Replace an Inline Fuel Filter and Add Fuel Separator

[jaykchan]

I would like to learn the way to replace an inline fuel filter and decide if I need to add a fuel water separator into the fuel system.<br /><br />I have a 1995 Mercury Marine 2-strok outboard motor. Currently it has an inline fuel filter inside the motor; it doesn't have an external fuel water separator.<br /><br />I have the following questions:<br /><br />- How to replace the inline fuel filter? Is it as simple as cutting the plastic ties carefully, adding a new filter, tying with new plastic ties?<br /><br />- Am I supposed to replace the entire unit or just the "thing" inside the filter container? The reason why I ask is that I cannot see anything like that fuel filter container in marine supply store. All I can find are paper filters or external fuel filter. This leads me to believe that I only need to replace the paper filter inside the filter container, but not the filter container itself. Unfortunately, Mercury boatowner maintenance handbook doesn't say anything exactly about how to replace it.<br /><br />- Currently, the inline fuel filter is opaque. I cannot see if it is no good or not. Can I replace it with a transparent one? Does anyone know where to find such a unit?<br /><br />- Do I need an external fuel water separate? Is it a "nice to have" item but not critical?<br /><br />Thanks in advance for any info.<br /><br />Jay Chan

 

[andy6374]

Re: Replace an Inline Fuel Filter and Add Fuel Separator

Go to your local mercury dealer and bring the inline fuel filter and they will give you the correct size, I think there are only two sizes! Oh yeah, you replace the unit as a whole, it's very cheap. Why do you think it needs replacement?<br /><br /><br />The fuel/water separator is a safe and cheap way to ensure your outboard is getting fuel and nothing else. Racor makes an excellent unit.

 

[jaykchan]

Re: Replace an Inline Fuel Filter and Add Fuel Separator

Thanks for the reply. I will go to the local Mercury dealer to get a replacement unit. I will need to get to know them better anyway because I am sure that I will need to ask them to fix this and that sooner or later.<br /><br />I am not saying that there is anything wrong with the inline fuel filter. I bought the used boat quite recently, and I don't know anything about the maintenance history of the motor. Because I have already done some maintenance work on the motor anyway, I may as well replace the fuel filter. Then I don't need to remember which items have been changed and which ones have not.<br /><br />Thanks for the suggestion of using a fuel/water separator. Seem like it is a useful item. Now, I just need to figure out where to mount it.<br /><br />Jay Chan

 

[andy6374]

Re: Replace an Inline Fuel Filter and Add Fuel Separator

Prevenatative maintainance is the name of the game, and replacing things along the way (as you are) even if they are not currently bad is a good idea. <br /><br />Changing the water pump and tstats are also a good idea if you don't know the maintenance history, these should be replaced at least every other season. And keep the carbs clean.

 

[jaykchan]

Re: Replace an Inline Fuel Filter and Add Fuel Separator

Thanks for the confirmation that this is a good idea to replace the fuel filter periodically.<br /><br />As of the water pump in the lower unit of the motor, it is beyond my skill to replace it. I will ask the authorized dealer to replace it when I bring the motor to the dealer for maintenance work every other year.<br /><br />Jay Chan

 

[andy6374]

Re: Replace an Inline Fuel Filter and Add Fuel Separator

Jay-<br />I wouldn't doubt yourself so easily. With a factory manual, I would say 9/10 jobs can be done by the "average" person. Sure if your motor is under warranty, bring it in to the professionals. But as far as changing the water pump or cleaning the carbs, I KNOW you can do it. It is sorta nerve racking the first time around because you don't want to foul up, but after that you get more comfortable and more confident because you know you engine well. Just follow the manual and you'll be fine. The manual will pay for itself if you use it just once. Check ebay, there are always tons of them up for grabs.

 

[dtherrien]

Re: Replace an Inline Fuel Filter and Add Fuel Separator

Jay.....You also have a bleed line filter on that motor that you should replace every year. Its a small plastic, cylinder shape.