Starting engines after fuel filter change

[S Lightly Salty]

i just changed all the fuel filters yesterday. 454 mercruisers. Having a hard time getting them to start today. Any advice?

 

[Lazy Daze]

Carb'd or fuel injected?

Take the main filters off and see if they are empty. I often just cycle the key on/off while listening for the fuel pump to help fill them. But you can pre-fill the filters with gas, too.

 

[S Lightly Salty]

Carb. Which is considered the main filter? The one at the “firewall” or the one closest to the motor?

 

[Lazy Daze]

The spin-off one - looks like an oil filter. This is technically called the "fuel water separator".

 

[Strecker25]

Our's are EFI (TBI) motors but it's always a process of 3 or 4 stalls after I replace our spin on filters, even if I cycle the key 8-10 times. If I prefill them, they usually stall once and then fire up just fine the second time and stay running.

 

[CaptBud]

Make sure the gaskets are in place!!! I didn't realize it but the gasket fell off of mine because you have to put the gasket on, and then put the filter on while holding the gasket in place, its kind of tricky. Anyway, i couldn't get mine started afterwards and it wound up being because the gasket wasen't in place and it could'nt draw suction.

 

[S Lightly Salty]

Make sure the gaskets are in place!!! I didn't realize it but the gasket fell off of mine because you have to put the gasket on, and then put the filter on while holding the gasket in place, its kind of tricky. Anyway, i couldn't get mine started afterwards and it wound up being because the gasket wasen't in place and it could'nt draw suction.

Thank you. I struggled to get the old, dried up ones out so I was extra careful making sure the new ones were in and seated.

 

[CliffA]

I pour the gas from the old filters into the new filters using a funnel.....works great as a way to prime the new filters....always put a little oil on the gasket of the new filter or it may be very difficult to get off the next time....

cliff

 

[scoflaw]

I pour the gas from the old filters into the new filters using a funnel.....works great as a way to prime the new filters....always put a little oil on the gasket of the new filter or it may be very difficult to get off the next time....

cliff

Sure as hell wouldn't do that. If there is water in the old filter it will now be in your new filter. Best to pour the old contents into something clear and have a look. !st indicator of water in your tank.

 

[CliffA]

Sure as hell wouldn't do that. If there is water in the old filter it will now be in your new filter. Best to pour the old contents into something clear and have a look. !st indicator of water in your tank.

I only empty the gas into a glass jar for inspection if I suspect I have an issue with the quality of the gas such as a rough running engine....if I do have water in the gas I have a bigger problem than a fuel filter....

cliff

 

[scoflaw]

I only empty the gas into a glass jar for inspection if I suspect I have an issue with the quality of the gas such as a rough running engine....if I do have water in the gas I have a bigger problem than a fuel filter....

cliff

That's the whole idea of a filter, traps water before you do have a rough running engine.

 

[CliffA]

That's the whole idea of a filter, traps water before you do have a rough running engine.

I have been working on boats for around 12 years and have been working on cars/trucks for the past 47 years and I have never had an issue with water in the fuel of any engine I have owned....maybe I have just been lucky....

cliff

 

[rcknecht]

this is what I do, except, I pour fuel form a gas can, not from the old filters... I have 454 MPIs...

I pour the gas from the old filters into the new filters using a funnel.....works great as a way to prime the new filters....always put a little oil on the gasket of the new filter or it may be very difficult to get off the next time....

cliff