Outboard Fuel Line Questions

Winkfish · Feb 11, 2014

azguy said:
I got a question about fuel lines for outboards. I never seen one with a fuel filter cut in, how come..?? I just picked up this fuel filter and was planning on splicing it in but thought I would ask first....any reason not to

Also, is the location of the primer ball critical to it working correctly..? I usually see the primer ball close to the fuel cell and then a few feet of hose running to the motor. Can I re-rig my whole fuel line so the fuel filter is close to the tank and move the primer ball closer to the motor so I do not have to lift the fuel storage lid to reach the primer ball

Thanks

Azguy, before I got my fuel/water separator filter, I had one of those in-line filters. It was about halfway between the bulb and the motor. My bulb was about 2/3 of the way from the tank to the motor. Always worked fine.

Charlie Jones s/v Tehani · Feb 11, 2014

My fuel pump bulb is just before the connection to the engine. Filter just before that. Been that way for 8 years now

Winkfish · Feb 11, 2014

For several years, I had just the in-line filter. The last time I had work on the motor, about a year ago, the mechanic suggested a fuel/water separator, which I agreed to. After numerous trips, on one trip my motor killed, and ran very rough getting back to the launch. I checked the separator at home, and it was full of water. I tightened up my fuel line connections, emptied the current tank of gas, and haven't had a problem since.

Sailm8 · Feb 11, 2014

azguy said:
After sailing for a few hours the fuel line has to be re-pressurized to get the outboard to start with a pull or two. It's a pain to lift up the fuel tank door, that I'm usually sitting on..... yada, yada, yada..

Thanks...just curious how many people run a fuel filter in their outboard fuel line....I mean shy not, right..?

I had this problem and was fixed by replacing the connector between the hose and the engine. The rubber gasket in the connector was sucking air.

Ron20324 · Feb 11, 2014

I dunno. I think if the filter can be seen through, I'd put it AFTER the bulb so you can see if the fuel is coming through the bulb and filter.

JerryA · Feb 11, 2014

Not that glass filter

I would agree with others that a filter is a good idea. Just not that filter pictured. I've used that glass, screw together filter style on cars, and have had friends that have used these. The result was the filter loosening up and leaking gas. I even heard one that had the glass break. Those applications did use the filter in a pressurized enviroment though between pump and carb. If it were me I'd use a one-piece filter design instead.

JerryA

justsomeguy · Feb 11, 2014

There should be a filter in the tank...

I think.

woodster · Feb 11, 2014

justsomeguy said:
There should be a filter in the tank...

I think.

if you are talking about out board fuel tanks all i have ever seen had a screen on the end of the pickup tube only.......

regards

woody

justsomeguy · Feb 11, 2014

woodster said:
if you are talking about out board fuel tanks all i have ever seen had a screen on the end of the pickup tube only.......

regards

woody

Well, plus one or two under the cowling.

woodster · Feb 11, 2014

justsomeguy said:
Well, plus one or two under the cowling.

regards

woody

MrBill_FLL · Feb 11, 2014

I've always see those filters after the bulb.

-but they are screw apart to allow replacing filter. They have caused air leaks and bad running. (o rings usually.)

the water /fuel separators are much better. racor makes a small one for OB's ..

also, every OB Ive seen has a small micron filter on the block.

petersea · Feb 11, 2014

If the filter pictured is really glass and not a plastic I agree not to use it only because it is glass and could break suggest a all "plastic" filter like in attached picture. I have used one like it for years and have not had a problem.

pic credit from Moeller web site same manufacture as the one you show. This one is a one time use unlike the one you show where you can replace the filter element cost about $5 and will last for years. I change mine every two years just cuz it is cheap insurance. Most auto parts stores carry them or a similar one.

MrBill_FLL · Feb 11, 2014

^ that's what I've used after the air vacuum leak.

NotCook · Feb 11, 2014

There will be a filter inside the engine cover already, but I like the idea of adding one in the fuel line. That one inside the engine cover is a ***** to get at. Because of this thread, I'm going to add one between the tank and the primer bulb (which I have always seen right up near the engine where you can pump it prior to starting the engine).

Sumner · Feb 11, 2014

We put one of....

...these on the boat and so far has worked great after about 3 months on the water and motoring a lot....

http://www.tohatsuoutboardparts.com/Fuel-Tanks-and-Lines.html

The bulb is between the filter and ....

... the motor and never had problems priming and holding prime day after day. I've read that if you do have problems priming hold the bulb vertical (I think that was it) but we usually primed once and then never again on the trip.

Ruth made...

... a cover for it to protect it from the sun. A great filter with a water separator. More info on the install here.....

http://purplesagetradingpost.com/sumner/macgregor2/outside-36.html

Sum

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Benny17441 · Feb 13, 2014

Some try to protect the bulbs from the sun and the elements but they are cheap enough to replace, go for the convenience. It does not matter where it is placed along the fuel line. Some engines have a built in filter comparative to what you intend to install.

Outboard Fuel Line Questions

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