What Oil Filter or Fuel Filter Should I Use?

This is a question I deal with every day in the field as well as in my retail store.  Of course many people have thier favorates and use one brand or another and probably don't even know why.

I have spent much time recently adding all the applicable Wix, Quicksilver and Sierra oil and fuel filters to my website at www.marinediscounters.com.  Which brand of filter is the "best"?  Once again, a matter of brand loyalty.  All three of these brands are very good filters.  I have been to "filter school" (yes there is a filter school) and have learned, by disecting major brands of oil and fuel filters, which ones NOT to use.  In my opinion (covering my ass) Fram filters are NOT to be used in the marine application.  Wix filters are the most highly recommended.  Sierra and Mercruiser filters are both very well made filters also.  The Sierra oil and fuel filters use a better media with more pleats and a better valve in my opinion.  Also, price should be a consideration.  No I'm not saying cheaper is better.  I'm saying I would use Wix, Sierra or Quicksilver oil and fuel filters (in that order) before ALL others.  That said, find the best price available on these three brands.  I encourage you to give my prices a shot at www.marinediscounters.com.  Quantity discounts available by calling 419-625-0605.

Cross references available for most any filter at www.wixfilters.com .  You can use the exact filter number or a partial number to find the correct Wix oil filter or fuel filter.

I few helpfull hints.  ALL Mercruiser inboard and sterndrive engines, except v-6 without remote oil filter, use Wix 51069 or Sierra 18-7824 oil filter.  ALL chrysler marine engines use Wix 51515 or Sierra 18-7875 oil filter.  This 51515 or 18-7875 filter is a Ford style filter and used on MOST ford engines.  The difference is simply the length of the filter and where the gasket is located.

I hope this info. helps simplify the "mystic" of who's oil and fuel filters to use.  Remember, most brands, including Quicksilver don't MAKE filters.  Wix probably does, and they put there names on them.  Oh, ALL napa filters are made by Wix, why pay more for thier name.  If one was to take a napa filter and put a "5" in front of the napa part number, it is now a Wix filter number.  Put a "3" for fuel filters, a "4" for air filters and a "2" for coolant filters.

Remember, www.marinediscounters.com . 
Fair sea's and tight lines


 

What Kind Of Sanitation Hose Should I Use??

Well, this is a question I always get.  I will keep it short and sweet. Sealand "Odorsafe" hose.  It is human nature to be cheap.  Yes, cheap.  To want to save money.  NOT ALL WHITE SANITATION HOSE IS THE SAME.  In an independent study published in the reveared "Practical Sailer" magazine, a comparison was made between all existing sanitation hose with rigid P.V.C. being the basis.  90% of ALL hoses started to permiate with the odor of what they carry inside within 1.5 years.  The "Odorsafe" hose went to over 5 yrs.  Sealand gives a 5 year warranty against odor permiation on "Odorsafe" hose.  I sell Odorsafe hose on my website www.marinediscounters.com at 9.97 a ft.  Most places retail odorsafe at over 15.00 a ft.  While this is a costly hose, it is well worth it.  It does not have to be a Vacuflush toilet system, this hose is especially recommended for non-vacuflush systems.  You will need special smooth (non-barbed) adapters to attach your hose.  These are called "custom hose adapters" and are available at www.marinediscounters.com very inexpensively.  Make no mistake, "odorsafe" is a stout hose.  If tight bends are needed, you will have to make them with P.V.C. fittings.  It is a good idea to buy some hose lube to help with attaching the hose to the fittings.  To save money, I will tell ya a trade secret.  In long straight runs, simply use rigid P.V.C. with a contact cemented coupler and a custom hose adapter at each end.  As always I am available for free tech. advise at email boatdoc@marinediscounters.com or by calling Brad at 419-625-0605.