How to Change Your Mercruiser Water Separating Fuel Filter

An old fuel filter can slow you down. Replace your fuel filter every season or sooner if needed.

StepsEdit

1
Turn off your battery switches or disconnect the boat's batteries.
2
Turn off your fuel supply valve (if equipped).
3
Position a fan to ventilate the bilge and work area.
4
Place some absorbent towels under the filter to catch any spilt fuel.
5
Using a fuel filter wrench, remove the old fuel filter.
6
Pour the old fuel from the filter into a clean white bucket and look for evidence of debris or water in the old fuel.
- If you noticed a large amount of dirt or water in your old fuel filter, schedule another fuel filter replacement for after your next boating trip.
7
Inspect the filter mount bracket to insure that the old filter O-Ring has been removed.
8
Wipe clean the filter bracket and inspect the surfaces where the o-ring will have to seal.
9
Replace any damaged filter brackets.
10
Open and inspect your new filter.
11
Pour some clean fuel into the filter for easier start-up.
12
Inspect the new filter o-ring and make sure it's properly positioned on the filter.
13
Coat the new o-ring with a little clean motor oil.
14
Spin the new filter onto the filter bracket until hand tight.
15
Use the filter wrench to snug up the filter another 1/2 turn or whatever the filters instructions suggest. Never over-tighten a filter.
16
Clean up any split fuel and clear the area of all fumes.
17
Open your fuel valve.
18
Turn on or connect the boat's batteries.
19
Test run the boat and check for fuel leaks right away.

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Where is the fuel filter located on a 3.0 Mercury Mercruiser?

Answered by wikiHow Contributor
- The fuel filter is located under the fuel pump. It has a stainless lock wire holding the pressure screw from loosening. You must cut the wire, loosen the pressure screw with a 10 millimeter wrench and then you will be able to sneak the filter bowl out.
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Do I need to remove the small filter bowl under the cover and run it directly from the new water fuel separator?

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Where can I locate the fuel filter on my Mercruiser?

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How can I make sure fuel is getting to the motor after changing the filter on my boat?

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What is the size and direction in which the fuel line brass fitting should go?

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Change your filters frequently.

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Keep spare filters and filter wrench on board.

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Use a marker and write the replacement date right on the fuel filter.

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Keep a log and save your receipts.

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Some engines have more than one filter so read your Owners Manual.

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