Fuel Filter Clogging HELP!

(rmack) · (rmack) **Join Date: Jul 2005** 05-15-2011, 4:54 PM

I have a 2000 Escape LSV. The fuel filter gets clogged up about 2-3 hours into each run. I change the filter and it's ok for a few hours each time.

I did have the screen checked and cleaned.

I don't want to have to pull the tank, it's a big PITA!

I have owned the boat for about 9 years and take excellant care.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

(imx) · (imx) **Join Date: Jul 2009** 05-15-2011, 11:53 PM

Sounds to me like you are picking up gunge from the tank. Could be anything from general grit to rubber parts breaking up inside the tank. You might get some idea by opening up your old filter and having a close look

(imx) · (imx) **Join Date: Jul 2009** 05-15-2011, 11:55 PM

Forgot to also mention check your fuel lines as well, they could also be the problem.

(Jeff) · (Jeff) **Join Date: May 2010** 05-16-2011, 9:14 AM

Where is the fuel filter on that boat?

If it's after the fuel lines I would strongly suspect the fuel lines as Paul suggested. I had some Sea Doos with the same issue. Brown/black sludge would build up on the filter in a matter of a couple of hours. It was due to age + ethanol fuel. The lines looked fine but they were decomposing from the interior. Changed them all out and it took a while to work the remaining trash out of the system but a few hours later the fuel system was clear.

(rmack) · (rmack) **Join Date: Jul 2005** 05-16-2011, 5:18 PM

The Fuel filter is near the v-drive. I broke open one of the fuel filters, but saw nothing. I was hoping for some black hose crap or something. The only difference was that the filter was supper heavy as compared to the new one.

I was thinking that it may be the fuel lines. Guess that's the cheapest fix and can't hurt trying it.

(phatboypimp) · (phatboypimp) **Join Date: Apr 2005** 05-16-2011, 5:28 PM

What about vapor lock? It seems odd that the problem would be happening now......If the fuel filter isn't showing any kind of debris.....it might have something to do with the time it takes to change out the filter. Just brainstorming here. This is a new problem? Since your last winterization? bad fuel? Water in the gas? fuel pressure falling? Do you have a filter in the carb (assuming it has a carb by the age of the boat)?

(rmack) · (rmack) **Join Date: Jul 2005** 05-17-2011, 4:32 AM

This problem just started the end of last season before winterization. I was thinking bad fuel or water in the gas or the fuel lines. This boat is an efi though. Fuel pressure is fine