Fuel Filter question..

[*WEAVER*]

I had been having some problems with this Mercury of mine not running right, well I took the fuel filter off, and opened it to see how clogged it was.

There was this black gunk all around the filter, when you would touch it, it smears. Would this possibly be some type of algae from the fuel tank? I have one of the metal 6 gallon type tanks. I've noticed there was some of it on the check valves in the fuel pump as well. Thanks


One other question, I'd like to keep that metal tank if possible, but if not, I can't seem to find anybody around that sells those 6 gallon metal tanks, are the plastic ones ok, or should I stick with the metal?

 

[sschefer]

Re: Fuel Filter question..

I had been having some problems with this Mercury of mine not running right, well I took the fuel filter off, and opened it to see how clogged it was.

There was this black gunk all around the filter, when you would touch it, it smears. Would this possibly be some type of algae from the fuel tank? I have one of the metal 6 gallon type tanks. I've noticed there was some of it on the check valves in the fuel pump as well. Thanks


One other question, I'd like to keep that metal tank if possible, but if not, I can't seem to find anybody around that sells those 6 gallon metal tanks, are the plastic ones ok, or should I stick with the metal?

Sounds to me like you've been putting E-10 gas in it. The black stuff is from the inside of your fuel hoses. I suppose if you were running E-10 and accumulated enough moisture you might grow algae but it's not likely..

The plastic tanks are just as good if not better than the metal.

 

[*WEAVER*]

Re: Fuel Filter question..

Schefer, thanks for the info. I run 87 octane is what I use. I had not thought of the hoses doing that, will look into it. thanks

 

[arsenalpsu]

Re: Fuel Filter question..

I'm assuming you have an older outboard?......the older fuel lines were not made to handel the additives/chemicals in todays fuel. If this is really coming from your fuel lines they all need to be replaced or you risk having a larger chunk break off and cloging something.....and that could lead to lean running=very bad.