Do I need a Racor filter ?

[W.W.]

Setting up my new walleye rig for the upper Missouri river reservoirs and Lake of the Woods, Ontario.

Should I add a Racor or similar fuel/water filter ahead of the Suzuki DF200 or will the factory ones on the motor be good enough ?

If I go with an additional fuel/water filter, is there a certain brand that is possible to dis-assemble, clean, and re-install ? I would prefer not to have to carry extra filter canisters with me (but I could) as we usually wilderness camp in Ontario and try to leave as much extra weight off the boat as we can; boat weight adds up in a hurry with food, fuel, camp gear etc........

I've never had problems with fuel/water in the past but I've only had an older carbed motor.

Thanks for the input.

W.W. in Iowa

[Shellback]

Definitely add a Racor and carry spare filters. Pretty cheap insurance against ethanol or a bad tank of fuel.

[ffishman]

If you install one, make sure you follow USCG rules. I was going to install one in the bilge area of my boat, then I found out that is a no-no, because my battery is there. Also, double clamps are necessary.

[Liquid Metal]

I'm not telling you to not install the filter they have their place. I found this web site that shows where non ethanol fuel can be found around the US. It is pure-gas.org. maybe there is one near you!

[MikeF]

If you install one, make sure you follow USCG rules. I was going to install one in the bilge area of my boat, then I found out that is a no-no, because my battery is there. Also, double clamps are necessary.

ffishman

Could you please provide a link with the above information.
Thanks

[ffishman]

There was a discussion on one of the fishing sites. There, I saw the link and read about the USCG rules. But, for the life of me, I cannot find it again. Maybe someone else remembers it, and has the link. I also remember reading about it in "Trailer Boats". If I can find it I will let you know.

[ffishman]

Racor Spin On fuel and water separators feature see-thru contaminant collection bowls with drain valve for outboards and metal bowls for inboard powered boats. Cleaner fuel meets stricter air quality standards including 33 CFR and USCG standards, and means your boat's engine runs stronger and more efficiently.
See-Thru bowls can only be mounted below deck with Outboard Applications. If See-thru bowl is used with an I/O or inboard, the filter must be mounted above deck for USCG approval. Metal bowls can be used for inboard or outboard applications above or below decks.

I just found this, BUT it does not go far enough and explain about "ignition sources", like a spark from a battery, or a bilge pump, etc. Hope this helps.

[Hot Runr Guy]

Here's the Trailer Boats article from Jan 2010: http://www.trailerboats.com/output.c...&sectionid=317

it mentions that the ABYC recommends the dual clamps, not the USCG.

In order to comply with U.S. Coast Guard regulations, see-through acrylic bowls are only permitted below deck with outboard engine applications. If a see-through bowl is used with an I/O or inboard engine application, the filter must be installed above deck. Filter systems with metal bowls can be installed above or below deck regardless of engine type.

American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) guidelines call for two hose clamps at each connection, which requires the use of extra-long barbed hose fittings. Use stainless-steel clamps to prevent corrosion.


HRG

[ffishman]

HRG, I also saw that, but again, it does not go far enough and explain about ignition sources. From the way I read it, if you have your battery or bilge pump, or anything that may cause a spark, you CANNOT mount it near them. Which, does make a bunch of sense. I wanted to mount one, but cannot do it unless I do what you did and mount it in the splash well.

[MikeF]

ffishman and HRG

Thanks

The info clears things up me.

I have a metal Yamaha filter/seperator system in the same area as the battery and all the fuel lines have single clamps.

I have had my boat inspected by the CG Auxillary every year.

There was never any mention of the filter and battery location ( about 12" apart) or the lack of double clamps on the fuel hoses and have recieved the VSC ( Vessel Safety Check) sticker each year.

The CG Aux were most interested in checking the battery terminal coverings or battery box for spark/ignition sources.



To answer the original post question by W.W., yes I would add a fiter/seperator system and carry an extra filter or two in the truck or boat.
I don't see how it could hurt but it could help save a trip or repairs.

Possible fuel restiction ( 250 HPDI with multple in line filters in the motor) was not an isssue as I put in a 90GPH filter.
Smaller GPH filters available.

I was not fond of the acrylic (plastic) filter system possible cracking, so I went with the all metal system.

My thoughts were if the acrylic cracked, where would I find a replacement part in remote areas?

The acrylic system is nice for viewing possible water problems, but in a pinch, I can pump some fuel into a clear container if I suspect large amounts of water in the fuel.