Filters and Fuel System Maintainence

[Roundabout]

I have a 2004 F115 Yamaha on a 1987 Aquasport. The boat and motor were stored for 3 years before being returned to weekly use last October. Motor has only about 25 hours on it. Before starting it up, the fuel sender was removed fromt the tank, the fuel siphoned out so maybe a half gallon was left in the bottom. Tank looked pretty clean from what I could see thru the sender opening. Refueled with fresh 87 octance and Stabil and Ring Free. Changed the spin on fuel filter/separator on the transom with a NAPA Gold 3224 filter/separator. Changed motor oil and lower unit oil. Motor has been running great since being placed back into service.

My question is what else I should be doing to maintain the fuel system so I dont run into the fuel system problems I see on this board and other boards. Till educating myself thru this forum, I did not appreciate the engineering technology of these new outboard motors. My last experience with an outboard was a 1960's two-stroke Johnson.

Any suggestions on keeping this motor running as it should will be greatly appreciated. Is there a better filter choice for the spin-on filter. Are there other filters mounted on the engine that should be changed or cleaned regularly. I have ordered a F115 service manual to help me with servicing and maintaining the motor. I'm a fair backyard mechanic but these motors are a new experience. Thanks again.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Filters and Fuel System Maintainence

some where about that time the change added a fuel filter in a plastic cup on the engine and added a 10 micron inline filter between the mechanical fuel pump and the VST.
the VST filter needs attention/cleaning yearly or at 200 hour intravels.
in your case I would go ahead and check it due to sitting will not only allow the pump casing to rust but its possible to build an oxidation coating inside the VST that will loosen and clog the VST pump screen.
drawback is it requires intake manifold removal to access the VST. fuel rail dissasemby is not required but you may wish to do it for cleaning.
if the orings are not nicked nor swollen they can normally be reused. the VST pump filter you simply clean.
if your engine does not have the 10 micron inline filter after the mechanical pump its a very good upgrade. the 10 micron filter is identified by one end is blue.
the filter is a tad pricey though at 60 dollars. not near as bad as that same filter on an f350 at 220.
VST maint on that engine isnt hard its just time consuming, takes me about 1 1/2-2 hours.
other than routine maint make sure that engine can spin 5800-6100 RPM at wot and its normal load or you will post about making oil.
it may not hurt to go ahead and replace the water pump and T-stat as these parts will fail with age as well as use.
no sense in cracking a head or popping a head gasket over a 56 dollar pump kit.

 

[Roundabout]

Re: Filters and Fuel System Maintainence

Thanks rodbolt. I will be putting the boat back on the trailer in a couple of weeks and will start on your recommendations. Too cold now for me to keep chasing speckled trout.