Fuel/Water Separator For Sundeck?

[Lidokey]

Anyone added a fuel/Water separator to their Sundeck? While I only buy marine fuel (think it REALLY always is ethanol free?) I keep the boat in south Florida where the air always holds a lot of humidity. Since I'm seasonal down there, the boat can go as long as 6-8 weeks without use. I do top off the fuel tank before I leave it for an extended period of time but given the realtively low cost of a unit, it feels like it could be a worthwhile insurance policy against stalling out.
Going to call the dealer and ask them for a quote but before I contact them, I thought I'd see if anyone on the forum has a strong opinion or experience with adding a separator. Thanks as always for any feedback.

 

[WazzuCMGrad]

Hi: On my '08 205, the 5.0L has a Fuel/Water separator filter at the front of the block, low side just behind the power steering pump (if my memory serves correctly). Not sure how that works for 2012 models, but might be a good thing to check for.

Hope this helps!

 

[Lidokey]

Right. I didn't phrase my question very well. I'm asking about adding the type of separator with a transparent bowl that also allows you to see any trapped water and drain any accumulated moisture out of the separator. Sorry about that!

 

[geo737]

Hi, I have a 79 Searay and my boat came equipped with a water/fuel seperator. I would venture that in this day and age of ethanol type fuels, adding one to your fuel system would be of benefit to your engine fuel system-never can tell when you might get a questionable load of fuel as well as removing any other possible contaminates that may be in the fuel. I can't speak for others here, but I have had success with the filter pulling contaminates out of the fuel before getting to the carburator. Mine is mounted on the starboard side of the engine with a bracket off the exhaust riser. The fuel line routing is fairly straight forward. the fuel comes from the tank, to the filter inlet, out to the to the pump, and then on to the carburator. My filter doesn't have the drain feature, I have to change the filter (looks like a standard oil filter). If you are wanting to install a water/fuel separator, plz check the regs- I believe there are some requirements as to which type of filter drain bowls to use. The plastic sight drains should be used outside of the fuel compartment -ie; an outboard, the metal type drains are used in a enclosed engine/fuel compartments. I was thinking of converting my set-up to a drain type filter arrangement to help monitor for water/contaminates, but after having the tank flushed (for that reason) and installing all new hoses, but my budget at the moment won't allow it. Hope this helps.

 

[jason78]

You should already have a factory installed fuel/water separating filter as another noted. Use caution in adding other filters. A second filter could potentially cause enough additional restriction in the fuel flow to cause fuel starvation problems.

 

[WazzuCMGrad]

I should have mentioned, for the small cost of the filters, I'd just change them more frequently if you're concerned. Also, when I researched, many of the "clear" filter/strainer assemblies are only recommended for outboards, and not stern drives, so be aware of that also.

Last, but not least, Sta-Bil makes an "ethanol treatment" formula that you can put in with your gas to help reduce the effects of the E10 that many gas stations have. I would think that between putting that in the tank, combined with filter changes, you'd probably be overkill on prevention and will never have an issue.

Good luck!

 

[Gofirstclass]

FYI, when you go looking for more fuel/water separator filters, you can buy 'em online by the dozen for about 2/3's the price of what you pay to buy them individually at marine stores.

Google the filter p/n and you'll find sources.

 

[jason78]

If he has a 2012 Bravo3 5.0MPI then he probably has the Cool Fuel 3 Filters. They are more expensive than the "oil filter" style filters used by many of the older boats.

If he does have Cool Fuel 3 he can identify using the pictures in this thread. Also has part numbers for replacement filters. http://clubsearay.com/showthread.ph...-a-Gen-3-Cool-Fuel-unit-compete-with-pictures

 

[Lidokey]

Thanks to everyone for their thoughts. At this moment, I've shelved the idea of adding an additional separator. After a long conversation with the dealer (Marine Max) it was their suggestion that it's not needed. They report virtually no issues in our area. I use marine fuel, (no ethanol) and keep the tank topped up to minimize the possibility of condensation. I will increase my filter replacement schedule as per a couple of suggestions on the forum. Thanks.