External Fuel Filter on 250 HPDI - The Hull Truth

captritter · 02-06-2006, 07:46 PM

Guys my fuel/water separater alarm goes off way too much and I can not find(or my mechanic) where or how the water gets in the tank. I have heard the HPDI's do not like external fuel filters. If you guys are using an external filter on a 250 HPDI please let me know what kind, size etc. Any comments would be appreciated...

Shin-Dig · 02-06-2006, 08:31 PM

Does the fule filter have water in it. If it does, then the filter is not your problem.

pirate36 · 02-06-2006, 10:36 PM

I agree. Sounds to me like the filter is working properly and there is water intrusion somewhere. I haven't had any problems with running inline Racor filters and the Yamaha fuel filters under the cowling. Can't speak directly to the 250 HPDI's, though.

captritter · 02-07-2006, 09:46 PM

I realize the filter is not the problem and we are clueless how the water is getting in the tank. I have heard HPDI's have issues w/ external filters and wondered what exp. if any you guys had...

jwbryce · 02-07-2006, 10:52 PM

I run an external filter/seperator and haven't had any problems with it. Cant remember model number, but basic setup with clear bowl on bottom.

Whiteowl · 02-07-2006, 11:01 PM

I thought Yam required a racor or something similar. I don't know anyone with a 250 but I know several with the HPDI 200s and they all have racors.

Tsunami, did you have racors on your 300s?

jimfishman · 02-09-2006, 07:53 AM

The HPDI does NOT have a problem with external filters. Indeed, they virtually DEMAND them!! Yamaha now has a 10 micron water separator/fuel filter that fits the Mercury / Yamaha filter head. USE IT!! Yamaha came up with this filter primarily for the HPDI fuel systems, I am told. An alternative in your situation WOULD be a fine filter RACOR unit that would allow you to check and actually SEE water accumulating. Your issues are not associated with the HPDI. You have fuel contamination problems. Could be: 1) Contaminated fuel (happens far more often than you could believe); 2) Tank condensation; 3) Water infiltrating into the fuel system thru fuel cap defect, tank leak, hose filler opening (leak), etc.

Elusive · 02-09-2006, 08:17 AM

jimfishman is on target. The F/W sep is doing its job. It's keeping water from getting to your motor & the alarm is telling you that water is in the bowl. I have the same issue and believe that the water came from contaminated gas. I bought the clear bowls for the Racors (from SIM) so I can monitor the situation more closely. I hope to have the water pumped out in the Spring.

The point is, you must get rid of the water that is in the tank, and eliminate the source if possible. The filter is not the problem.

seahorse · 02-09-2006, 08:27 AM

If you are getting water into the fuel tank and you know the fuel added is clean and the gas cap o-ring seals well, then check the vent fitting on the side of the hull. Many times it is hit by spray and if there is insufficient "loop" in the vent line, then water can get "sucked in". A large clamshell fitted over the top of the vent can be used to deflect the spray.

Contender23 · 02-09-2006, 08:32 AM

A couple of years ago I had the exact problem that the above poster mentions. We spent weeks and many mechanics on the boat trying to figure out where the water came from. Changed all the filters, heat exchangers, had the tanks cleaned, and several other things and finally figured out by a friend that all that was happening was that water was getting into the tank via the overfill vent on the side of the hull. Turned it the right direction, tightened the fitting and never had another problem.

Maybe this will help. By the way, I had an external fuel filter on my 250HPDI. It came factory from contender.

Fred

bbogue · 02-09-2006, 10:01 AM

I had water problems with my 03 250HPDI when it was new. A long, very slow trip from 30 miles down the coast due to the rev's being limited when the alarm went off. It turned out the canister (non-Racor) fuel filter on the boat was full and when this happened it by-passed to the engine, which then became full. I switched to a Racor and drain it after every outing. I also re-oriented my fuel vent hose upward, replaced the o-ring on the fuel cap and am careful not to over-tighten the fuel cap in order not to bulge the o-ring. Here's the link to the boat filter I use. Good prices too. I change it every 100-200 hours.

http://www.marinefilters.com/product...number=WB32013

Bill

saltyreels · 02-09-2006, 08:23 PM

I bought a 23 Palmetto with a 300 HPDI and for the first 6 months I got water in my fuel every time I fished when there was a little chop on the water, the fuel filter and water seperator that come on these engines do a good job, after 6 months of this I discovered that my hose coming from the gas tank vent on the side of the boat came through the hull and turned 90 degrees straight down and all that water that hit the vent went into the tank, I purchased a short piece of hose and made the hose turn straight up and then go down to the tank and I have not had a water problem since. The Racor with the glass bowl on the bottom is a good thing because you can look to see if you have any water with out taking the hood off of the motor, believe me if you get water in the water seperator under the hood it will let you know. GOOD LUCK