Changing fuel filter. Need help.

[scipper77]

Motor is mercruiser MCM 185. 3.8l 229 cid, 1984 or 85.

I am going to change the filter located in the fuel pump today. The pump looks like this one

I have no idea how to go about dis-assembly and reassembly of this. Can any one walk me through it?

Here is the parts diagram for my motor. (filter is #2)

 

[ziggy]

Re: Changing fuel filter. Need help.

unscrew the one screw on the bail that goes over the top of the can. that can goes over the filter. move the bail out of the way to the side. take the can off. inside is the filter. replace it and put it back together in reverse order.. check for leaks.. done...

edit. but a coffee can or something to collect the fuel spillage that occurs when ya remove the can under the fuel pump so ya don't have a flammable mess..

 

[scipper77]

Re: Changing fuel filter. Need help.

Thanks Z,

I was hoping it was that simple. I just didn't want to take it apart only to find out there was more to it than I thought.

 

[JWebber]

Re: Changing fuel filter. Need help.

This is correct, the pain is cracking the screw or nut with all that factory paint over them. They put that stuff on thick!

 

[superbenk]

Re: Changing fuel filter. Need help.

Also, there is a spring inside that holds the filter tight to the base (spring sits above the filter against the top of the can). Don't lose it.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Changing fuel filter. Need help.

If it has never been changed you might find a porous "stone" filter, my Mercruiser mechanic says that they can be cleaned and reused, or replaced with a new "paper" filter.

 

[copake]

Re: Changing fuel filter. Need help.

Not to hijack your thread .... but I need to do the same replacement (2001 Merc 3.0LX) ..... and I'm actually having trouble finding the right replacement filter. The online descriptions all leave a little room for doubt if it's the right one ... any leads?

 

[scipper77]

Re: Changing fuel filter. Need help.

Not to hijack your thread .... but I need to do the same replacement (2001 Merc 3.0LX) ..... and I'm actually having trouble finding the right replacement filter. The online descriptions all leave a little room for doubt if it's the right one ... any leads?

I got the parts diagram from www.marineengine.com This site was the only one I found with the parts diagram for my motor (which is rare enough that most places don't list parts for it).

 

[scipper77]

Re: Changing fuel filter. Need help.

The replacement is another one of the porous stone filters. I'm not sure if it is ever required to change this filter but since I just had a near tow experience due to bad gas I'm changing the filter for piece of mind. I think $10 and 10 mins is worth it. I hope 10 mins doesn't turn into hours, you know how these simple jobs can turn on you.

Slight tangent. Any one have a recommendation for cleaning a carb without dis-assembly? I don't think there is anything wrong with my carb but if there was any junk in that bad gas I'd like to get it out before it "cures". I don't want to rebuild for no reason.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Changing fuel filter. Need help.

If you have the 2 barrel Mercarb, there is another filter under the large nut holding the gas line on. Remove that and see how it looks, and clean or replace it. #4 here http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show...919&bnbr=100&bdesc=CARBURETOR+(MERCARB)+(185) They also list a paper replacement for the stone # 8M0046752

 

[superbenk]

Re: Changing fuel filter. Need help.

If you have the 2 barrel Mercarb, there is another filter under the large nut holding the gas line on. Remove that and see how it looks, and clean or replace it. #4 here http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show...919&bnbr=100&bdesc=CARBURETOR+(MERCARB)+(185) They also list a paper replacement for the stone # 8M0046752

The filter screen at the carb should definitely be cleanable. Doubt it needs replacing. Definitely worth checking, though. Also probably a good idea to change a water/fuel separated if you have one of those too.

 

[scipper77]

Re: Changing fuel filter. Need help.

Swapped the filter. Pretty sure I reassembled it incorrectly but in a way that doesn't matter. The kit came with three seals. One like the original and one the size of the outer and inner ring of the original. I used the original and the small seal. So the inner seal is doubled up (inside of original style seal plus second seal). The way it fits together and the fact that the spring holds the double seal in place around the lip where the filter seats I doubt I will have any issues. Quick fix if I do have an issue.

I do have a filter in my carb. I am taking the boat out tomorrow morning so the s term in the carb will wait. There is a large nut with a fitting screwed into it that the gas lone goes into. How do I take that apart? Do I need to loosen the small nut that the fuel one runs into first and then remove the large nut. I hope that without pics someone can actually follow my description. If .of I will have to add pics tomorrow and ask again.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Changing fuel filter. Need help.

Do I need to loosen the small nut that the fuel one runs into first and then remove the large nut.

You got it. Hold the large with a crescent, and unscrew the small that holds the fuel line, the remove the large.