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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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Recommendations for a fuel / water separator

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delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Initially Posted - 07/05/2011 : 20:59:13

After reading several other stories that may be attributable to phase separation of alcohol and experiencing it first hand, I'm planning on adding a fuel / water separator in my fuel locker. Anything I can do to make my outboard more reliable, I'm all for. Even though I've got unlimited towing, I have no desire to ever be in a position to require it.

I'm familiar enough with their use from working on diesels in the USN (technically I was an electrician, but I spent a lot of time working on the diesel part of the generators). I'm familiar with Racor as a brand name, but not in use, does anyone out there have recommendations for specific filters and why they like them?

There seem to be a lot of them available with clear bowls which should be OK for the C-250 fuel locker (USCG says it needs to be a metal bowl if it's below decks, not sure if that applies for the C-25 / Capri. The clear bowl should allow you to see any contamination easily, as well as drain it off.

What have you guys installed on yours? Are you happy with it, would you change anything if you got the chance?

Thanks!

David
C-250 Mainsheet Editor

Sirius Lepak
1997 C-250 WK TR #271 --Seattle area Port Captain --

Edited by - on

Ryan L
Navigator

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USA
230 Posts

Response Posted - 07/05/2011 : 22:35:28

I installed a Racor filter (link below, the one with the clear bowl). It does not fit in the locker with a 6 gallon tank so I installed it midline on the inside of the transom. Not the most aesthetically ideal location but very functional and actually looks ok b/c is under the tiller and is nearly midline. Filter working flawlessly so far.

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=12215&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&storeId=11151&storeNum=10106&subdeptNum=10407&classNum=10410

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by delliottg
 After reading several other stories that may be attributable to phase separation of alcohol and experiencing it first hand, I'm planning on adding a fuel / water separator in my fuel locker. Anything I can do to make my outboard more reliable, I'm all for. Even though I've got unlimited towing, I have no desire to ever be in a position to require it.

I'm familiar enough with their use from working on diesels in the USN (technically I was an electrician, but I spent a lot of time working on the diesel part of the generators). I'm familiar with Racor as a brand name, but not in use, does anyone out there have recommendations for specific filters and why they like them?

There seem to be a lot of them available with clear bowls which should be OK for the C-250 fuel locker (USCG says it needs to be a metal bowl if it's below decks, not sure if that applies for the C-25 / Capri. The clear bowl should allow you to see any contamination easily, as well as drain it off.

What have you guys installed on yours? Are you happy with it, would you change anything if you got the chance?

Thanks!
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Edited by - on

OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Response Posted - 07/06/2011 : 06:30:14

http://www.catalina-capri-25s.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=21899

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OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Response Posted - 07/06/2011 : 07:11:36

Cheaper yet!

http://www.jmsonline.net/racor-in-line-gas-ffws10micdspble-rac-025rac05.htm

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britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 07/06/2011 : 07:49:03

Hey guys, I'm not sure about the process here, don't those filters make the assumption that the fuel and water pass into the filter.
But my perception is that when ethanol 'absorbs' water, the fuel becomes a slush.... will it even flow into the filter?

Paul

Edited by - on

Bill Holcomb
Admiral

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USA
769 Posts

Response Posted - 07/06/2011 : 08:40:57

Hi David,
I installed a ten micron Racor filter (025-RAC-02 - for small outboard engines) in Snickerdoodle's fuel locker. I cut the fuel line (Merc 8hp - 3/8" ID) in the approx middle and mounted the filter on the aft wall of the fuel locker. With the 3.5 gal fuel tank that I have there was plenty of room... plus room for a 1.25 gal backup fuel jug. You will need 1/4 inch brass threaded nipples for 3/8 ID hose if you have a Merc. Check your fuel hose if you have another brand. Sizes range from 5/16" to 7/17" for this filter.

BTW: The filter is for "dirt" and water separation from gasoline. The ethanol in the fuel is not filtered. To take care of problems with ethanol you need to add SeaFoam or the additive recommended by your engine's manufacturer. I've been adding the ethanol stabalizer that Mercury recommends. At $14 for 12 oz it's pricey. But one oz per tank is the recommended dose. Since I only buy ten to fifteen gallons of fuel per year (70 to 80 days on the boat per year)... I think I can afford it. Especially compared to a $200+ repair bill to clean out the carb...

Bill Holcomb - C25 Snickerdoodle #4839

PS - When you first start your engine there will not be any fuel in the bowl (clear). As the engine runs for five minutes or so, the fuel fills the bowl. Squeezing the bulb won't fill the bowl with fuel. I tried this and was worried that something was wrong with the filter. Simply start the engine and the filter bowl fills in a short while.

PPSS - The prices at Fisheries Supply in Seattle WA were about 25% lower than WM in Seattle... AND, Fisheries had the filter and nipples in stock.

Edited by - on

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9081 Posts

Response Posted - 07/06/2011 : 09:51:25

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by britinusa
 Hey guys, I'm not sure about the process here, don't those filters make the assumption that the fuel and water pass into the filter.
But my perception is that when ethanol 'absorbs' water, the fuel becomes a slush.... will it even flow into the filter?<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">Alcohol "carries" some water molecules with it, and the combination will pass through the filter and cause no harm to the engine (other than the corrosion that the alcohol can cause, especially with older engines and fuel systems). The problem that the separator solves is when the alcohol "drops" excess water ("phase separation") that then settles to the bottom of your tank and can be drawn into the fuel line. That "pure" water will settle out in the separator, due to simple gravity. A glass bowl and drain make it easy to see and remove the water from the separator. The larger the engine (and higher the fuel flow), the bigger the bowl should be to allow the settling to occur.

Edited by - Stinkpotter on 07/06/2011 09:53:39

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 07/06/2011 : 13:27:53

Thanks for the responses guys, I'll be looking at your suggestions and deciding which one I like. I'll let you know what I decide & how it's installed.

Edited by - on

Tradewind
Admiral

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USA
531 Posts

Response Posted - 07/06/2011 : 16:58:32

I installed my new Racor 025-RAC-02 today, mounted high on the aft wall of the fuel locker, added Seafoam and ran the engine for 30 minutes, off for 15 minutes then ran it again as per the instructions from my local Honda dealer. Seems to run smoother, no stalling or rough running or cutting out at idle.

Edited by - on

OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Response Posted - 07/07/2011 : 09:15:40

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Tradewind
 . . . as per the instructions from my local Honda dealer. Seems to run smoother, no stalling or rough running or cutting out at idle.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">Speaking of Honda, why is it that my Honda lawnmower doesn't skip a beat running on fuel leftover from 2010, but apparently a Honda outboard may be experiencing problems with fresh fuel?

Edited by - on

Sloop Smitten
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1181 Posts

Response Posted - 07/07/2011 : 12:09:58

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Speaking of Honda, why is it that my Honda lawnmower doesn't skip a beat running on fuel leftover from 2010, but apparently a Honda outboard may be experiencing problems with fresh fuel?<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
My guess would be the jets on the outboard (if the lawnmower engine even utilize jets) are much smaller than the lawnmower engines jets and are more apt to clog.

I had a Honda 8.0 outboard originally. At least once a month I was pulling and cleaning the jets. Finally purchased new jets (including the one located under the brass plug). That appeared to correct the problem. Six months later I sold the outboard to a dock-mate and upgraded to the Tohatsu 9.8. In three years he has never cleaned the jets on the Honda and it starts and idles like new.

What do you think the moral of this story is?

Edited by - Sloop Smitten on 07/07/2011 12:10:39

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9081 Posts

Response Posted - 07/07/2011 : 15:01:30

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by OJ
 Speaking of Honda, why is it that my Honda lawnmower doesn't skip a beat running on fuel leftover from 2010, but apparently a Honda outboard may be experiencing problems with fresh fuel?<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">I'll speculate that the mower has a much smaller gas tank that correspondingly accommodates less air and lives in a more constant temperature environment (garage or wherever). Thus, there is less tendency for moisture to be leeched out of the air and then phase-separated from the ethanol. It's either that or gremlins, late at night...

One more thing... Where did your "fresh" fuel come from? A marina?

Edited by - Stinkpotter on 07/07/2011 15:02:39

OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Response Posted - 07/07/2011 : 15:24:54

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Stinkpotter
 <blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by OJ
 Speaking of Honda, why is it that my Honda lawnmower doesn't skip a beat running on fuel leftover from 2010, but apparently a Honda outboard may be experiencing problems with fresh fuel?<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">I'll speculate that the mower has a much smaller gas tank that correspondingly accommodates less air and lives in a more constant temperature environment (garage or wherever). Thus, there is less tendency for moisture to be leeched out of the air and then phase-separated from the ethanol. It's either that or gremlins, late at night...

One more thing... Where did your "fresh" fuel come from? A marina?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Local convenince store whose trucks I've have spotted leaving a Sunoco depot . . .

Edited by - on

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9081 Posts

Response Posted - 07/07/2011 : 18:10:44

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by OJ
 Local convenince store whose trucks I've have spotted leaving a Sunoco depot . . .<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">One more long-shot... When I see a gas station with a truck filling the tanks, I go to another station. I want some time to pass, allowing the sediment and water in the station's tank to settle after a delivery.

Edited by - Stinkpotter on 07/07/2011 18:11:25

Tomas Kruska
Admiral

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Czech Republic
522 Posts

Response Posted - 07/12/2011 : 11:44:10

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Stinkpotter
 <blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by OJ
 Local convenince store whose trucks I've have spotted leaving a Sunoco depot . . .<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">One more long-shot... When I see a gas station with a truck filling the tanks, I go to another station. I want some time to pass, allowing the sediment and water in the station's tank to settle after a delivery.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Every gas station should have the filter installed on the line to the pistol. I think there is a rule for it.

My cent on this topis is that petrol and diesel have different filter cartridges, because diesel is more oily. On my inboard diesel I have Delphi HDF296.

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