When it comes to keeping water from fuel lines in an outboard motor, choosing the right filter is paramount. The outboard engines are not designed to handle large amounts of water. Some of the problems you are likely to encounter when marine water mixes with fuel include clogged carburettors and fuel plugs, algae and bacteria attacks on a fuel tank, corrosion and sludge buildup in a fuel tank. It is the reason investing in quality fuel filters is integral. However, there are numerous fuel filter brands in the market, and choosing the right fit can be tricky. This article highlights critical features to look for in an outboard motor fuel filter.
Multi-Layered Hydrophilic Media — The primary purpose of a robust fuel filter is to separate oil from contaminants, such as water and other solid debris. However, the type of contaminants a filter prevents from reaching a tank depends on the construction of the filtration media. For instance, some fuel filters have a single layer of filtration media typically used in components that do not contact large volumes of water, such as an inboard motor. However, you need a more robust fuel filter with multi-layered hydrophilic media for an outboard motor. The multi-layered filaments in such filters provide a superior barrier for water separation and particle capture, maximising contaminant capacity.
Spin-on Design — Inspecting and changing filter elements on an outboard engine can be tricky and is often accomplished when a boat is docked or out of the water. Notably, you require special tools for the task, especially if you are working on conventional filters. Additionally, the whole process takes a bit of time, and there is always the risk of not tightening the filter correctly once done. Fuel filters with a spin-on design eliminate the problem since you do not need any tools to change filter elements. Instead, you unscrew the filter with your bare hands, replace the filaments and screw it back on, a process that only takes a couple of minutes.
Drain-In Bowl — It is common for boaters to rely on guesswork when removing contaminants from a fuel filter. Unfortunately, it often leads to faster deterioration and replacement of filter filaments. However, fuel filters with a drain bowl are an excellent choice because all contaminants drain, rather than remain, from the filaments. Thus, a drain bowl allows you to remove pollutants in good time, which helps prolong the filament's service life and, consequently, the whole filter.
For more information about marine fuel filters, contact a local supplier.