Water Seperator on 2007 Mercury OptiMax

General Boats and Motors
1

The Owners manual says adding filters,valves and fittings may restrict fuel flow and could void warranty. Does this include water seperators?

2

The Merc techs I’ve talked to all recommend having one. I have one on my Opti and no problems. Merc has a reputation for being good about warranty and won’t try to find a reason not to cover a legit issue. If they were bad in this area they would probably be out of business IMO

Ask your dealer for confirmation though

3

the motor should already have a canister style filter with a water sensor in it.
adding a racor style filter shouldnt increase teh vacuum enough to cause any issues, as long as they are kept clean.
if you want to make sure, have the installing shop hook up a fuel vaccum gauge before and after the filter installation, and make sure the reading falls with-in normal vacuum levels

www.teamcharlestonmarine.com
www.joinrfa.org

4
quote:
Originally posted by feather thrower

The Merc techs I’ve talked to all recommend having one. I have one on my Opti and no problems. Merc has a reputation for being good about warranty and won’t try to find a reason not to cover a legit issue. If they were bad in this area they would probably be out of business IMO

Ask your dealer for confirmation though

5
quote:
Originally posted by feather thrower

The Merc techs I’ve talked to all recommend having one. I have one on my Opti and no problems. Merc has a reputation for being good about warranty and won’t try to find a reason not to cover a legit issue. If they were bad in this area they would probably be out of business IMO

Ask your dealer for confirmation though

Thanks, I have one on my Opti also. Have a friend with exact same rig who had fuel pump problems that Cost him $1300.00, just did't want same thing to happen to me !
6

I have a 10 micron on my 225 opti and no problems. It runs like a scalded dog.

Triton 22 LTS
225 Opti

7

I highly recommended adding a water separater. As long as the fitting are the correct size for the fuel hose used you won’t have an issue with restriction. The standard spin on Mercury water seperator will do you just fine.

Like Chris says, there is a spin on filter under the cowl with a water in fuel sensor. Having two water traps decreases the chance of water getting into the fuel system by a factor much greater that just 2. The filter elements are designed not to pass water. However, if they are full of water or plugged they will begin to pass water instead of fuel. Having a second filter catches the water in the time between when the average boater is wondering why the engine isn’t running very well to when they check the filter or take it to the shop.

Iain Pelto
Edgewater 185CC “Jumpin’ Bean II”
Native Manta Ray 14

8

Thanks Guys, I appreciate the help !!