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Adding Fuel/Water Seperator Filter

7

77trimate4

Member
I'm adding a fuel/water seperator to my 77 trimate (140 mercruiser) What would you suggest for a fuel line size, I was thinking 3/8" Currently it is all metal lines except a few inch piece connecting the steel line to the carb and fuel tank. Can I do away with the filter on top of the fuel pump? Should I tear out the steel line that lays through the bilge and replace it with all rubber fuel line.

thanks
Derek
trimate4_1977@yahoo.com
 
forgot to ask this also...there isnt much room to mount it anywhere, is mounting it to the inside of the transom with a few wood screws ok? I was thinking on the tank side (port side) of the engine
 
My fuel/water seperator was mounted on the transom with wood screws. Just use some fiberglass resin or 3M 5200 when you screw them in to seal the screws into the wood.............
 
Did you say steel line from the tank to the engine? that's odd. Every boat i've seen except for old wood uses rubber. 3/8 is all you need that engine doesn't drink a lot of fuel. make sure you use brass barb fittings. My Dads sea ray was very awkward for an install, basically i had to take half the back end apart to mount the bloody thing. welcome to the world of boats!
 
Yes steel line all the way from the tank to the pump, minus a 2" piece of hose connecting the steel line to the tank and pump. should i leave the steel or change it over to all rubber line? Can i get rid of the filter in the pump or should I leave it since i'm adding the fuel/water seperator filter?

how long of screws should i use on the tramsom install...its a temp model, 2 screw holes at the top
 
Replace all that steel with rubber, i don't like steel lines in boats. leave the filter on the fuel pump it's secondary protection. You will need large screws probably #14 check where you are mounting on the transom, sometimes they get thinner at the top, but as a rule most transoms are about 2" so you don't want to go into the transom with anymore than 1 1/2". try and mount it so it is around the same height as the fuel system, if it is up to high then you could run into a fuel flow problem.
 
thanks chris, i'm planning on using 3M 5200 also on the mounting bracket to "glue/seal" it to the transom as well as the screws. It will be below the transom tow "eyes" as the steering rod for the sterndrive is in the way at the top. I'm planning on using 3/8" fuel line, should i just let it lay through the bilge under the engine or strap it to the transom?
 
pick a path that will not allow kinks or allow it to rub against anything that may punture it. i would secure it every 6" or so, and keep it out of any water. There is a new fuel line that is about twice as thick as the old type of line which i think is much better i believe it is called "type A" line. you can use cable ties with screw eyes or my preferance which is the stainless cushion clamps which are much better and won't crush the line. Remeber you are dealing with fuel so it's better to over build then under build.
 
Chris E said:
Replace all that steel with rubber, i don't like steel lines in boats. leave the filter on the fuel pump it's secondary protection. You will need large screws probably #14 check where you are mounting on the transom, sometimes they get thinner at the top, but as a rule most transoms are about 2" so you don't want to go into the transom with anymore than 1 1/2". try and mount it so it is around the same height as the fuel system, if it is up to high then you could run into a fuel flow problem.
Click to expand...
Wait a min. You dont really want rubber on the suction side. From experiance the hose breaks down and sucks shut.You are better off to keep the steel line.Its there and will last forever in you're use.What is the part number on the filter above the pump. I just looked at one in the lot and it has the water seperater above the fuel pump.it is a 78 it may be different. I just dont want you to get stranded for a piece of hose.Sorry just have seen it alot.
ps under six inch lengths on the suction side is ok. its long stretches that you will have a problem with.
 
I'm using an aftermaket filter housing from west marine, it uses the merc long filter. is 3/8" standard line for that size of engine? Thanks for letting me know about the steel line before I got it ripped out
 
i haven't run into the problems that busted has, all we have ever used is rubber line, having said that, i certainly see where busted is coming from, my only concern in a damp environment is that your steel line could corode form water in the fuel (almost a certainty at some point) and cause you problems as well. i guess either way has it's down side. in the past few years i have been using a very thick 3/8's fuel line that is probably 1" OD, well braided and doesn't appear to giving collapsing problems (again not saying that it won't either) but it appears that the manufacutuer was taking steps to avoid this from happeing with a thicker wall product.
 
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