Changing the FCC fuel filter

[wakejunky]

Two methods that I have used.

1.) Two oil filter wrenches with two people. Both using their might to get it off.
2.) Remove it from the boat. Remove the fuel fittings, wiring connector and take off the 3 9/16 bolts from the top. Once out of the boat, drain it and then put it in a vise. Then do the oil filter deal.
If that doesn't work, keep it in the vise, put two long bolts into two of the three holes on the top of the can and use a long pry bar between the bolts to wrench it off.

BE CAREFULL NOT TO NICK/MAR THE FUEL FITTINGS

Replace the filter and extract the o-ring from the inside of the top. Get it back in the boat and cycle the ignition a few times to fill it.

Chris

[jmo]

Hey Guys,

I have an FCC question, I just finished replacing the filter on mine and after cranking the cannister back on as tightly as possible I noticed the label on the side of the FCC is in a slightly different position that before I started the change, its either a 1/4 of a turn tighter or 3/4 turn looser. It feels pretty darn snug. Is this something I should worry about? I replaced the o ring on the inside and greased the threads...

I'll double check to make sure there are no leaks next month when I de-winterize it.

On a side note, if your changing it on a SAN its easier to drain it first as its a mini brain teaser trying to figure out how to get it out of that tight corner once its off - you have to angle it on a 45 degree slant to extract it and hence fuel will dump out all over the place.

Thanks,

jmo

[AirTool]

It is probably 3/4 looser and okay...check it by hand after an hour or two of run time and again later.

The orignal mechanic that tightened it was named King Kong and he used a cheater bar.

AirTool

[djbartholomew]

I had all kinds of trouble with mind last year so i ended up using a pipe wrench, the only way I could get it off. Got the feeling that it might of ever been off. Thought that I was going to brake something that's my luck. So good luck to all.

[nch20skier]

2" strap wrench, 2 rubber jar opener pads, 1/2" drive socket (for the strap wrench) with an 18" peice of pipe for additional leverage and another set of hands to support the bracket. Fortunately I ended up with only set of bloody knuckles

[AirTool]

Just to clarify .... JMO's question was about getting it tight again....not breaking it loose from the factory. From what I understand, it does NOT need to be tightened as tight as it was from the factory.

AirTool

[newwakesurfer]

how often (HRS) does one change the FCC fuel filter?? - i have a 2001 super air with 600 HRS - never replaced fuel filter and I'm not really looking forward to banging my knuckles.

thanks for the info

[DanielC]

It is time to change it.

[wakejunky]

Here's one tip that we used when I was working at WCCC.

Take the whole canister off. Disconnect both fuel lines, disconnect electrical, remove holding bolts and remove the bowl and mounting plate from the boat.
Place the whole unit into a vice, mounting bracket up. Screw in two 3-4" bolts into the mounting bolts, not the ones from the boat, take a big a** breaker bar and put it between the two bolts and start unscrewing the top off the bowl.

Chris

[jmo]

how often (HRS) does one change the FCC fuel filter?? - i have a 2001 super air with 600 HRS - never replaced fuel filter and I'm not really looking forward to banging my knuckles.

thanks for the info

My fuel filter probably had about 200 hours on it and it was pretty discolored (not sure if that is just from the gas) and there was a tiny bit of film/crud on the inside wall of the canister that just wiped out before reassembling it. The manual says to change it every season.

[core-rider]

I just got finished replacing mine for the first time ever on my '03. I didn't have any noticeable running problems, but figured I had better do it since I've got 336 hours. I went ahead and removed the assembly from the boat counting on the worst. I put the FCC in the bench vise, got my oil filter wrench out and planted myself firmly thinking I was about to sweat a little...... Wrong! It was HAND tight. I was actually kind of disappointed, but relieved at the same time. Everything went very well and the filter looked good IMO. It was discolored black, but I just assume that is from what little dirt there may have been and just the gas running through it.

So see, there not all bad!

[DavidF]

I changed mine a few days ago. I was not sure how old the filter was since I just purchased the boat. I removed the entire FCC from the boat, put the head in the vice and not problem removing the canister with a oil filter wrench (it has been changed before). What I discovered was that the last time the filter was replaced, it was done poorly. The rubber gasket in the filter was pinched and not seated properly. So, the filter was not doing its job correctly.

So, morale of the story is that I suggest you lubricate either the pump or rubber seal (in the filter) or both before installing the new filter. This should keep the seal from being dislodged and pinched.

[eseybold]

I usualy wrap some padding - the kind that you put under a small rug on a wooden floor so the rug does not slip- and a pair of channel locks. The Channel locks grap the fcc bowl that is wrapped with this rubber padding and it never fails. It prevents scratching and crushing of the FCC bowel and gives great grip.

[nch20skier]

I took G-Man's route only had to grab the wifes rubber jar opener pads to keep the strap from slipping on the canister. Additionally I had to add an 18" peice of pipe to the socket wrench for additional leverage. To think it takes that much added leverage with an already 250 pounder leaning into it is amazing.
When you finally get this off you will be releived. I placed a small amount of anti-seize on the treads when I reinstaled mine.

[thedude]

I just changed mine this weekend, that thing was a huge pain to get off. I had me and my dad using oil filter wrenches on it, both apply as much force as we could, finally it came free. The fuel filter was dark grey/almost black...I'm glad I changed it.