How To Clean Fuel Line In Sea Doo

What is ethanol and why is information technology and so bad for marine engines?

Fuel Ethanol has been added to the majority of today's fuel supply every bit an oxygenate to help reduce emissions. It'south also used to extend domestic fuel supplies.

Ethanol is booze, and alcohol is "hygroscopic," which means it attracts h2o molecules. Since nearly all gunkhole fuel tanks are vented to the atmosphere, h2o can (and will) collect in your fuel. When the concentration of water molecules in your fuel tank reaches merely 1⁄2 of i%, the water molecules volition bond with the booze and sink to the bottom, where your fuel pick upwards is. Depending on the amount of water ingested into your outboard, this can result in everything from running problems to catastrophic impairment.

Ethanol, existence alcohol, is also a powerful solvent that tin can loosen debris in your fuel tank and all the tanks and lines it was in before it got to you. One time in your outboard, this debris tin cause everything from running issues to a no-get-go, no-run status. That's no fun.

Capt. George Mitchell on the importance of ethanol defense

What can I do to protect myself from the potentially dissentious effects of ethanol?

Fortunately, there are elementary procedures that can assist, but it's important that you do your function. This is one part of maintenance you must proactively exercise for yourself.

1.Install a 10-micron fuel/water separating filter in the fuel line betwixt your fuel tank and your outboard. Information technology filters the gas and allows any h2o (which is heavier than gas) to safely sink to the bottom of the filter and out of the fuel. Yamaha'south spin-on ten-micron filter traps impurities down to 10 microns in size (1/20th of the diameter of a man pilus), to keep your fuel clean, and has an extra-big h2o-retention area. And since information technology's a spin-on, information technology'southward very easy to supersede.

Tip: Advisedly filling a new replacement filter about 3⁄4 full with fresh, stabilized fuel before installation volition make priming the fuel organisation afterward much quicker and easier.

Tip: Employ a thin film of clean engine oil to the gasket when installing the filter. That will make information technology much easier to remove when it'south time.

2. Add fuel stabilizer and conditioner to every tank of fuel. Make sure to add a quality, marine-specific non-booze-based formula, like Yamalube^® Fuel Stabilizer & Conditioner PLUS. These formulations are specifically designed to work effectively in the moisture-rich environments mutual to boats. And don't believe some of the claims you see today; no matter what you add to bad gas, it's still bad gas. No additive volition restore dried fuel, remove h2o, or cure ethanol-related issues.

Tip: Today's gasoline tin begin to break downward in a affair of weeks, non months. Brand certain to treat every tank of fuel, non just for extended storage. It's inexpensive protection against a earth of hurt.

3. Add Band Complimentary PLUS internal engine cleaner to every tank of fuel. The cleansing additives in the bulk of today'south gas are a great starting time, simply they're formulated for automobiles, then they may not work besides on your outboard. Do them one amend. Ring Free PLUS makes operation-robbing carbon chemically unable to stick to internal engine components. The "PLUS" is a proprietary blend of constructed anti-corrosion additives that helps protect the "yellow metals" in your fuel system (copper, brass and argent solder) from corrosion. These are key components to proper fuel arrangement operation. This helps maintain their performance and reliability. Ring Free PLUS as well cleans gums and deposits off of internal engine and fuel system components.

four. Buy your gas where they sell a lot of it. The goal is to keep your boat'southward fuel fresh and potent at all times. Why buy gas that'due south already been sitting around untreated? Buy the freshest fuel yous can discover, and at fill up, treat each tank with Yamalube Fuel Stabilizer & Conditioner PLUS and Ring Free PLUS. Add together these earlier adding the fuel so they mix up well. It's an piece of cake, proactive and protective habit to get into.

Are there any other fuel filters, and where are they located?

Your Yamaha outboard has a system of fuel filters on the engine, every bit well. Information technology's of import to know the location of these filters and to clean or supervene upon them at the recommended intervals. You tin can find this information in your service manual or through your authorized Yamaha Marine dealer. As an case, here's a general guide using a modern Yamaha fuel-injected four stroke.

ane. Primary On-Engine Filter. This is typically on the front, side, or rear of the powerhead, and is usually made of plastic you lot can see through. It filters fuel coming into the outboard. This "chief" filter usually features a small-scale water trap at the bottom of the cup. This is the commencement filter afterward the 10-micron filter; and then if there's h2o in hither, information technology's time to change your 10-micron. On Yamaha outboards, there may be a red ring visible within this filter. Don't e'er remove it. If it's floating, you've got water in this filter's trap. Time for a modify.

2. Vapor Separator Tank (VST) Filter. Attached to the electric fuel pump in the Vapor Separator Tank (VST), this filters gas again just before it's pressurized into the fuel injection rail(s). The VST is a prime spot in your fuel arrangement where deposits and gum tin can form, particularly if fuel is untreated, and the VST filter is the almost difficult to admission and usually the nigh expensive to replace. Aid protect it by consistently treating every tank of fuel, and regularly inspecting and servicing the offset 2 filters in the fuel line.

3. In-Line Filter. Some models have an in-line filter between the primary fuel pump and the VST (vapor separator tank) and/or in the fuel line betwixt the VST and the fuel rail, located along the top of the outboard. Refer to your service manual or contact your dealer for the verbal location for your model.

4. Fuel Injector Screen. These are built into each fuel injector. They're very fine-mesh screens and are not user-serviceable. If debris somehow makes it hither, the fuel injectors must be removed and professionally cleaned, or replaced—reason enough to inspect and/or change your fuel filters regularly.

fuel6

How often should I modify my fuel filters?

Fuel/Water Separating Filter

10-micron filters should be replaced every 50 hours of engine functioning. Keeping this filter clean and fresh will assist protect the other fuel filters on the engine and extend their service life. And e'er behave a spare on board, just in case you lot get a load of bad gas and the filter gets overwhelmed.

Tip: Practice non only remove and dump the fuel and re-install the filter, equally captured droppings and water could enter the "make clean" side of the filter and be released into your fuel system.

Master and in-line filters should be replaced after every 100 hours of engine performance. These are like shooting fish in a barrel to get to and unproblematic to replace.
VST filters should be inspected and/or replaced after every 300 hours of engine operation, provided that the x-micron external and initial on-engine filters have been serviced and maintained properly. Properly treated fuel will as well extend the life of these filters.

What are some other tips I need to know about my fuel arrangement?

Yamalube

Check fuel system components before each trip. Information technology's important to visually and physically bank check the condition of the fuel hoses and connections for any signs of leaks or cracking each fourth dimension you utilise your boat. Requite everything the "sniff test". Y'all should also bank check your primer bulb. If the bulb does not become firm when squeezed prior to starting the engine, check for a possible fuel system leak. If none, replace the primer bulb.
Become rid of carbon and proceed it out. Yamaha Internal Engine Cleaner is a dealer-only applied product that is the strongest and virtually constructive way to make clean out carbon and other build-upward from the inside of your outboard. Once washed, be certain to employ Ring Free PLUS regularly to help keep it that way.
Carburetors need dear, too. Late-model carburetors run very lean, with very small passages that can clog with glue and varnish. Apply Yamalube^® Carburetor Cleaner Dip full strength, or diluted using warm, soapy water, to help make clean them up.

Tip: Be sure to follow directions. If yours is a ii-stroke carburetor, don't immerse it in solvent for long periods of fourth dimension; the special sealant used on it will be removed, resulting in impairment and possible negative running issues.

Gas containers. Be sure to add Fuel Stabilizer & Conditioner PLUS and Ring Free PLUS before filling them up, and continue them in a cool, dark place if possible. Containers bachelor through Yamaha feature a "Spill-Proof Spout" which shuts off automatically when the container reaches chapters. This helps prevent spills and helps them comply with emissions requirements.