Fuel Filter Water Seperator

[daverichards]

A subject which comes up on Rhibs FB is the subject of fuel filters and multi tank applications. I may be making a giant assumption here but this post may be of more use to the Rib owners than the sib and F-rib owners but anyone using multiple tanks may find this useful.
I have long been concerned about the risk of fuel contamination and whilst dirt is less of a problem these days with the widespread move to plastic tanks there is still a problem with condensation forming whilst tanks are in storage. On a recent trip to the USA I saw a set up on a commercial boat which apparently is a Coastguard requirement so installed the same on my boat.

The filter assembly is a Qwick View 10 micron fuel filter from Specialist Small Craft and has either the metal head unit or the cheaper option of a composite head which has the added advantage of no corrosion issues. This unit has a visible float which enables you to see any water in the system at a glance and the option of a drain off valve. There are two inlet points and two exit points and as I run two tanks I have fitted two SS ball valves to the inlets to these are added new Lloyds spec fuel line to the tanks using new all SS jubilee clips. One exit port is blanked off with the blanking plug supplied with the filter, the fuel line to the engine with the priming bulb is attached to the other exit point (again the barbed conecters are supplied). The filter should be positioned so that a suitable cup can be placed under it when draining off, in my case there wasn't room on the transom so it is fitted to the back of the bench seat.

The end result is a neat instal that enables me to switch tanks on the move without the risk of spills and the added benefit of being able to isolate the engine in event of a fire.

The valves are available from most agricultural machinery supliers or hydraulic pipe makers.

I hope this is of value to people ...safe seas

[mattswan2512]

I e looked at these as my boat does not have one but my current setup is to brim the tank almost leaving room for vapour and expansion etc. Only option at this point for me i feel.

[daverichards]

Should be plenty of room on the Quicksilver to fit one and only takes about an hour to fit. If your exsisting hose is in good order you dont need to replace. I replaced mine as one was in poor nick and the hose was cheap as the place I got it from over-ordered and it was something they got in for one job. For peace of mind and a safety cut off it not dear at well under £100

[Paul]

Nice post Dave .......Matt this was the type of filter I was talking about...the secondary feed can be used for a auxiliary OB if you don't want extra fuel tanks taking up space/rolling around

Paul

[mattswan2512]

Yeah defo something to think on for sure and a simple case of clip together by the looks of it!!!

[chris moody]

Well worth having as water in your fuel can seriously damage your outboard

[daverichards]

Yeah defo something to think on for sure and a simple case of clip together by the looks of it!!!

The filter is on a screw thread as are the in and outlets but the head unit comes with the barb hose conectors so all you need is the screws or bolts to mount it and the jubilee clip plus some PTFE Tape

[mattswan2512]

Okay.....sounds like a sensible thing to do. Whats the costs of the kits roughly and are their specific kits i should avoid or look to?

[daverichards]

Okay.....sounds like a sensible thing to do. Whats the costs of the kits roughly and are their specific kits i should avoid or look to?

All their gear is quality...it's just a matter of choice...the top spec kit as fitted to mine is £75 it may work out cheaper for the composite head but doesn't seem to come as a kit..I didn't use their valves as they are bulkier and brass against the SS ones I used but I did have to get conversion conectors because the tread types were different...the web site for Specialised Small Craft is http://www.specialistsmallcraft.co.uk/c ... nts?page=1