Do I need a fuel water separator?
Water can get in through the cap, a defective vent, or sometimes there's water in the fuel when you get it from the gas station. The best way to make sure you protect your boat engine is to have a separator installed on the fuel line to make extra sure you're not feeding your engine contaminated fuel.
If the separator fails, any water in the fuel can wear away lubricants on the diesel fuel injectors. When the device removes contaminants and solid materials, it helps prevent engine clogging. It can be seen that fuel water separator is a important part of fuel system.
Installing or maintaining a fuel water separator prevents the problem of water in your fuel system. It is a simple and inexpensive device that can ensure your boat's engine is able to run efficiently. Keep in mind you need to maintain the device, but the maintenance process is simple and quick.
How A FUEL WATER Separator Works! - YouTube
The fuel filter on your boat is there to ensure water and other contaminants do not leak into your fuel system. To ensure your marine diesel engine and fuel system continue to work effectively, boat fuel filters need to be regularly replaced.
Install the head unit vertically, above bilge water, between the tank and engine (or primer bulb if on an outboard). The hoses should reach the engine and tank without kinking or making sharp turns.
A full water separator means that water is now flowing into your fuel system. This water causes corrosion throughout the system including the internal transfer pump. This pump will then rust and isn't covered under warranty.
If you use gas w/ ethanol, you are bound to get some water in your fuel. Don't know what type of engine you have but Yamaha recommends every 50 hours. I agree with Bunger79 until you consistantly have a clean filter, then I would go to 100 hours.
Re: Fuel Water Separator - when to change filter? On my old boat I always changed mine every six months. I installed two RACORs (with the clear strainer bottom) on my new boat and I'm gonna do them once a season... I would definitely replace them whenever you do your motor maintenance at least..
What Is the Purpose of a Diesel Fuel/Water Separator? To preserve service life and engine quality, having a fuel/water separator is essential. Its purpose goes beyond simply keeping your fuel clean. When it comes to operating a diesel engine, the importance of clean fuel cannot be overstated.
Should I put a fuel water separator on an outboard?
Water can get in through the cap, a defective vent, or sometimes there's water in the fuel when you get it from the gas station. The best way to make sure you protect your boat engine is to have a separator installed on the fuel line to make extra sure you're not feeding your engine contaminated fuel.
A water separating fuel filter is designed to catch the impurities or water before they reach your engine. The principle behind this filtration system is surprisingly simple; the top of the filter consists of a paper element and the bottom of the filter is a holding tank or bowl.

And bad fuel can stop your boat's engine dead. That's why every boat should have a high-quality fuel filtering system installed — and every boat owner should know how and when to change the filters.
How to drain Water from a Fuel Water Separator - YouTube
How to Install a Ryco Water Separator - YouTube
Fuel Filter Funnel Removes Water from Gasoline by Mr Funnel
Diesel fuel is by nature, quite dirty, so it makes sense that the fuel filter is one of the most important filters on any diesel application. They usually require a change every 10,000 to 15,000 miles whereas a modern gasoline fuel filter could go 100K+ miles before a change is needed – if at all.
The gas filter removes the particulate matter (dirt) from the gasoline! The fuel/ water separator allows the flow when to slow going through the separator & the difference in weight allows the water to settle in the bottom of the bowl & the gas goes to the engine.
Changing the Fuel Filters
Most diesels have two fuel filters: a "primary" filter located between the fuel tank and the engine, which cleans the fuel before it gets to the fuel transfer pump; and a "secondary" filter up near the engine, which gives the fuel a final cleaning before it gets to the fuel injectors.
Perkins Daily Engine Check Series: Water Separator Drain - YouTube
How often should I change my Fass filters?
Once a year before winter.
Installing a water separating fuel filter in a boat - YouTube
How to Drain a Fuel-Water Separator on a Cummins Engine - YouTube
DIY Filter Funnel for Diesel and Gasoline Tool Tip #22 - YouTube
Oil and Water Recycling
Recycling water and oil significantly reduce utility bills and production costs. Separating oil from the water allows you to reuse both fluids in varying capacity. In the food processing industry, waste edible oils can be extracted from wastewater.
Like other filters and fluids, the fuel water separators in your boat should be changes out each spring. Not only could it be full of gunk from last season, but could have collected more dust if not properly stored over the winter months.
How to Change Fuel Water Separator on your boat's fuel line - YouTube
Perkins Daily Engine Check Series: Water Separator Drain - YouTube
The modified filter paper is proven to separate oil/water mixtures in acidic, alkaline, and salty environments. The filter paper is also applied to separate surfactant-stabilized oil/water emulsions successfully with high separation efficiency.
Two immiscible liquids, oil and water, can be separated by using Separating Funnel. The mixture of oil and water forms two separate layers because they are completely insoluble in each other.
Are oil skimmers effective?
Oil skimmers are simple, dependable and effective tools for removing oil, grease and other hydrocarbons from water and coolants. Often, an oil skimmer by itself can achieve the desired level of water purity.
If you use gas w/ ethanol, you are bound to get some water in your fuel. Don't know what type of engine you have but Yamaha recommends every 50 hours. I agree with Bunger79 until you consistantly have a clean filter, then I would go to 100 hours.
They usually require a change every 10,000 to 15,000 miles whereas a modern gasoline fuel filter could go 100K+ miles before a change is needed – if at all. Most diesel truck applications will require 2 diesel fuel filters to be serviced.
A fuel water separator is a device that works to ensure clean fuel is delivered to the engine. Fuel separators provide effective protection for engines used in automotive, industrial, and marine applications. The separator removes water and solid contaminants from the fuel before it reaches the fuel pump.
Fuel Filter Funnel Removes Water from Gasoline by Mr Funnel