ones are, but it wil be alot more.

Pete

[Cookee]

Originally Posted by danny

I'm using these filters for some years now without any problems.
Though I met an Optimax dealer last weekend on the water who told me that these filters are not made for petrol but for diesel. Petrol would possibly destroy the glue that is used for the cartouchefilter and could give problems on the injectors.
Reason why I used these filters is because I make a switch system with two of them. If you have filter or water problem at sea, it's possible to switch from one filter to the other in seconds and keep the engine running.

As far as I am aware, these types of filters are not recomended for Optimax engines, it might be worth checking the installation instructions or asking your dealer.

[danny]

Originally Posted by Cookee

As far as I am aware, these types of filters are not recomended for Optimax engines, it might be worth checking the installation instructions or asking your dealer.

I will take it of and replace it with a big Yamaha-one. I have this one lying around for a few years because the replacmentfilters cost 42 euros !!!!

As pete said before, the Racor/lucas/delphi ones kost about 5 euro's !!

I want what's best for this engine.