Advice on fuel system / water separator racor

[whgoffrn]

I have to wait to hook it all up anyway as i didn't realize Teflon tape couldn't be used

[Sumner]

I have the bulb after the filter and had no problems at all. In fact the last couple trips that were a year apart I didn't even have to prime the bulb. I drain the tank when I get back but evidently there is still some fuel left in the line and or in the carb as I start the outboard in a 50 gallon tank just prior to putting it on the boat for the trip.



I have a 19 gallon tank low in the lazarette so did worry about the outboard drawing from it but it has never been a problem. I wouldn't put two bulbs on unless you really needed it and have never read about anyone doing that. I remember doing research at the time that I decided the bulb should be after the filter but that is all I remember now It does help to have the bulb vertical when pumping if I remember correctly.



More on the filter and tank plumbing here....

http://purplesagetradingpost.com/sumner ... de-36.html

More on the tank install here....

http://purplesagetradingpost.com/sumner ... de-35.html

Sumner

============================
1300 miles to the Bahamas and back -- 2015

The MacGregor 26-S

The Endeavour 37

Trips to Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Canada, Florida

Mac-Venture Links

[Highlander]

I have to wait to hook it all up anyway as i didn't realize Teflon tape couldn't be used

Yes u can use the teflon tape but not the white one , they make a yellow one for fuel systems

J

[whgoffrn]

I'm sure the yellow (fuel system) tape can be used but i read a couple people saying how it also shouldn't be used unless so desperate u have no other options and since I had originally put white Teflon tape on and needed to scrape the tape out of the threads I went ahead and ordered some permatex high temp thread sealant since I have to do multiple places ...4 tanks and the filter inlet and outlet....i guess some have claimed even the yellow Teflon tape has came off and clogged up injectors and carb jets supposedly so I just got some of the liquid thread sealant

[sailboatmike]

But the Teflon tape should only be on the threads and in theory if put on correctly shouldn't touch the fuel

[Tomfoolery]

Yes u can use the teflon tape but not the white one , they make a yellow one for fuel systems

I believe this is what our diesel mechanics use on fuel systems in those places that have pipe threads.

But the Teflon tape should only be on the threads and in theory if put on correctly shouldn't touch the fuel

I was taught to start the tape two threads back from the end of the male fitting. No tape should be directly exposed to the fluid such that it can extrude during assembly and break off into the stream.

We use a lot of pipe thread on hydraulic systems, mostly on small fittings, including high pressure for test ports and pilot lines, and also on low pressure drain and other tank lines, plus large suction lines. I'll ask around, but I've never heard of tape getting into the stream unless someone was sloppy with it during installation. But I'll ask our assembly and service techs, since I'm curious and motivated enough. Just gotta know. Ya know?

[whgoffrn]

I'm sure yellow Teflon tape CAN work as i know for a fact that white Teflon tape will also despite everything saying it will wreck your engine ... I know this because I've been using white Teflon tape (incorrectly) on fuel lines (without any problems) for many years ...... in theory yes fuel does reach and touch the last layer of tape regardless of if it's yellow or white and if its 2 threads back or 5 because that is it's purpose to stop the fuel from leaking around where the threads go requiring it to fill in the gaps.... supposedly the tape gets ground up when tightening it in and little strings of it can get unwound..... So the logic behind why a person should use a liquid that then hardens to form one solid piece makes sense but I'm sure yellow Teflon tape will work too and can tell from my own personal experience white will work also despite it not supposed to....i only stumbled upon racors recommendation of NO Teflon tape in their instructions after I had already done it

[Highlander]

U have to install it clockwise lookin at the open end of the fuel line fitting for right hand threads & start two threads back u would b fine , but after further review & reading the manufacture installation instructions I,d go with a liquid or paste type sealant as because if u ever had a fire on board due to a fuel leak "gasoline" & the insurance adjuster will use that as an improper fuel system installation whether it had anything to do with the fire or not ! because u did not follow the manufactures instructions u just gave them an escape clause ! & if ur boat was repairable & u ended up repairing it urself , they would most likely want a boat survey done on ur boat to make sure all ur other mods & installations were done to code ! then raise ur insurance policy for the next 5-7yrs

I will still keep the yellow tape on board for emg. situations to get me home or to the next port as the liquid or paste sealant will b all dried up by the next time u go to use it lol
so I guess I,ll head down to the boat shop & buy some paste sealant as I need to go there & buy new fuel line clamps the removable one,s not the one time clamp-on,s

J

[whgoffrn]

Yeah good idea I prob will leave some of the yellow Teflon tape on board just in case of a leak

[warfin]

That's how I have it with a 60hp Merc. I never need to prime as the EFI draws the fuel.
I use 2 tanks and regularly do a "hot" swap (quickly) without incident. That said, my current project is to install a three-way fuel cock in the system.

[warfin]

/Users/warwickfinlay/Desktop/85750_three_way_fuel_valve.jpg

[Highlander]

Finally installed but not primed yet as I want to give the sealing paste time to cure on the threads
http://i63.tinypic.com/2mmtgzp.jpg

http://i67.tinypic.com/s6ue4i.jpg

http://i67.tinypic.com/32zpflh.jpg



J

[warfin]

/Users/warwickfinlay/Desktop/IMG_3871.JPG
This pic may answer the questions regarding fuel bulb placement. Hopefully the pic can be viewed.
I recently installed the three way fuel valve in order to avoid "hot swapping" mid cruise. It works well.
Attachment to the hull is by the ever reliable rivnut system.

[Highlander]

A further up-date as my water/fuel filter is mounted nice & low in the motor well it self primes its self

J

[whgoffrn]

And an update on mine is ....despite racor advising against yellow Teflon tape I wish I had used it....the liquid thread sealant stuff STILL has not dried....i guess maybe it never does??? So yeah now I'm considering taking apart all the connections to use the yellow Teflon tape