Embarrassed to ask this

R

rockyrr

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Joined
May 5, 2007
RO Number
26166
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Three years ago we had problems with out Yamaha 150 4 stroke that was diagnosed at the time as a fuel problem due to using ethanol gas. The mechanic recommended and installed a water separator that was supposed to eliminate this problem. The same/similar problem occurred this past weekend. We have never touched the separator since it was installed. Could it be that we should be taking this separator off and checking it for water and that's the problem?

Thanks
 
Get a new separator. They should be changed yearly.
 
quote:
Originally posted by CurrentSea

Get a new separator. They should be changed yearly.

Click to expand...


Agree, however the OP did not mention if the problem went away immediately after the FWS was installed. If not, there are other problems to be addressed.

If so, I would recommend Sta-bil in the fuel. I don' t know if MMO is recommended for outboards. I use it regularly in my 6.2's.
 
Do not be embarrassed to ask questions, that is why we are all here. Google "Ethanol Phase Separation". Once you understand that process, understand that once it separates no filter will protect you because it can and will be overwhelmed. You then have "bad gas". When you fill up, try to get fuel without ethanol if you can. Barring that, use a stabilizer such as Sta Bil Marine or Startron. Try not to let your fuel set too long between uses without proper stabilizing. Finally change your filter at least once a year. I change mine every 50 hours of operation.

Personally, I pay the extra that marina gas without ethanol costs. If I do have to use ethanol fuel, I throw in a good dose of marine Sta Bil right when I fill up so it mixes well.
 
Like others have said there should be no embarrassing questions here. You might have phase seperation and the seperator needs to be periodically replaced.
However you could be chasing your tail if you have a bad batch of Ethanol.
I hate the stuff but there is no way around it where I boat.
Bill
 
I agree, start with the filter/separator and also the secondary filter mounted on the engine.

If that doesn't fix it, describe the problem and symptoms. I m not familiar with this specific engine but I had a similar issue on our tender yam 50 4 strokes few months ago, solved by cleaning the carbs. It was pretty easy. Buy the service manual, worth having whenever you need to work on it
 
just change the seperator, im almost sure thats your problem...easy fix that you can do yourself and it should be changed regardless.
 
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