Fuel / Water Seperator

[RIPN LIPS]

Has anyone used a seperator on there outboards? I have a 150 Yamaha 2 stroke and i'm wondering if its worth putting in and what brand would you recommend?

[BoxMN]

on our Merc 150efi there is a built-in water separator/filter under the cowl. We have "used" it twice. It beeps when it notices water in fuel separator, and then you can just empty out the filter until the water is gone. I think we got some in when a vent cap was missing from the side of out boat, and were in big swells on Mille Lacs a couple days.

I would say it is very good to have, and I don't think hard to install. Not sure of aftermarket brands though, but you might want to see if you already have one in the yammie. Good luck!

[311Hemi]

Has anyone used a seperator on there outboards? I have a 150 Yamaha 2 stroke and i'm wondering if its worth putting in and what brand would you recommend?

Yep, I just installed one for my F115 last year. Racor is one of the more popular brands out there. I installed a Yamaha one that I got a deal on which is very similar to the Racor.

Most dealers may be installing them on new boats with Yamaha motors as I think (don't quote me though) Yamaha is requiring them now.

[Pat K]

I'm not sure about the Yamaha 150 two stroke, but my Yamaha 150 four stroke has a built in one under the cowl.

[blakeb]

mine (f115) came with one, i would think that it is a good idea.

[311Hemi]

Quote:

I'm not sure about the Yamaha 150 two stroke, but my Yamaha 150 four stroke has a built in one under the cowl.

Are you talking about the little fuel filter under the cowl, because Yamaha recommends a 10 micron filter in addition to that. As far as I know the one under the cowl is not 10 micron and you would get better protection installing one in-line, like the one I mentioned above.

Quote:

SUBJECTS: 1. Yamaha Outboards and Ethanol Fuel Blends – All

Models

©2006 YAMAHA MOTOR CORPORATION, USA

OUTBOARD 6/05/2006 O2006-009

Yamaha Outboards and Ethanol Fuel Blends – All Models

As of spring 2006, most gasoline refiners will switch to ethanol-blended fuels. This may present a challenge for boat builders, dealers, and boaters in the months ahead. Until recently, refiners have primarily used the chemical MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether) as an additive “to oxygenate” fuel, thereby, reducing emissions. Unfortunately, the chemical has been associated with ground water pollution. As a result, most refineries have chosen to remove it from their blends. Using ethanol in place of MTBE solves the ground water issue, since ethanol has a very short life in the environment before it is broken down chemically by nature.

Properties

Both consumers and those in the boating industry should be aware of the following characteristics of ethanol, even when blended in ratios of as little as 10 percent:

1. Ethanol attracts and absorbs moisture from the air. That means boaters will likely face more fuel contamination issues from water absorbed through their fuel tank vents.

2. Ethanol can dissolve some solid materials (e.g., varnish or even oxidation in steel and aluminum tanks) commonly found in fuel tanks, thereby contaminating the fuel. Additionally, it can loosen any corrosion or particulate matter in the fuel system.

3. In some cases, ethanol has been known to dissolve components of the fuel system itself (e.g., fiberglass fuel tanks). However, modern fuel hose is made to withstand the effects of ethanol exposure.

4. Ethanol blends can react chemically with MTBE fuel blends, causing additional contamination.

Recommendations:

Fuel blends using as much as 10 percent ethanol are appropriate for use in all of Yamaha’s current outboard models. Yamaha does not recommend the use of fuels with higher concentrations of ethanol (e.g., E85, which contains 85 percent ethanol) or

any other fuel blend that contains more than 10 percent ethanol. In addition, Yamaha recommends boat builder partners and boaters (as applicable) take the following steps to mitigate the potential impact of ethanol in motor fuel:

1. Use fuel system components that are compatible with ethanol blends or replace those in use that are not compatible (e.g., fiberglass fuel tanks).

2. Avoid co-mingling MTBE and ethanol-blended fuels. As a precaution, boaters should be advised to use only one supplier for fuel purchases in the months ahead to ensure constancy during the industry changeover period from MTBE to ethanol blends.

3. Install a Yamaha mini-10™ filter or 10-Micron filter. The 10-Micron filter is designed for use on boats with Yamaha outboards. The smaller mini-10 is designed for smaller boats with engines 115hp and under. Both Yamaha products filter out contaminants

and separate water from fuel. The mini-10 features an aluminum head and is made from coated steel inside and painted steel outside to combat corrosion. The 10-Micron fi lter features either an aluminum or stainless steel head and is also made from coated interior and painted exterior steel. Both meet all U.S. Coast Guard and ABYC (American Boat and

Yacht Council) standards.

4. Consumers should be encouraged to carry spare fi lter cartridges in the event the fi lter element becomes clogged with contaminants while the outboard is in use.

Related Considerations:

All Yamaha products, rigging, accessories and parts, including Yamalube lubricants and fuel stabilizers are compatible with fuelblends using up to 10 percent ethanol.

[solbes]

Yup, my F75 Yammie has the little one under the cowl. I installed a Moeller 10 micron with spin on filter eliement this spring. I added it to the bilge area for aesthetics and also because I didn't want spilled gas to get on the bottom of my rear compartment (vinyl floor). Was a bit of a pain to install. The popular online store starting with an A had the complete kit with 2 filters for $30. Well worth it IMO.

[MuskieJunkie]

The popular online store starting with an A had the complete kit with 2 filters for $30. Well worth it IMO.

Thanks solbes, you just saved me the research of looking for one.

[Fish&Fowl]

Just put one in to filter the gas for my Yamaha 150 4-stroke and 8 hp kicker. For what I paid it certainly seems worth it to me, and very easy to install.

Mine is the Sierra brand.

[solbes]

I should mention that the filter itself is extremely easy to install. It's just a pair of hose clamps, one new 3/8" fuel line, and two lag screws to hold the filter head in place. What made it a pain was the location I chose. Working through a 10-12" access hole in the splashwell. If you install it above the splashwell or in a spacious rear compartment, I doubt it would take longer than 15 minutes.

[SkunkedAgain]

When I bought my boat last year, my Alumacraft Navigator and Suzuki came with an external fuel/water separator mounted in the basin. I doubt that it's had anything to catch but I'm glad that it is there.

[jwink]

I've been considering this as well. I'm looking into a 6HP kicker motor to complement my 60HP motor. Does anyone have the model number for one that would have 2 outlets, one for each motor?

[solbes]

The Moeller one I previously referenced has two inlets and two outlets. It also comes with two plugs. So if you have two fuel lines, one to each kicker and no plugs. Common fuel line would need one plug on the inlet side. One motor would need both plugs.

Some of the more expensive ones have extra clear storage with a drain to extend the filter life. Mine does not, but I don't anticipate having much water anyway.

[jwink]

Thanks solbes

[Hookmaster]

I installed a Sierra for my 1999 F100 Yamaha last year.