Cleaning In-Tank Filter

This is pretty tame compared to a lot of the topics/issues discussed here on the Motors forum.

Anyway, I just hit 200 hours on my 2018 Honda outboard (four-stroke). One of the maintenance tasks is to check, and if needed, clean the filter in the portable gaso tank. That seems like a real good idea. I can do that.

So, I’m thinking maybe I should remove the in-tank filter and replace it with an in-line filter installed in the fuel line between the tank and the outboard. It would obviously be before the bulb.

I think I’ve read someone recommending this here but I sure can’t find it. It just seems it might be easier to maintain.

Is this a good idea?

Thx in advance.

When you clean the tank screen, you could evaluate how dirty it is. Maybe you can increase the service interval.

If the screen is dirty, the tank needs to be cleaned out too.

An inline filter will add potential leak points to the fuel hose.

Thanks. Might be better if I just add this to the 6 month/100 hour maintenance cycle. Ounce of prevention and too easy to do to pass on really.

CRScooter, they do say to clean the tank with a nonflammable solvent. If I see any sediment I'll do that, but I figure gasoline is a pretty good solvent.

I installed this little water separator/filter when
I re-powered my little 14ft. Probably overkill for
6 gallon portable tank, but it gives me piece of mind.

https://www.partsvu.com/yamaha-mini-10-fuel-water-separating-filter-assembly-with-housing-mar-minif-lt-as.html

I have not seen an in-tank "filter". I have seen some that had a screen on the bottom of the pickup tube but it's not necessarily a filter, per say. A spin on filter/separator specifically designed for boating would be fine--actually recommended by most boat and motor manufacturers. On EFI motors the fuel pump sits down in a little tank and similar to a car, the pump module usually has a filter on it; many call it a "sock"--and they will sometimes plug. Unfortunately many of them are not available separate from the pump assembly.

turbotodd said:

I have not seen an in-tank "filter". I have seen some that had a screen on the bottom of the pickup tube but it's not necessarily a filter, per say. A spin on filter/separator specifically designed for boating would be fine--actually recommended by most boat and motor manufacturers. On EFI motors the fuel pump sits down in a little tank and similar to a car, the pump module usually has a filter on it; many call it a "sock"--and they will sometimes plug. Unfortunately many of them are not available separate from the pump assembly.

Click to expand...

Honda Marine's wording not mine. They are talking about the mesh screen at the bottom of the portable tank's pick up tube.