Should I add a canister fuel filter / water separator?

[CZSteve]

Should I add a canister style fuel filter / water separator to our 1997 Force 90hp?
We've been fine all these years without but can't help but wonder if it's something I should add.

I did read a thread where supposedly someone thought they lost some top end power as a result restricted fuel flow after adding a filter.

Yes or no on adding?
If yes, filter up stream or down stream of the primer bulb?
(I'm assuming downstream of the bulb so you pushing the fuel thru the filter)

Thanks,
Steve

[blackberg]

I added one of these
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000MT ... =soca0f-20

you can see gunk accumulating at the bottom of the tray, and this is with the small filter near the tank.

I have mine in between the tank and the bulb

-bb

[RonKMiller]

Yes, down stream. I put a new one in every season, it's cheap insurance in my book.

[badmoonrising]

Wouldn't have a boat without one. The days of crappy AlGoregas are here, that means water and ethanol related issues.

[BobG]

I've wondered about this myself. The dealer didn't put one in there, and they were in Minnesota, where there's so much water in the air, that fishes often swim above the surface of the lake and don't realize it until somebody starts shooting at them. I wonder if it makes a difference that my motor is fuel-injected (no carbeurators)?

[IrnGynt]

I've been thinking about doing the same thing for my 60hp Mercury. From what I've read though, Mercury recommends against it. I guess the fear is reduced flow.

[BobG]

the fear is reduced flow.

My Urologist FIXED that particular problem, thank you very much!!!

[Bryden24shp]

the fear is reduced flow.

My Urologist FIXED that particular problem, thank you very much!!!

killin me!

[rbiederwolf]

When I had a Mercury, the Merc mechanic told me that Merc did not recommend an external fuel /water separator. When I switched to A Yamaha , the Yammy mechanic (different guy) said it was the first thing I should do. He looked in my gas tank and said there was all type of crap in there, and after about 10 hours I should check it.

I have noticed no change in performance since it was added

[wedge542]

Added one to my 225 merc, change it start of summer, i was amazed what was in it and i only run no ethnl gas in here I dont know what it is, its got black dots water rust dirt but im glad it on there, i cant tell any diff in performance. After seeing what pours out id never run a outboard again without one.

[crspang]

I tried one on my boat but the fuel pump on the puny 50hp rude isn't strong enough to pull fuel through it.

[wijames]

I tried one on my boat but the fuel pump on the puny 50hp rude isn't strong enough to pull fuel through it.

That's why my Mercury dealer told me not to install one. He said it would put a strain on the fuel pump. I installed one anyway and I do notice a drop of a couple hundred RPM's at full throttle. Maybe they know something we don't but I hate the idea of not having one on my motor.

[IrnGynt]

That's why my Mercury dealer told me not to install one. He said it would put a strain on the fuel pump. I installed one anyway and I do notice a drop of a couple hundred RPM's at full throttle. Maybe they know something we don't but I hate the idea of not having one on my motor.

I have heard that if the puny fuel/water separator under the cowl is bypassed, then Mercury is ok with the aftermarket separator.

I know on my 60, there's a second inline filter right before the high pressure pump. Weird thing is that routine replacement of it isn't mentioned in any of the manufacturer literature.

[BobG]

I'm wondering if placing an electric fuel pump in the line would overcome the reduced flow of the filter.

I bet if we work hard enough on this idea we can get an on-board refinery eventually...

[crspang]

That's why my Mercury dealer told me not to install one. He said it would put a strain on the fuel pump. I installed one anyway and I do notice a drop of a couple hundred RPM's at full throttle. Maybe they know something we don't but I hate the idea of not having one on my motor.

I have heard that if the puny fuel/water separator under the cowl is bypassed, then Mercury is ok with the aftermarket separator.

I know on my 60, there's a second inline filter right before the high pressure pump. Weird thing is that routine replacement of it isn't mentioned in any of the manufacturer literature.

Mine dropped a few thousand rpms. It would start to stall at about 2500rpms. Bypassed the filter and all was well.