Annual inspections on your fuel systems can ensure proper operation in time for the new boating season. Below are some quick tips and walkthroughs surrounding fuel stabilizers and fuel filters, both for inboard and outboard engines.
Fuel Stabilizers
Fuel stabilizers can help prevent issues caused by bad fuel. Many additives can also increase performance, improve cold starting, and increase fuel efficiency. In very cold climates, using a winter formula can also help prevent fuel from gelling. When applying, make sure to follow the instructions on the additive container.
For diesel engines we recommend Stanadyne Diesel Fuel Additive Performance Formula.
For gas powered engines, we recommend using Yamalube Fuel Stabilizer and Conditioner. In addition, we recommend fueling your boat with ethanol free gasoline. If ethanol cannot be avoided, use an additive to help prevent any problems caused by ethanol gasoline.
Inboard Fuel Filters
Replace the primary and secondary fuel filters every 200 hours, or annually. Before you begin, make sure engine display and battery switches are switched off.
Locate the primary filter locate it in the engine bay:
Place a container under the filter housing.
Drain the filter housing by unscrewing the drain located on the bottom center of the housing using a metric 14mm wrench.
Unscrew the filter housing cap by turning the T-handle counterclockwise.
Life the filter cartridge out.
Install the new filter cartridge and O-rings.
Reinstall the filter housing cap.
Locate the secondary filter in the engine bay:
Disconnect water in fuel sensor connection.
Spin off the secondary fuel filter and remove using the metric 14mm wrench.
Empty the contents of the filter
After the fuel is drained, remove the water in the fuel sensor from the filter (make sure the gasket remains with the water in the fuel sensor).
Install the sensor and gasket on the new fuel filter, being careful not to overtighten.
Reinstall the fuel filter on the engine.
Reconnect the water in the fuel sensor to the connector.
Priming the inboard fuel filters:
Loosen the bleeder nipple using a metric 11mm wrench.
Place a container under the nipple to collect excess fuel.
Pump the black bleeder knob on top of the filter housing.
Once the fuel is consistently coming out of the bleeder nipple, close the nipple by tightening it.
Continue to pump the black bleeder knob until the system is pressurized.
Outboard Fuel Filters
Replace the primary filter every 50 hours and the secondary every 100 hours, or annually otherwise.
Locate the primary filter in the center hatch:
Use the fuel filter wrench to unscrew the primary fuel filter.
Drain the filter by emptying the fuel into a clean container.
Spin on the new filter and rescrew.
Prime the new fuel system by using the side-mounted fuel bulb.
Locate the secondary filter on the engine:
Remove the filter housing by unscrewing the two top bolts
Unclip the sensor connector
Use a specialty wrench filter to help unscrew the filter to avoid damaging the filter housing.
