fuel-water separator

[torcano]

Are fuel water separators standard on Mercruiser 5.0L MPI Bravo III sterndrive engines? If so, where do I find it and how do I drain it or change the filter?
Thanks

 

[Don S]

Re: fuel-water separator

Yes, they are standard.
Where depends on year and/or SN of your engine.
To be honest if you can't look at it and find the fuel filter, and you want to do service and repairs on your engine and drive, then you REALLY, REALLY need an OEM Mercruiser service manual before you do anything.
One for your engine and one for your drive.

 

[torcano]

Re: fuel-water separator

Thanks, Don S. I have the original Mercruiser manual (2004 SeaRay 240 Sundancer) that came with the boat, but I'm not sure if this is the service manual you are referring to. The mechanics at my marina get $160 just to step on your boat so I was hoping this was an easy check and change. That being said, I prefer not to be floating in the ocean with a motor that will not run on condensated water. I assume if I don't do this correctly I could have a fuel leak or a fuel water mix going into my fuel injectors. Do you suggest I have a qualified machanic check it out?
RK

 

[Don S]

Re: fuel-water separator

Do you have the owners manual or the service manual? Big difference, but either will show you where the fuel filter is.
If, you have the OEM service manual, look at pages 1B-58 and 1B-59 for instructions on how and where it's located.

 

[torcano]

Re: fuel-water separator

I have the owners manual and and separate manual fo the mercruiser. It's on my boat so I will have to check it out in the morning. When I went looking for the fuel filter there was a black unit that looked like an oil filter on the lowest point of the engine. However, I did not see any clear glass lower container where water is supposed to collect. I need to look more carefully with a flashlight. I will also check the pages you mentioned and see if they correlate with the manual that I have. I'll report back. Thanks for your help.
RK

 

[Don S]

Re: fuel-water separator

However, I did not see any clear glass lower container where water is supposed to collect.

That's because they don't have clear glass bowls. Never was allowed never will be. Old tractors and lawn mowers had those, not any type boat since the mid 70's. Except for some fuel pump failure bowls. (also not used since the late 70's)

 

[torcano]

Re: fuel-water separator

Don S., I checked the service manual and sure enough it was clear as day. When I went to check what I originally thought was the fuel-water separator, it even had the words "Mercruiser Fuel Filter" printed on the filter. Dah! Thanks for your help. It looks very easy to change, but given the fact that I have never done it before and the thought of a gas leak in the bilge gives me the creeps, I'm having a certifiied marine mechanic change it. They are only charging me for 1/2 hour labor so for $80 it is worth my peace of mind. Thanks again.
RK

 

[GaBoy]

Re: fuel-water separator

Don S. there is a old fashioned water gas glass bowl on my GM 350/260 merc. Should I remove it and just use the fuel-water separator already on the engine?

 

[Lou C]

Re: fuel-water separator

Most boats come with the standard water seperating filters, if you want the best in filtration and water holding ability, you could put in a Racor with the metal bowl, but it takes more room underneath than the standard filters.

 

[GaBoy]

Re: fuel-water separator

This merc gm has a fuel water separator also. Can I remove the old glass model because it is rusted or should I just replace it?