Current Ideas on FCC Removal

[03SANTE]

Putting the boat to sleep for the winter and wanting to check the FCC filter at some point. Apparently mine was spot welded on and I have no idea when or if it has ever been off. Tried a nylon strap wrench with a 1/2 drive...nothing. Anyone have any new tricks for leverage and removal?
Thanks

[functionoverfashion]

You could try a chain-style strap wrench or one of these:


They can really be a pain to get off, though. When you put it back on, go easy - the o-ring should be making a seal without having to use tools to tighten the canister, much like an oil filter as far as how tight it needs to be.

[NautiqueJeff]

Some people remove the whole assembly and put it in a vice. That gives better leverage. Like stated above, it does not have to be reassembled super tight.

[03SANTE]

Thanks guys! What do you think of this?


https://www.amazon.com/Uxcell-a14082...9257965&sr=8-8

[Evening Shade]

I saw a video in which the guy used large channel lock pliers and I think he eventually had to use a large pipe wrench to get it loose.

[peteSki]

Had a really stubborn one a couple years ago on a 2002 Ski Nautique with Excalibur.... ended up using a large pipe wrench. Scratched the heck out of the outside but no real damage, was able to change filter and then put it back on, has not been as difficult to remove since!

[dominator]

Here is one video on "man vs. fuel filter" saga.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmrRSFN0n-0

[wakejunky]

I've removed the whole unit, put the base in a vise and put two bolts back in. Then take a big a$$ lever and use the two bolts to turn the top off.

[Miljack]

wakejunky has the right plan! I had one that was super tight from the factory, the only way i got it loose was to remove the whole unit, clamp it in a vice (use soft jaws if you have them, or something that will grip the cylinder a bit to keep it from the scratching up the body of the FCC canister. Use two bolts long enough in the top to give you purchase with a big crowbar or pipe.
Might be a good idea to put some penetrating oil in first too...

[03SANTE]

Thanks for all of the tips. May throw $15 more to a chain wrench and if not plan on removing the whole thing for the vice method.

What is a good sealant if I end up needing to remove fuel lines to take it off?

[Paul W]

Did mine this summer with the big jaw looking filter remover as pictured above. Not easy but was able to spin it. They make a sealant for fuel that you will want to use. Any auto parts store has it.