Sylvie Willis
Water trapped in a Mercruiser fuel filter can corrode the filter canister over time, so it is important to change the filter annually, or after every 100 hours of operation. While it is possible to drain water from a Mercruiser fuel filter, it is not recommended, as there is a potential for cross-contamination. Instead, the fuel filter should be replaced. To do this, the battery switches should be turned off or the boat's batteries disconnected, and the fuel supply valve should be turned off. The old fuel should be poured into a clean bucket and checked for water. The fuel filter can then be removed and replaced.
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What You'll Learn
How to empty water from a Mercruiser fuel filter
To empty water from a Mercruiser fuel filter, you will need to change the fuel filter. It is recommended to change the fuel filter annually, or after every 100 hours of operation.
- Turn off your battery switches or disconnect the boat's batteries.
- Turn off your fuel supply valve.
- Position a fan to ventilate the bilge and work area.
- Place a catch pan underneath the filter to collect any fuel that will be drained from the filter.
- Cut the stainless lock wire holding the pressure screw from loosening.
- Loosen the pressure screw with a 10mm wrench and remove the filter bowl.
- Pour the old fuel from the filter into a clean container and inspect for water or debris.
- If there is a significant amount of water or dirt, schedule another fuel filter replacement.
- Clean the filter mount bracket and inspect the O-ring seal.
- Replace any damaged filter brackets.
- Open and inspect your new filter.
- Lubricate the rubber gasket of the new filter with engine oil to prevent damage when tightening.
- Install the new fuel filter, ensuring it is secure.
- Before starting the engine, pour some clean fuel into the new filter for easier start-up.
- Turn on the boat's batteries and test run the boat.
- Check for fuel leaks and listen for the faint whine of the electric fuel pump building pressure.
- Turn the key off when the pump stops, then turn it on again.
- If the fuel pump starts briefly, the filter is filled and the system is pressurised.
- If the fuel pump runs longer than a second, repeat the off-on cycle a few times.
- Consult a marine mechanic if issues persist.
It is important to note that some sources suggest simply replacing the fuel filter rather than attempting to empty and reuse it. This is because, once loosened, there is potential for cross-contamination, and even a tiny piece of dirt or water can stop or damage the engine. Additionally, it is recommended to treat the fuel with a stabilizer such as Quicksilver Quickstor® to prevent degradation and corrosion during long-term storage.
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Why you should empty water from the filter
Water trapped in the Mercruiser fuel filter can corrode the filter canister over the offseason. Therefore, it is recommended to change the filter annually or after every 100 hours of operation.
The fuel filter's job is to capture contaminants, and it should be allowed to do so while draining any water that accumulates. However, if the engine is running poorly, a fuel "polishing" service may be required. This is a cleaning process that is often more cost-effective than draining, disposing of, and refilling the fuel.
Water in the fuel filter can also indicate gasoline contamination. As the water moves around in the tank, it will keep entering the separator, which explains why you may continue to encounter it.
To check for water in the fuel filter, pour the old fuel from the filter into a clean white bucket. If you notice a large amount of water in the old fuel, schedule another fuel filter replacement after your next boating trip.
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How often to change the filter
The fuel filter on a Mercruiser sterndrive or inboard gasoline engine should be changed annually, or after every 100 hours of operation. For many boat owners, changing the fuel filter is part of an annual service performed before winter or offseason lay-up. This is because any water trapped in the filter could corrode the filter canister over the offseason.
It is recommended to treat the fuel with a stabilizer such as Quicksilver Quickstor® before long-term or offseason storage. This will stabilize the fuel for up to a year. For short-term storage, use Quicksilver Quickare® to control corrosion and ward off phase separation.
If you are in saltwater and your fuel filters are in the bilge area, you may need to replace them more often to prevent rust and leaks. It is also recommended to replace the filter more often if you are having water problems in your gas.
Some boat owners recommend changing the filter every season, or 50 hours, whichever comes first. This is to prevent problems rather than wait for them to occur. It is also advised to check your filter regularly and drain any water out of it at least monthly.
To change the filter, first turn off the battery switches or disconnect the boat's batteries. Turn off the fuel supply valve and position a fan to ventilate the bilge and work area. Use a filter wrench to loosen the old filter and pour the old fuel into a clean bucket. Inspect the old fuel for debris or water. If there is a large amount of dirt or water, schedule another filter replacement for after your next boating trip.
Before installing the new filter, lubricate the rubber gasket with engine oil to prevent it from being displaced or damaged when the filter is tightened. Open the fuel valve and turn on the boat's batteries. Test run the boat and check for fuel leaks.
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Tools required to change the filter
Changing the fuel filter on a Mercruiser engine is a straightforward task that can be done by boat owners themselves as part of an annual service. It is important to change the fuel filter because any water trapped in the filter could corrode the filter canister.
The tools required to change the filter include:
- An adjustable filter wrench.
- Rags or paper towels to clean up any split fuel and to lubricate the rubber gasket of the new filter.
- A catch pan to catch any fuel that may leak when disconnecting the hoses.
- A container for the fuel drained from the filter.
- A clean bucket to pour the old fuel from the filter into and inspect for debris or water.
- A marker to write the replacement date on the new fuel filter.
- New motor oil.
It is important to keep the work area well-ventilated and to avoid skin contact with fuel, sparks, and open flames.
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How to prevent water from entering the filter
To prevent water from entering the filter of a Mercruiser fuel filter, it is important to change the filter regularly. The fuel filter on a Mercury® MerCruiser® sterndrive or inboard gasoline engine should be changed annually, or after every 100 hours of operation. This is because any water trapped in the filter could corrode the filter canister over time.
Before installing a new fuel filter canister, lubricate the rubber gasket with a small amount of engine oil, applied with a rag or your fingertip. This will prevent the gasket from being displaced or damaged when the filter is tightened on the engine.
For best results, always treat fresh fuel before storage. Fill the boat tank when possible. Run the engine briefly, either in the water or on an engine flushing device, to allow the treated fuel to circulate through the entire fuel system. For an additional level of protection, or for short-term storage, use Quicksilver Quickare®. It can be added to the fuel tank at every fill-up. Quickare helps control corrosion, gum and varnish build-up, while also warding off phase separation and stabilizing fuel for up to 12 months.
As a final step, apply Quicksilver Corrosion Guard Engine Protect rust inhibitor to non-painted and painted surfaces of the MerCruiser engine to form a water-resistant barrier that helps prevent corrosion during long-term storage. Corrosion Guard leaves behind a clear film coating that quickly dries to the touch and does not gunk up over long-term use.
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Frequently asked questions
The fuel filter on a Mercruiser engine should be changed annually, or after every 100 hours of operation. It's important to change the fuel filter because any water trapped in the filter could corrode the filter canister over time.
To change your Mercruiser fuel filter, you will need an adjustable filter wrench, rags or paper towels, a catch pan, and a container for the fuel drained from the filter. First, turn off your battery switches or disconnect the boat's batteries. Then, turn off your fuel supply valve. Next, cut the stainless lock wire under the fuel pump, loosen the pressure screw with a 10mm wrench, and remove the filter bowl. Finally, install a new fuel filter, lubricating the rubber gasket with engine oil beforehand.
One product that can be used to prevent water from entering your fuel filter is Quicksilver Dri-Fuel, which bonds water together and breaks it down. It should be added to the tank a few weeks before winterising your boat. Another product to use is Quicksilver Quickstor fuel stabiliser, which stabilises fuel for up to a year and keeps it ready for use.
