Is this legal?

[HiLiner]

Can I install a gas primer bulb inline between the fuel tank and my water separator? Is this legal in an I/O? I have a 1998 Mercruiser 4.3 LH that is chewing through fuel pumps. I have already cleaned the tank out-Don mentioned that 2 things kill fuel pumps, water and air. I just took care of the water but want to guarantee air does ruin these very expensive pumps. All my connections are as tight as I can make them. Thanks in advance

 

[95yj]

Re: Is this legal?

I wouldn't think an outdrive gas primer would be legal inside of a closed engine compartment. All the gas line in an I/O has to be fire tested and I don't think that bulb would hold up for 2.5 minutes to a flame.

 

[HiLiner]

Re: Is this legal?

Thanks- that is what I thought- was going to research a primer bulb that could hold up to that test. I will just pressure test the lines and see if there are air leaks and solve the problem that way.

 

[kbetts]

Re: Is this legal?

I will have to agree with YJ, not legal or a safe practice. I have a length of line and a bulb made up for a tool just in case a have a vapor lock issue with my EFI system. I keep it in the boat, but not hooked up while in use on the water. I would use it inline only if I am on the muffs in my driveway, but not on the water.

You might want to check to see that you don't have two gaskets on top of each other on your water separator... the old one might have stayed in place when you removed the old filter and causing it to suck air.

 

[Don S]

Re: Is this legal?

If you fill the engine mounted filter with clean gas before you install it, that is all you need. No need for a primer.
Running the pumps for more than 10 or 15 seconds with no gas at all is what kills them, sucking some air into the system will cause running problems long before it will run dry enough to destroy the pump.

 

[HiLiner]

Re: Is this legal?

Great ideas- Don, was not sure how long the pump could turn without gas but have always filled up the filter and pump before turning over.
Will check to see if there was an "extra" gasket on the filter as well. Just completely cleaned out the tank over the weekend and took a lot of crud out of it. Will start using Startron always.