Fuel Filter/Water Separator Replacement

[Marko1956]

I want to replace the fuel filter/water separator in my '92 SN (Windsor 351). It's a new boat to me, so I have not replaced it yet. My prior boat, an American Skier, had a spin off filter, much like an oil filter. This one appears to be taller and thinner, and did not spin off with moderate pressure. It is a Fram filter, but it's old and the writing on it is worn off. I can't tell if it's a canister with a replaceable filter or a spin off. I'm also unsure how it comes off. Any help would be appreciated.

[AirTool]

pics help

[Marko1956]

Here is a photo of the filter. It appears to be a Fram. Does the bottom black portion spin off, or do the top bolts hold the canister on? I have tried to spin it off but did not want to put too much pressure on it. I just bought the boat last July and do not know when the filter was last changed. It is a well maintained boat, but I like to do the filter every year. By the way, it is a 1992 SN. Thanks

[Zach@n3]

Do yourself a favor and take it off the boat. Remove all the lines and the 4 bolts up top. Plug up the supply line from the tank because it can and will siphon fuel. Try to drain all fuel possible by removing the lower pipe plug drain and pouring whatever else you can get out of the supply and fuel pump side fittings. It will be hard to un screw so stick it in a shop vice. There is a huge wrench fitting on the bottom (black part). Crank on that until its lets loose. Worse case you can get a chain style wrench to remove a stubborn one. Need a replacement filter? Give me a call or an email.

[AirTool]

What Z said plus:

1. for plugging your lines, go buy some real plugs or caps and thread them on. Save for later. Don't you paper towels or masking tape or some other crap method.

2. Any thread sealant you use needs to be fuel proof (not fool proof LOL)...most sealants do not resist gasoline. If it doesn't say "fuel lines" find one that does. (Note: don't put sealant on flared fittings.)

3. Clean everything good...now is your time to make it look new again.

4. I feel like Rick Perry....I've forgotten the 4th.

[Zach@n3]

Your reply looks so much better ha! I hate that windows 8 will no longer let me hit return to start new paragraphs on Planet only .

[AirTool]

Your reply looks so much better ha! I hate that windows 8 will no longer let me hit return to start new paragraphs on Planet only .

I remember #4 now.....don't buy Windows 8. Note I just received an Alienware 14 w/7 Ultimate...but I haven't opened the box yet...I'm on another planet.

Zach....try shift-enter....similar result.

[Zach@n3]

No dice, thanks for the good idea though. I've tried it all.

[AirTool]

No dice, thanks for the good idea though. I've tried it all.

I have a 1K Windows 8 laptop at home with less than 10 hours on it in 14 months....mainly was compressing some video.

I need to do something with that thing. I keep the battery charged. I plug it in for a day...once a week or so.

[Marko1956]

I take it the removal of the unit is just to get better leverage on it? However, if it should come loose while still mounted in the boat, will the gas still siphon? Will I still need to plug the line? (I never had to plug the line on my old boat.)
And yes I will need a new filter when I get around to doing the job. The boat currently shrink wrapped so the job will not be done until Spring. I can get a part number to you then. I also want to change the steering cable as it is a bit stiff. Do you have that part? Finally, do you suggest changing the steering hub as well? (It is a 22 year old boat so I assume the hub has signs of wear.) Can you give me a ball park price on the parts?
Thanks