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New water separating fuel filter installed - correctly?
I have a 2016 180 Dauntless with a 2016 Merc 150 HP 4 stroke. After a suspected fuel moisture problem, I installed a water separating fuel filter (iFJF marine, supposedly replaces a mercury model - $37 at Amazon). Had some trouble getting the factory fuel line off of the tank hose barb and then getting the new hose on the tank barb, but was finally able to complete the installation.
Started her up in the driveway on the earmuffs; started quickly, smooth idle, all good, I'm feeling proud of myself. Before heading to the river, thought I'd rev it up a little, check for leaks again, etc. Up to ~ 2500 RPM no problem. BUT above 2500 RPM, there is a problem. Revs up, then down; doesn't die, but not steady.
Did I screw up the filter installation? Or can this engine not handle an additional filter between the tank and the engine? Or is there something in the engine software that won't let me get above 2500 RPM without being actually in the water ("limp home" mode?). Thanks in advance for any advice, Jeff.
Trying to do a little more diagnosis work. Did a master reset on my SmartCraft tach. No improvement; still runs rough above 2500 RPM.
Interestingly, Fuel PSI reads 0.0 on the tach readout. Has the "engine guardian system" engaged due to this? Caused by my installation of the new fuel filter? Did I create an air pocket somewhere? Possible to purge? But, I am not getting any alarm warning indications in the gauges.
Verado's do not like having a filter in the fuel line. They also do not recommend adding a primer bulb.
Did you fill the filter cartridge with fuel fuel prior to installing? This is an important step.
With a FourStroke, you will need to re-prime the fuel system after installing the filter. Have you added a primer bulb before the filter? This will help re-prime the system.
If you are running the engine on a hose, it is recommended to not exceed 1000 rpms given the reduced water supply. Do not rev the engine either.
Thx, Phil. The engine is a 4 stroke. I did not fill the filter cartridge with fuel prior to installing. Is it too late to do that now? I think it's probably full now. I have not added a primer bulb prior to the filter.
What do you think about the readings on the SmartCraft gauge?
Don't concern yourself with the gauge at this point.
Remove the filter, add fuel, reinstall.
Allow the engine to idle on the muffs for 20 minutes. Go to the ramp and launch. Run at idle in the area close to the ramp to ensure the system refills.
If you open up the throttles and it bogs down, doesn't accelerate, its due to lack of prime.
Hi Phil, and thanks again for your ideas. We have SUCCESS!
I did as you suggested. Then went to the lake, idled around, then applied throttle. Guess what -- ran perfectly! No bogging down.
While in the lake, I did a little additional test. Tried "revving" the engine above idle, but not in gear. Lo and behold - when I got up to 2500 RPM, the motor would not hold it; rapidly alternating between high & low rev (I assume the "engine guardian mode"). So, it appears that the engine software will not permit RPM over 2500 while in neutral (in or out of the water). Good to know!
Interestingly, the SmartCraft gauge continued to show fuel pressure = 0.0 PSI. I'm guessing that my particular motor does not have that sensor installed.
