Fuel Filters
Keep Your Engine’s Fuel Clean with Boat Fuel Filters from West Marine.
The fuel that enters your engine’s fuel system must be clean to ensure optimum engine performance. Modern EFI gasoline powered engines and diesel engines both depend on clean fuel that won’t clog the injectors. To keep your fuel clean, West Marine offers a variety of spin-on fuel filter/water separators that in addition to removing contaminants from fuel also remove water, which can be a problem caused by phase separation of E10 fuel. Popular choices include Sierra 10 and 30 micron fuel filter/water separators, Racor’s Spin-On series of filters and a variety of OEM fuel filters from Mercury Marine. Small outboard motors will benefit from an easy-to-install inline fuel filter.
Boat Fuel Filters FAQ
Fuel filters prevent contaminants such as dirt, rust, and water from reaching the engine, ensuring clean fuel flow. They help protect critical components, enhance performance, and extend engine life—especially in modern EFI and diesel motors.
Selecting the right fuel filter depends on your engine type (gasoline or diesel) and the micron rating. A lower micron rating provides finer filtration. A spin-on fuel filter with a water separator offers superior protection for most marine applications.
Spin-on filters are larger, easier to replace, and typically include built-in water separators. Inline filters are compact and commonly used in smaller outboard engines, filtering fuel before it reaches the carburetor or fuel injectors.
It’s recommended to replace the fuel filter at least once per season or after every 50-100 hours of use. Regular maintenance ensures optimal engine performance and prevents fuel contamination issues.
Yes, water in the fuel can lead to misfires, corrosion, and engine failure. High-quality fuel filters with water-separating technology help remove water before it reaches the engine, ensuring safe operation.
To install a new fuel filter, turn off the fuel supply, carefully remove the old filter, and replace it with a new one following the manufacturer’s guidelines. Check for leaks and ensure the fuel system is primed before restarting the engine.