Accessory fuel filter question

[Vance in AK]

I'm installing an inline cartridge type fuel filter/water separator on my 20' Koffler lite sled with 2004 Yamaha 50hp 4 stroke. I use portable tanks.
My question is, do I install the fuel filter between the tank & priming bulb, or between priming bulb & engine?

[boscoe99]

I don't think that it really matters. Some will disagree.

Both configurations are in use with no problems being reported.

With the primer ball between the fuel tank and the filter I find it much easier to refill the filter following a filter element change. The primer ball pushes fuel much better than it draws fuel.

[southpac]

I think Boscoe has it right! Bolt the filter assembly to the boat, line in to the filter from bulb (convenient length of fuel hose) and the line out of filter to engine. In line filter is a must imho. I won't go to sea without one. Armoured/reinforced fuel line is good.

[Vance in AK]

Thanks for the input guys. From the replies I got here & on another site it seems that it's split about 50/50 & no one on either side has had problems due to where the filter is in relation to the priming bulb. I will just figure the simplest on my boat & go from there.

Thanks again!

[WhalerGirl]

as close to engine as safely possible

My fuel tank is mid-ship with the fuel line running aft to the starboard mounted Racor filter, as close to the stern as I could get it. I only then have a short distance of hose, including primer bulb, to the engine.

My thought, reasonable or not, is I want the fuel to travel through as much hose as possible so the filter can catch anything in that long run. I wonder, what if there was some degradation on the inside of the fuel line? It can happen. If you monitor your filter, you may see debris, and change your cartridge to see if it dirties up quickly, but if not....

It's just my anal thinking...

[boscoe99]

My fuel tank is mid-ship with the fuel line running aft to the starboard mounted Racor filter, as close to the stern as I could get it. I only then have a short distance of hose, including primer bulb, to the engine.

My thought, reasonable or not, is I want the fuel to travel through as much hose as possible so the filter can catch anything in that long run. I wonder, what if there was some degradation on the inside of the fuel line? It can happen. If you monitor your filter, you may see debris, and change your cartridge to see if it dirties up quickly, but if not....

It's just my anal thinking...

The primary fuel filter should capture any debris from fuel line degradation.