Spark Arrestor vs Air fiter

S

sunriver

New Member
May 10, 2021
2
Boat Info
1996 Sea Ray Sundancer
Engines
Mercruiser 454, Bravo 1
I'm sure this was addressed before, but could not find it. I have a 454 4 barrel carb, the boat is a 1996 270 with about 1400 hours on it. I took the filter off, looked dirty, ordered a new one was not the right size. Thinking to just clean the one I have, but it is probably the original one. Thoughts on cleaning it? Thoughts on upgrading to a K@N air filter. Thanks do much for your time
 
You’ll want a flame arrestor.

You don’t need an air filter since you’re engines are in an enclosed space, where your car engine is bringing in air from outside where there’s airborne dust and whatnot.

You can and should clean your arrestors if that’s what you have. I’ve seen them pretty ratty looking.

If yours have thin plates of metal with spaces between them around the edge, that’s an arrestor.
 
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I believe you are required with carbed engines to have a serviceable flame arrestor.
 
Yes, flame arrestor required. I clean mine with brake cleaner (off the boat of course)
 
Flame arrester, spray with carb cleaner and then hose and let dry. I believe the coast guard requires a flame arrester. Dont want to blow your boat up now do you. I would never take the chance. They put them on for a reason
 
The one you have (the old one) should be able to be cleaned - it's just made of metal, right? It's a lifetime part - just clean it once or twice a year or as needed.
 
There are coast guard approved versions of the K&N filters. I've been running them for 20 years and have been coast guard inspected when they saw them and thought they were automotive. They have the proper CG number on the marine rated K&N filter.
 
The main thing about a spark arrestor is a screen. A flame won't go through a screen. Try this... get a metal screen and hold a candle or lighter under it -- the flame won't come through it. Pretty neat little trick, actually.
 
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