Fuel Filter help for newbie

[skimac420]

I have recently bought a 1991 Sunbird Neptune Center console with a 115 evinrude (same year) motor. The engine runs ok but am trying to learn how do some preventative maintenance myself.

I would assume but am not sure whether or not there is a fuel filter. Any help anyone can give me so that may be able to locate it and change it would be helpful.

Also, any other pointers on items to check/replace to help a newbie boat owner would be very appreciated.

[40cr]

While on land, go through each and every componant. Poke your nose into every area of the boat. Learn it, find the why's, how's and where's. Make a log of model numbers, serial numbers, sizes and volumes. Get intamate with the boat. Reach down into the bowels. Might sound funny.......but your going to have to on the water sometime.
While doing that, take detailed pictures too. All to often I refer back to pictures to see how somthing is supposed to be.
To answer your question, start at the fuel tank and work forward by flow, inspecting the lines along the way.
I've had my boat for 2 years, has yet to go to the shop........although that day will come.

[blmyachtsales]

Plugs, water pump (remove the lower unit), thermostats (think they are low on the back of the motor), You may not have an external fuel filte/water seperator but install one. Do a compression check now so you have a base line (think those had kinda low compression to start like 100psi, consistancy is more important than spot on high compression you want +- 10%) have fun

[skimac420]

i really appreciate the help. I have tried to look and peek everywhere I can...as you can imagine on a boat of this size, access is very limited....

I can see the metal gas tank under the back deck but only through a 6" round plate...peeking in there is very tough and I cannot see a fuel filter...at least not one I could ever get to.

I was curious if all boats had them or not, so it sounds like it depends on the boat...any help or instruction on getting a fuel filter put in would be appreciated.

Also, quite a bit of hesitation is present at startup and spits and sputters after starting. Now I know this is probably impossible to diagnose online but would Seafoam be a good starting point to clean out the carbs?

[kchace]

skimac420 - 8/20/2008 9:06 AM

i really appreciate the help. I have tried to look and peek everywhere I can...as you can imagine on a boat of this size, access is very limited....

I can see the metal gas tank under the back deck but only through a 6" round plate...peeking in there is very tough and I cannot see a fuel filter...at least not one I could ever get to.

I was curious if all boats had them or not, so it sounds like it depends on the boat...any help or instruction on getting a fuel filter put in would be appreciated.

Also, quite a bit of hesitation is present at startup and spits and sputters after starting. Now I know this is probably impossible to diagnose online but would Seafoam be a good starting point to clean out the carbs?

Its normal for access to be limited, on many boats you have to be a contortionist to get at some things.

The round access plate to the tank is typical and is only there so one can access/check the tank fittings. Removing the tank on many boats involves cutting up the floor.

If the tank has any filter at all, it will only be a mesh screen on the intake tube inside the tank. Unless you have a specific reason, you should not disturb it as things may be frozen together.

The motor will likely have a small filter on a fuel line under the cover. Most boats of your size and vintage did not come with external in-line filters. However, in this age of questionable fuel its a good idea to add one. I highly suggest a Racor filter with a clear bottom bowl and drain fitting. They're easy to install usually in the fuel line just before the primer bulb.

Those motors are pretty reliable, but its not at all uncommon for them to behave as you describe when they're first started. As long as it settles down and runs reasonably within a minute or so, then its probably fine. If you haven't checked or changed the plugs you probably should. Plugs can be a source of poor starting if they're carboned up.

Seafoam is a great starting point to help perform a little fuel system cleaning.

Ken