Fuel/water separator

chesapeake724

chesapeake724

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

Lance
 
Chesapeake, my separator is at approx same level as tanks...haven't had your prob when emptying or replacing....are you SURE you got the right unit for the base you're screwing onto??...you mentioned the O-Ring, recheck it and make sure new filter itself it not leaking...anything's possible in terms of poor quality these days... ::)...
 
Make sure you got the right filter, and that it fits right!!

When I replace mine I pump for what seems for ever!! You have a long way to go with just a small amount moving with each pump of the ball.

What I have done in the past is spry staring fluid in the carbs while some one starts the engin. All the time pumping the ball, The motor will suck the fuel up real fast for you!!

Just it is not a freat idea to use to much starter fluid cause it will wash all the oil from the cylinders! So becareful.

Another way a friend of mine does it is he puts a drill pump on the line, when he gets fuel he pinches the line and connects it fast. Then pumps from there.
Sounds like alot, but you have to move the fuel a long way!

So make sure all is right, and pump away!

Good Luck
 
Turned out to be user-error. I just didn't pump enough, even though it seemed like plenty. On top of the average amount of fuel line, I have more than usual because my fuel flow meter requires a vertical section, so I have a loop that adds to the length. Pumps fine through the separator now. Unfortunately, the motor is now broke down. More on that, later. :(
 
i know what you went throught i changed my filter and had to pump and pump i thought it wasnt working but finally it got hard it just takes a long time
whats up with the motor?
 
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