Change 85hp '73 fuel filter???

[Big-HE]

I can see the enclosure clearly marke "fuel filter." Is changing simply a xcase of remove and replace. Have done small jobs on cars. This will be my actual first time messing with my outboard other rtan changing the plugs. I am a first time boat owner and I bought it used to try and learn the ropes to avoid tearing something else up down the line. Also a question for curiousity sake...what other than the watre keeps the motor from overheating. There's no coolant???

 

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Re: Change 85hp '73 fuel filter???

Some factory-mounted fuel filters have metal screens in tham that can simply be cleaned.Others will have paper elements in them, but these can be fouind in most auto parts stores.<br />Not knowing what your is like, I'll just say it's pretty much the same as those found on cars.<br />Your outbaord picks up water,and pumps it trhu the engine. It is pumped by an impeller that is made of rubber, and it's located in the foot. It works just like a posative-displacement pump when idling. The vanes tuck-in at higher RPMs,and it acts like a centrifugal pump.<br />There is a telltale, where you should see water emitt from shortly after you start it. Don't EVER start an outboard, or even crank it over, without water going to this impeller.The impeller will self-destruct in less than 30 seconds of runnin dry.<br />If you don't see water comming-out of this telltale after 2 minutes from cold start, shut it down, and find out why (usually the impeller needs replacement).<br />They only last a couple seasons under normal use. They should be changed BEFORE they fail, or your engine will receive damage.

 

[Big-HE]

Re: Change 85hp '73 fuel filter???

Thanks, Im going to work with the fuel filter first. Then replace the impellar. Does is sound like the fuel filter could possibly be the cause of th emotor bogging down and running sluggish. Whenever I throttle up, I get about 1/3 my power and motor hesitiates and sputters when I try to get more power.