When do you replace the fuel filter?

[SpoonyWacker]

Noob 2-cycle fixer here. How do I know it's time to replace the fuel filter element in my '59 18HP Johnson Seahorse (FD-13 R)? I've had the boat for over 10 years, but I'm finally getting to the project. So I don't know how old or how many hours the filter may or may not have on it (not very many hours by me). Looking at a pic of a new one online, it doesn't look much different than mine, just a little darker:

 

[boobie]

Replace it on G P's. Won't hurt anything.

 

[SpoonyWacker]

Um... "G P's"? Sorry, not sure what that stands for.

 

[GA_Boater]

Um... "G P's"? Sorry, not sure what that stands for.

General Principles. Replace it because it can't hurt and it's hard to tell if it needs replacing.

 

[F_R]

Not sure I've ever replaced one. Perhaps if it was gummed up with rotten gas.

 

[Crosbyman]

try soaking lacquer thinner then cover the both ends with one end with a 1/ 4 openning to blow dry it repeat a few times

 

[James6]

I just soak mine in carb cleaner and blow it out with compressed air when I drain it to winterize.

 

[SpoonyWacker]

@GA_Boater - Ah, "Good Principles", thanks. I have been doing exactly that - replacing/fixing/cleaning different parts, but just trying to draw a line between good principles and just replacing things that really don't need it.

@F_R @Crosbyman @James6 I think you guys are confirming what I was thinking. The filter looks like it's designed to last a long time and with some care a cleaning should last quite a while. I have the the carb sitting in some fuel injector cleaner for a quick rebuild, I'll toss the filter in with that and clean it out with some spray cleaner/compressed air.

 

[Crosbyman]

I think the filter is porous metal so it won't deteriorate much

a good cleaning or two should do

you can always remove it and install an in-line filter on the incoming fuel line (easier to maintain, and you can see if crud made it's way in from the tank

 

[racerone]

I do not believe the filter in the picture is the sintered metal one.

 

[SpoonyWacker]

It looks and feels like some sort of porous, lightweight stone to me

 

[racerone]

Just install a new one.

 

[kbait]

If you can easily blow through the fuel inlet barb when filter is installed, it will work just fine.