Water-in-Fuel Monitoring and Damage Prevention

What is WIF-Pro?

WIF-Pro is an advanced water-in-fuel detection system engineered to safeguard engine performance and prevent costly repairs by detecting fuel contamination early.

Why is it called WIF-Pro?

“WIF” is the acronym for water-in-fuel, while “Pro” reflects both protection and professional-grade performance.

WIF-Pro uses a patented float sensor technology to detect water early in your fuel system at the primary fuel filter. Designed with no wear parts and automatic self-testing, it provides reliable, long-term protection with real-time audible and visual alerts.

Does the WIF-Pro system provide any added benefits beyond water detection?

Yes. Beyond detection, WIF-Pro makes it easier to remove your fuel filter by adding a spacer to the filter base. It also features a patented drain bottle that enables safe, drip-free, one-handed draining of water, contaminants, and fuel during routine service.

Is WIF-Pro compatible with all marine engines?

WIF-Pro is designed to protect gasoline and diesel outboard engines, inboard diesel engines, and diesel generators. It is not intended for use with gasoline inboard engines or gasoline generators.

Does WIF-Pro require maintenance?

No. The WIF-Pro system features a maintenance-free design with no wear parts. Standard fuel filter service—such as periodic element replacement and bowl cleaning—should still be performed as recommended.

Can WIF-Pro protect multiple engines?

Yes. WIF-Pro systems are available for 1 to 4 engines as standard and can be customized to support virtually any number of engines and generators, with no additional cost for system configuration.

Is WIF-Pro compatible with my current fuel filter water separator?

WIF-Pro is compatible with many Racor and select Sierra clear bowl filters. To confirm compatibility or find the right setup, use our Captain AI tool, check the Filter Compatibility tab, or call 888-646-6426. WIF-Pro is engineered to integrate with specific Racor fuel filter water separator assemblies in both gasoline and diesel applications. In gasoline applications, WIF-Pro is designed for Racor spin-on series fuel filters with a clear bowl and is also compatible with Sierra spin-on filters equipped with a clear bowl. In diesel applications, WIF-Pro is designed exclusively for Racor turbine series fuel filter water separator assemblies, including the 500, 900, and 1000 series. If you are unsure about compatibility, you can use our Captain AI tool on the website by entering your current filter make and part number to confirm compatibility or identify a recommended conversion. You can also reference the Filter Compatibility tab on our homepage for guidance on supported filters and conversion options. For additional assistance, contact our customer support team at 888-646-6426. Providing a photo of your current filter assembly can help ensure accurate guidance.

Is WIF-Pro backed by a warranty?

Yes. WIF-Pro is backed by a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty, giving you confidence in its long-term performance and reliability.

Is WIF-Pro easy to install, and who can install it?

Yes. WIF-Pro is designed for simple, straightforward installation and can be installed by a boat owner (DIY) or a marine professional. The system includes all components and accessories needed to support an efficient, high-quality installation.

Where can I purchase the WIF-Pro system?

WIF-Pro is currently available for purchase through our website or by calling 888-646-6426. Availability through select retailers, wholesalers, and dealers is coming soon

Why is water-in-fuel a problem?

Water in fuel is a persistent, age-old problem in the marine industry and a leading cause of engine damage and performance issues—typically not covered under manufacturer warranties.

How does water get into marine fuel systems?

Water-in-fuel can occur in many ways, from common sources like condensation and contaminated fuel to a wide range of less obvious entry points. Even well-maintained boats can experience water intrusion over time. Water can enter marine fuel systems through a wide range of common and less obvious sources. One of the most frequent causes is condensation. As temperatures change, moisture can form inside partially filled fuel tanks and accumulate over time. Water can also be introduced through contaminated fuel from a marina or fuel source. While less common, this can result in a significant water-in-fuel event and requires immediate attention. Other entry points include worn or damaged fuel fill caps, leaking seals or hoses, and improperly sealed vents that allow water intrusion—especially during heavy rain, washdowns, or rough conditions. In many cases, water-in-fuel is not caused by a single event, but rather a gradual accumulation from multiple sources over time—making it a persistent and often unavoidable issue in the marine environment.

My Mercury fuel filter water separator already has a WIF (water-in-fuel) sensor—why do I need WIF-Pro?

Mercury fuel filter WIF (water-in-fuel) sensors are a basic two-wire designs that are prone to false alerts, can fail without notice, and provide no way to confirm the presence of water or safely drain or remove it from the system. WIF-Pro delivers reliable detection with no wear parts, built-in self-testing, clear visual confirmation, and a safe, drip-free way to drain the water—so you can quickly verify and repeatedly resolve water-in-fuel issues. Many Mercury fuel filter water separators include a basic two-wire WIF (water-in-fuel) sensor mounted in the bottom of the filter, with the sensing element exposed to the fuel. While these sensors can provide an alert, they are known to produce false positives and can fail over time without any clear indication—making it difficult to know if they are functioning properly. They also require periodic replacement, adding to long-term cost and maintenance. When an alert occurs, there is no way to confirm whether water is actually present. Without confirmation, you’re forced to treat every alert as real—often leading to unnecessary service or uncertainty on the water. Additionally, these filter systems do not provide a clean or safe way to remove water. Removing the filter can be messy and difficult, especially in tight bilge spaces, and can result in fuel spillage—creating both inconvenience and potential safety concerns. In many cases, a significant water-in-fuel contamination event may require multiple drain cycles to fully resolve, as water can continue to move through the system. Without an easy way to repeatedly drain and verify the condition, the problem can persist. WIF-Pro addresses all of these limitations. Its patented float sensor technology delivers reliable detection with no wear parts and built-in self-testing, so you always know the system is working. The clear bowl and high-visibility indicator provide immediate visual confirmation of water presence. When water is detected, the patented drain bottle allows for safe, controlled, drip-free removal—without removing the filter, and as many times as needed to fully resolve the issue. By combining accurate detection, self-testing capability, visual confirmation, and easy, repeatable draining, WIF-Pro gives you full control to quickly manage and eliminate water-in-fuel issues.

My outboard already has a WIF (water-in-fuel) sensor—why do I need WIF-Pro?

Many new outboards include a WIF (water-in-fuel) sensor at the engine, but this detects contamination too late—after it has already passed through the primary fuel filter and reached the engine. WIF-Pro provides early detection at the primary fuel filter water separator, allowing you to drain water before it moves downstream and reaches the engine—where it’s much harder to address and can cause damage or performance issues. Many outboards include a WIF (water-in-fuel) sensor located at the engine, typically within a small under-cowling filter. While helpful, this type of sensor detects water only after it has already traveled through the fuel system—making it a “too late” warning rather than a true preventive solution. If water reaches the engine, it may already be present throughout the fuel line, meaning the issue can continue even after an alert is triggered. At that point, mitigation becomes far more difficult and the risk of engine damage or poor performance increases. WIF-Pro provides early detection by monitoring water-in-fuel at the primary fuel filter water separator—before it reaches the engine. This allows contaminants to be safely and easily drained at the source, helping prevent damage and avoid ongoing contamination. Additionally, engine-mounted WIF sensors are designed to trigger fault codes when water is detected. These events may be recorded by the engine’s ECU and can be used to attribute damage to fuel contamination, which is typically not covered under manufacturer warranties. By shifting detection upstream, WIF-Pro delivers early warning and real protection—helping you maintain engine performance and stay on the water.

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