Fuel Filter?

[jsonova99]

I realized that I have what looks like a fuel filter in line right before the fuel pump on my '91 PS190. I have the 351 Carbureted Ford engine. The fuel pump itself has a filter, so I'm wondering if this is some sort of a water separator. If anybody can identify this for me that would be great. Also, if anybody knows what maintenance it requires. I'm assuming that there is some sort of filter element in it. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[MarkP]

The one on my 93 in that same spot is like an oil filter looking thing and IS a water separator. Its just a remove and replace one time a year for me.

My older nautique had in the same spot a larger separator that in order to replace I had to remove a center bolt at the bottom of the canister to replace an element. It was also a separator

[jsonova99]

that's what mine has, a screw at the bottom. Does anybody know what part it is on Skidim.com? I'd like to order one ASAP since I have no idea how old it is.

[MarkP]

You know if you have talked to DIM on the phone before, just about all you need to do is call and say this is Joe and they will probably have your part # before you tell them what boat you have.

They just ask me if I have the same boat as last time. Then send the right parts. They rock..

[jsonova99]

You know if you have talked to DIM on the phone before, just about all you need to do is call and say this is Joe and they will probably have your part # before you tell them what boat you have.

They just ask me if I have the same boat as last time. Then send the right parts. They rock..



You're right, I love that whenever I call. I'll take care of it tomorrow.

[PeteS]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but you should have 2 fuel filters to replace in your fuel system. The one you are speaking of first, is also a water seperator, which should be changed once a season (or every 2 seasons), and if you have a mechanical fuel pump like me, there is another one just below the pump (which should be changed at the same intervals as the forementioned). Hope that helps!

[MarkP]

No correction Petes

Joe talks about that one in his first post. I have changed both of mine every year that I have owned my current boat. Well this is year 2 and fuel filter and water separator change #2

[G-man]

You may have a third filter. It is a mesh screen where your fuel line comes into the carb. My 93 had one.

[east tx skier]

I really need to check the screen where the line meets the carb. With the spin on changed regularly, I was given the impression at some point by someone that the canister (screw on the bottom) filter probably wouldn't need to be changed as often. Anyone care to speak to this. Extra points if you use the work "microns."

[Lance]

Just be careful with the screen near the carberator as my experience with this is that the fuel line (which is fairly thin AND fragile) will get twisted if it sticks to the screen/fitting. You might want to lubricate this with PBBlaster to be sure the fuel line doesn't stick to the fitting when you unscrew the fitting... in any event watch it closely as you don't want your good intentions to result in the purchase of a new fuel line.

As for me, I don't mess with the screen anymore, I replace the filter below the fuel pump yearly (this one tends to collapse from pressure from the spring), and drain the separator yearly but only replace the element every 2-3 years. Don't know how this lines up with the recommended maintenance interval but is what I do for what it is worth.

[Scot]

I have a a 86 prostar and just realized after 6 years there was an external fuel filter exactly like you mention... I took it off and it was pretty ugly.... a ton of rust in the bottom, but thankfully the filter did its job and I have never had any real runability problems to speak of... It is a cartrage type filter you can get at Hi Lo/ Orielys... autozone and pep boys coundn't reference the old filter number... there is a bolt on the top that releases the cannister... very easy... I actually unbolted the whole thing so I could get at it easier...

[PeteS]

I agree with Lance completely in regards to the mesh screen on the connection between the fuel line and the carb.

I wouldn't reccomend messing with it much, as the fitting between the two in a pressure fitting, and is very sensitive. Too much torque and you have a gas leak, and a gas leak if you tighten it too little as well.

Being an '88, I didn't care to screw up the threads or the nut trying to remove/install the line. I checked it after the carb was rebuilt, and the screen was fine. I had to work with that pressure fitting for a while though stopping the slight gas leak after reinstalling the carb.

If you are better with pressure fittings than I am, then maybe give it a shot.

[LakePirate]

Do you have a recommended torque for the pressure fitting to work properly?
I have a new float bowl coming and a new fuel line to install this week and I would like to leak as little fuel as possible. Maybe get it right the first time.

[PeteS]

Do you have a recommended torque for the pressure fitting to work properly?
I have a new float bowl coming and a new fuel line to install this week and I would like to leak as little fuel as possible. Maybe get it right the first time.
I do not, sorry. During the process, I searched for one by calling a few different places but nobody seemed to hanve a number.

This is simply based off of feel, so please don't take this number too seriously, but I'd guess the torque that seemed to work best for me was in the neighboorhood of 15 lbs./ft.