Water-separating fuel filter

Reading the owner’s manual on a new Suzuki 70 horse EFI 4 Stroke, quote, “Suzuki recommends that you install a water-separating fuel filter assembly between your boat’s fuel tank and outboard motor.” Also, quote, “Water contamination can cause poor engine performance and can also cause damage to the electronic fuel injection system.” I called my dealer, the guy in the service department wasn’t familiar with the notion. After putting me on hold he came back and said, “It wasn’t really necessary (this engine has a regular fuel filter), they didn’t have one in stock, but could order one if I want.” It obviously isn’t a biggy as far as my dealer is concerned, what do you all think?

With todays gas that we are sold, I would think that it is good insurance. I know of a few that have put them on after having gas troubles. I have had in the past some trouble myself, two years ago I went to 100% gasoline / no ethylenl additives. And my Mercury has been running great! I know of a buddy that had a Suzuki that burned it up with water in his gas. He now has a separtor on his boat……..

I would recommend one.

I wasn’t going to ask the question..because I didn’t want to “dilute” this thread…but I can’t help myself at times.

I know that we have a controversy over the ethenol in gas…but..it’s alcohal and alcohal suspends the water in the gas and it’s carried into the combustion chamber and burned. Wouldn’t that take care of any water in the gas?

Is it still true that the alcohal eats away at diaphrams ect?

The other thing about gas that I’m still trying to figure out is, why so many people put premium gas in there tanks when the manufacturer recommend regular. (hmm, I’m getting flashbacks…is this an old post?)

My daughter always put premium in her snowmobil. I tell her it must be nice to able to throw away money…she loves that!

Almost forgot…the regular fuel filters that come with the motors don’t stop liquid contaminates. (at least the filters that I’ve seen)

Ive always been told that ethanol gas like the kind Holiday stores sell will condense and produce water when it sits in the tank. I know of two cases where people had this problem and it fouled their motors.

My manual for my 2003 Suzuki states to use regular gas with a minimum octane level of 87. But the dealer said two stroke motors burn hot and to use 90 octane. I ran 90 in my Yamaha and it ran much better on 90 than it did on 87.

Ive also seen a huge difference in performance and gas mileage when using non-oxygenated gas.

Yes Derek, with my mercury I saw a huge difference in performance and gas mileage when using non-oxygenated gas. It is 20 cents a gallion more…..but I think it’s well worth it.

I always try to fill up in Wahkon. Its the only place where I can find it up there. Where do you get yours?

Westerlund’s Citgo in Malmo has a pump. I think it’s 97 octane?

The Cenex in Isle has 3-4 pumps of non-oxy. (Across from Pat’s – the old Ozzy’s)

I use regular 87 oxy or the cheapest available. I have seen no difference in performance. I use the non-oxy at the end of the season prior to storage, but that’s about it!

J.