Need to Prime Replacement Fuel/Water Separator?

JTaylor

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As part of the boat prep for the new season I will be replacing the 10 micron fuel/water separator (Yamaha blue canister).  Do I need to fill the new one with gas before I put it on?  My internet research on this is mixed -- some say to do it, while others say the normal course of starting/running the engine will fill it up and everything will be fine. I ordered the filter online and it hasn't come in yet, so I don't know if there are any instructions on there that state either way of doing it.

What experience does anyone here have with this?  Will I be able to just replace the filter without the hassle of filling it with gas beforehand?  
 
I fill mine with gas when I replace it. I'm not sure if I don't need to do that, because I never have not.
 
I'm changing mine in a few days, had the exact same question, I am going to try to put gas in it first but that's going to be hard as its mounted in the back of a changing room. Hate to spill/smell gas. Will eat popcorn while a few gives us the right answer.
 
I do mine every fall.
 
I have not changed mine yet but the service guy at the dealer where I bought my boat specifically told me to ensure I put gas in the new fuel/water seperator before I put the new one on.  He told me if I do not, I will have a very difficult time starting the engine.  Bottom line is I will be putting gas in mine when I change it.
 
If you have a primer bulb on the fuel line just squeeze away after you install the new filter. And also make sure you lube the seal on the new filter.
 
I like once a year. Yamaha says every 50 hours. I lean back towards once a year (I am six months late) due to the fact of condensation in the fuel cell (big temperature swings)

just saying 
 
If you have a primer bulb on the fuel line just squeeze away after you install the new filter. And also make sure you lube the seal on the new filter.

Exactly what I was going to post.  Not sure why in the heck you would need to fill it with gas before installing it.  Even if you don't have a primer bulb.....when you turn the key (before turning it further to actually start the engine) the electronic fuel injection (EFI) should fill that.
 
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I don't think the fuel pump will run with the key on. You have to be cranking or the motor must be running. But it should fill up either way.
 
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Thanks for all the input.  The shop that services our cluster of 3 marinas forgot to change the filter from my order sheet last fall, so I'm just taking care of it myself.  Their main outboard mechanic suggested I dump out the current filter contents into a bucket/jar, put the old one back on (he didn't mention what to do about filling it), take the boat for a run in case there is some water in the gas from sitting there over the winter, then remove the old filter for good and put the new one on. 

I hadn't seen that technique mentioned in any of my research.
 
I usually pull my fuel/water separator after the first couple of outings on the water and dump the contents into a jar. I let it sit and separate out just to see what's there. It gives me a good indication how much (if any) water is in my system. Then refill the separator with gas and put it back on. Mine is on the transom in front of the motor, so it is very easy to access and any spilled gas can be wiped up very easily with no risk of getting gas on upholstery or flooring. So that may be different that others' situations. When it's simple, I do it religiously. When it's difficult, I think about doing it religiously...but usually just at service intervals or at winterization.
 
Cut to the chase.......The fiter is a cheap investment....Change it annually..... I always run Sea Faom in my fuel for the many many benefits that if offers.... I  recomend you do as well. Check your motor mfg and they often recomend it to help with the side affects of Ethanol.

At the end of the season... I pinch off my fuel line between the filter and motor to run all the fuel out. Gasoline can turn to varnish is just a few months so it keeps any fuel in the engine from turning to varnish an plugging up some little orfice.   Kudos on the primer bulb...thats how I do it....

 Just my 2cents worth :)
 
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