Mercruiser flame arrestor

[ChrisCraftJohnny]

I have a question about the flame arrestor on my Mercruiser.

All my experience is on automotive engines. I learned a long time ago that the air cleaner on an engine not only cleans the intake air but also acts as a flame arrestor in case of a back-fire and such.

On these Mercruisers, there is just a metal cage for a flame arrestor/sive style air cleaner.
I understand that out on the sea, there is not a real threat of dust getting sucked into the engine. But why no paper element style filter?

Fire hazzard?
Not needed, so therefore not used?

I have learned in my 2 months of owning a boat that marine carbs vent into the engine where as automotive carbs vent out to the atmosphere.

Is this the reason? Just wondering.

Johnny

 

[problem child]

Re: Mercruiser flame arrestor

Pretty sure you are on the rite track. It is Flame arrestor, not an air filter per say. Backfires and gas fumes can be deadly in a marine environment.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser flame arrestor

It is Flame arrestor, not an air filter per say. Backfires and gas fumes can be deadly in a marine environment.

Ayuh,... And being pretty much Dust Free,... No reason for a paper element...

 

[ChrisCraftJohnny]

Re: Mercruiser flame arrestor

Thanks,

I thought as much. Good to know.

Johnny

 

[wca_tim]

Re: Mercruiser flame arrestor

as an aside.. the stock flame arrestors are amazingly restrictive for the way they look.

 

[PiratePast40]

Re: Mercruiser flame arrestor

as an aside.. the stock flame arrestors are amazingly restrictive for the way they look.

Absolutely. We did some measurements on flow restrictions from spark arrestors on the suction side of a blower. Significant flow decrease with only 2 screens.