Don't Forget the Fuel Filters!

[Wizard29]

So how many of you focus on oil changes in your boat (or any other vehicle) as main maintenance item but neglect the fuel filter(s)?

I know I do.

I've changed the oil in the big boat two or three times since I've owned it but hadn't touched the fuel filters until today. I finally thought it would be a good idea to replace them. They are the WIX spin-on type filters, basically the same design as most oil filters.

The previous owner must have given the same amount of attention to the fuel filters as I have because when I took them off, the outer diameter (outside of the o-ring) was caked in with rust. Fortunately this was on the outside of the fuel system, but I have to think eventually it would be possible for that rust to creep inside the o-ring and cause leaking or other problems.

The filters were on there so long they actually started to rust. So now they are replaced, but that was a good reminder to pay attention to the fuel filters on all vehicles a little bit more as part of the regular maintenance activities.

 

[4Waters]

Nope, I don't forget the fuel filter. It's on the list this year

 

[Desert Whaler]

Trip out on this out . . . my little Yamaha 70 4-stroke OB has 7 fuel filters. (6 are factory)
Racor water separating filter between the tank & outboard. ( I installed)
Then a factory water separating filter under the cowling. (has a sensor / alarm that detects water)
Past that is another factory small inline cartridge filter.
And before each of the 4 injectors is a tiny little one.

I guess Yamaha wants clean fuel in their motors. Jeesh.
I change the first 3 every 100 hours regardless . . . overkill I know.

 

[Backlash]

Trip out on this out . . . my little Yamaha 70 4-stroke OB has 7 fuel filters. (6 are factory)
Racor water separating filter between the tank & outboard. ( I installed)
Then a factory water separating filter under the cowling. (has a sensor / alarm that detects water)
Past that is another factory small inline cartridge filter.
And before each of the 4 injectors is a tiny little one.

I guess Yamaha wants clean fuel in their motors. Jeesh.
I change the first 3 every 100 hours regardless . . . overkill I know.

Reliability!

 

[Nanu/Nanu]

I change mine with every service. But i only have 1, not 7

 

[CarolynandBob]

Every other year

 

[Havasu blue label]

Yes sir broke down yesterday fuel filter

 

[Runs2rch]

Yes sir broke down yesterday fuel filter

Keep a spare in the boat, but also the filter material traps most of the water/moisture.

So in a pinch you can unspin, dump it and reinstall. You will get back to the ramp that way.

 

[Runs2rch]

So how many of you focus on oil changes in your boat (or any other vehicle) as main maintenance item but neglect the fuel filter(s)?

I know I do.

I've changed the oil in the big boat two or three times since I've owned it but hadn't touched the fuel filters until today. I finally thought it would be a good idea to replace them. They are the WIX spin-on type filters, basically the same design as most oil filters.

The previous owner must have given the same amount of attention to the fuel filters as I have because when I took them off, the outer diameter (outside of the o-ring) was caked in with rust. Fortunately this was on the outside of the fuel system, but I have to think eventually it would be possible for that rust to creep inside the o-ring and cause leaking or other problems.

The filters were on there so long they actually started to rust. So now they are replaced, but that was a good reminder to pay attention to the fuel filters on all vehicles a little bit more as part of the regular maintenance activities.

The Wix spin on fuel filter quality has gone down. 33226 spin on is what you are using I'm guessing? You will have surface rust even only using a season. The Sierra filter quality is shockingly better.

 

[Havaduner]

Change it every service on the boat. Every oil change on the Duramax.

 

[K-DOG]

Also change both every service on my Yamaha outboard. Have one on the motor and another fuel/water separator.

 

[Wizard29]

The Wix spin on fuel filter quality has gone down. 33226 spin on is what you are using I'm guessing? You will have surface rust even only using a season. The Sierra filter quality is shockingly better.

It uses two of the 33405 filters. WIX has always worked well for me, but maybe they are saving money on filter paint these days? I'll have to see how these look a year from now. If there's rust, I'll be really surprised. Where the boat is kept is a very dry environment.

 

[LazyLavey]

Oil, Fuel (water separating), Wtr Pump every year don't matter how many hours

Drive lube, 2-3 years

 

[Fastdadtsmith]

Drive lube, 2-3 years

Am I reading this correct, you change your drive oil every two to three years? You need to use your bote more often!

 

[LazyLavey]

Am I reading this correct, you change your drive oil every two to three years? You need to use your bote more often!

I agree......

mainly due to a bad experience with my drive after a local shop rebuilt it... I'm gun-shy ever since....

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

The Wix spin on fuel filter quality has gone down. 33226 spin on is what you are using I'm guessing? You will have surface rust even only using a season. The Sierra filter quality is shockingly better.

That is what I use on both boats. No rust issue for me yet. Will report back on the jet boat next week.. it sat outside over the winter.

The Cobra’s looked great. It also has a another Wix 33033 fuel filter upstream. I change both annually.

 

[Runs2rch]

That is what I use on both boats. No rust issue for me yet. Will report back on the jet boat next week.. it sat outside over the winter.

The Cobra’s looked great. It also has a another Wix 33033 fuel filter upstream. I change both annually.

Just did ours. One no rust, one with rust on the cover plate under the sealing ring.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Just did ours. One no rust, one with rust on the cover plate under the sealing ring.

The jet boat’s filter should be interesting then. It’s under a cover with a tarp over it and there is a big tub of Damp Rid in the boat. I stuck my head in there Friday and it all looks great. I didn’t open the engine hatch yet though.

 

[Luvnlife]

Every other year

I’m the same. And BTW mine always have a little rust on top.

 

[Ziggy]

Once we all have E-Boats we can forget about them damn fuel filters.
Usually after (X) amount of running hours/gals used I do the fuel filter.

 

[Justsomeguy]

I do mine every year with the rest of the boat service.

Duramax lift pump filters every other oil change. Primary factory filter about every 6 to 8 months.

 

[Nanu/Nanu]

Keep a spare in the boat, but also the filter material traps most of the water/moisture.

So in a pinch you can unspin, dump it and reinstall. You will get back to the ramp that way.

How dare you! Haha... As if i cant be accused.

 

[ChrisV]

Every season for fuel filters and drive oil I change every trip.

 

[Orange Juice]

Break/Fix.

 

[DLC]

I’ve got a 2017 boat 79 hrs & we call it quality boating, Not quantity boating

changed the impeller every other year, fuel oil & PS and any other filter every year!

Run high test Non ethanol fuel from Cambel‘s, it’s in pristine condition!