FCC problem

[Mr.O]

This is my first time changing the filter on the FCC since i bought the boat. I understand there is supposed to be a lock nut (so 2 nuts?) on the bottom of the bowl for draining before i take off the canister. The problem is I only have 1 nut that I can't remove because it just spins with the shaft. After standing upside down on my head for a better look, there appears to be one threaded shaft inside of another threaded shaft? I can see how there may have been a lock nut on the smaller of the 2 shafts. I tried to put a nut on the smaller one, but it wasn't possible because there is just 2 threads to catch the nut.
Can I try to unscew the bowl without removing this? What kind of problem do I have here?

[AirTool]

RE: FCC problem

Put something under it to catch the fuel. I put a funnel with a clamped hose and run it out the bildge drain...into a container.

Put your cigar out first and have an extinguisher ready. (safety disclaimer)

AirTool

[core-rider]

RE: FCC problem

It is much easier to work on outside the boat. Just unplug the wiring, remove the fuel lines (5 total if I remember correctly), and remove the 3 bolts holding the FCC to the mounting bracket. Hold the assembly as upright as possible while taking it out of the boat or fuel will spill out from the fuel connections. Then you can drain the FCC on a work bench and remove the bowl, replace filter. Reverse the order when re-installing. You will save yourself some busted knuckels taking the assembly out of the boat and possible messy clean up.

[Rick]

RE: FCC problem

I second that sometimes the bowls are on really tight and you'll need a vice and HUGE pipe or strap wrench.

[Mr.O]

RE: FCC problem

ya, i've read all about the difficulties in removing. my concern was the drain on the bottom that i can't remove. i don't know if its simply a plug, or is there a shaft that runs up to the top of the canister that i might wreck.

[core-rider]

RE: FCC problem

No shaft, just the pipe plug at the bottom. There isn't really a jam nut. It's just a pipe plug that screws into the bottom of the bowl. The bowl has a hex nut on the bottom that is there for you to put a wrench on to back up while loosening the plug.