Chamois Leather

An Expedient

Fuel/Water Separator

 

When first soaked with clean gasoline, chamois leather does not allow water to pass through its hollow fibers. Old timers used to strain gasoline through a chamois rag to pull out the water. To this day it remains a good expedient fuel/water separator.
 
 

 

Fuel Filter Funnels:
 Fuel filter funnels pre filter filter fuel as it's pumped into the fuel tank

Fuel filter funnels work their magic by filtering out water, dirt, gravel, paper and other debris from most fuels including, gasoline, diesel, heating oil, and kerosene. They also separate water from the fuel.  I have used fuel filter funnels to separate water out of E-10 gasoline (ten percent ethanol) when phase separation has already occurred.

Racor fuel filter funnelThe Racor Fuel Filter Funnel is a heavy-duty fast flow filter (stainless steel mesh) inset into a funnel. Besides filtering dirt, gravel and other debris, It separates free water from gas or diesel, with the water collecting in the unit's sump. Free water  is the collection of water molecules that has settled to the bottom of gas cans or tanks. Free water accumulates due to condensation in the air or phase separation due to ethanol additives. Fuel filter funnels will not remove emulsified water, which is droplets of water suspended in the fuel.

mr funnel fuel filter funnel

Mr. Funnel fuel filters are similar in design, each model flows a different volume (gallon per minute) For five gallons or less of fuel,  the F1 and F3 are appropriate. For more then five gallons, the F8 and F15. F15  flow up to 15 gallons per minute.

The West Marine Fuel Filter Funnel is the Mr. Funnel privately labeled. This is no big secret, it says so right on the box.  Its Teflon-coated (non-stick)  stainless steel screen filters at 100 microns. West Marine sells two different  models, the medium (3.5 gpm)  and the large (5.0 gpm). © Copyright 2009 by Tim Banse
Mr Funnel fuel filter funnel cutaway drawing 

Racor fuel filter funnel cutaway drawing

Racor's filter funnel


How to Use a Filter Funnel

Choose a filter funnel with the appropriate flow rate, different models flow a different volume of gallons per minute.

Insert funnel into the fill tube and keep the  funnel level. Pour the gasoline or diesel fuel into the funnel, but not directly onto the filter element.

Water and debris will collect in the sump. As water collects, or the flow rate slows, stop refueling. Tilt the funnel to one side to reveal water or dirt accumulating under the fuel. About a cup of water  means it's time to dump.

Also important to know, your refueling system needs to be grounded. Only use conductive funnels (they're back). While the chance of a static fire is greater with gasoline, it's still possible with diesel.