water separating fuel filter

f4rioboy

New Member
Jan 13, 2007
23
Fresno
Boat Info
2005 180 Sport
Engines
3L,135 HP
Hi all,
A question from a newbie. I have a 2005 180 sport, 3.0 L (carb), Alpha one.

I'm looking at the manual Scheduled Maintenance chart and it states " replace the water separating fuel filter and the boost pump pre-filter". This should be done every 100 hours or annually.

I like to replace the water separating fuel filter. First, is it the canister next to the oil filter? Upon removing the filter, should I anticipate fuel dripping into the bilge? Do I need to clamp anything off before I remove the filter? Any instruction would be greatly appreciated. I just don't want to make a big mess. Thanks.
 
Not sure about your model and installation set up, but yes water separator filters usually are canisters about the size of small oil filters. Mine have a bolt at the bottom which is loosened and I carefully place it into a bucket because it is full of fuel. After you replace the filter and reinstall it check for leaks by running the engine for a couple of minutes and feeling around it to make sure all is well.
 
sbw1 - With a center mounting bolt, are you describing a Fram cartridge type water seperator found on some inboard boats or a Mercruiser spin on filter?

A 180 Sea Ray does not have the cartridge type filter....only a Mercruiser spin-on.
 
f4rioboy,

When you remove the fuel/water separator or the oil filter, it's a good idea to cut a gallon milk carton in half and place (or hold) it under the filter. Then unscrew the filter and let the gas/oil fall into the milk carton. Good luck.

Doug
 
fwebster said:
sbw1 - With a center mounting bolt, are you describing a Fram cartridge type water seperator found on some inboard boats or a Mercruiser spin on filter?
A 180 Sea Ray does not have the cartridge type filter....only a Mercruiser spin-on.

Don't own that boat any more as it was sold in 2004. It was a factory original. As I recall it was orange in color.
 
f4, welcome to the board. Put your boat's info on your signature if you can, it would really help us out in the future.

If your seperator or oil filter is mounted upside down, it's a pain to change because it holds so much fluid. Before you unscrew it, take a screw driver or similair tool and drive it through the filters housing in the middle. This will break the suction and pretty much drain the enitire filter, leaving you with little mess to clean later.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
112,946
Messages
1,422,783
Members
60,930
Latest member
Ebrown69
Back
Top