REFLECTOR: Use EXTREME CAUTION with Marine fuel filters !!!

[LAURA WALKER]

I've seen some recent postings about marine fuel filter/water separators. There are some designs that are designed to keep any water out of the engine...PERIOD. They look like normal water separators, but if their water-retaining capacity is exceeded, they will stop the flow OF ALL FLUIDS, including fuel, through the system.  On the water, this means after the engine shuts itself down you get delayed slightly while you attend to cleaning or draining your fuel filter. In the air, it means pushing the Nearest airport button, and initiating the silent descent profile. 

Aviation fuel filters differ in that they will always allow fluid to flow through, assuming that even a rough-running engine experiencing water contamination may eventually purge enough water that it will continue to operate. 

Bill Walker
N36LV