Fuel/water separator

chesapeake724 · #1 12-14-2005, 08:20 PM

This boat is the first I've had with a fuel/water separating filter. I changed the filter and now can't get a prime going. I filled the filter with gas and everything's tight, but still no prime. Everything was working fine before I changed the filter. The filter is higher than the gas tank, so I'm thinking that's why it won't prime. Do I:

a) un-mount the separator, hold it down in the bilge and then prime?
b) turn the engine on (without cranking) to get the fuel pump to help start the flow?
c) disconnect the fuel line at the engine and stick it in a container of fuel?

Thanks in advance for any advice.h

phester · #2 12-14-2005, 08:49 PM

first thing first...if your primer bulb is not new,change it.

#3 12-15-2005, 12:25 AM

Make sure the old O ring came off and the new O ring is the only one there

Seacrets · #4 12-15-2005, 01:25 AM

Check the fuel line disconnect at the motor. You have an air leak someplace. Is the element tight?

chesapeake724 · #5 12-15-2005, 02:06 AM

Primer bulb isn't new, but it was fine when I took off the old element.

Old O ring is on the old filter, which I'm keeping as a backup.

I was trying to avoid disconnecting at the motor, but I guess I have to. It just means I have to get the hair dryer out to warm up the hose to get it back on. I agree that the primer can't do it's job if there's an air leak, but I'm baffled that everything worked perfect before I changed the element.

I'll keep working on it...

willy · #6 12-15-2005, 02:23 AM

Ches I would think you have a leak at the bulb not the tank, mine is above the tank too and never did that when I changed the filter. The other thing I would do is take the engine fitting off the end of the fuel house and then try to prime with a wide open hose end. You could of dislodged some crap from the fuel line which is blocking the fitting from opening

Franco · #7 12-15-2005, 04:36 PM

I COULDN'T GET MINE TO PICK UP FUEL ONCE - THE SIPHON TUBE IN THE TANK CAME LOOSE FROM THE FITTING AND FELL TO THE BOTTOM OF THE TANK - HAD TO REPLACE THE PICKUP TUBE - COST ABOUT $25

Seacrets · #8 12-15-2005, 06:06 PM

Think what you just said. Get out the hair dryer to warm up a fuel hose. How's your insurance?

TheTinMan · #9 12-16-2005, 10:26 AM

What's the primer bulb doing when you squeeze it? If it's not getting hard (hate it when that happens) you are sucking air somewhere. Make sure the new element is installed correctly (tight) since that is the only thing you changed.

Check fuel lines for dry rot.

Airslot · #10 12-16-2005, 12:44 PM

Make sure that you are holding the primer vertically. May take more than a few squeezes as they don't move much fuel per squeeze.

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