Removal of Fuel Cell GT 40

[lakers5]

I recently purchased a 2000 Ski Nautique and during winter maintenance find that I cannot remove the fuel cell to change the filter. Any tips for removal, so far I have broken 3 filter wrenches. I have attempted to spray some WD40 on the threads, used different sized wrenches. My guess is that it hasn't been off since day one.

Thanks Tom

[M3Fan]

RE: Removal of Fuel Cell GT 40

It's notoriously difficult to unscrew. If you search for FCC you'll probably find quite a few posts on it. You might want to try a chain wrench or strap wrench- don't worry about collapsing the sides of the bowl since it is fairly thick aluminum.

[Labatt911]

RE: Removal of Fuel Cell GT 40

Make sure you are turning it the right way. To remove it I believe you would pull toward the front of the boat

[skinautique]

RE: Removal of Fuel Cell GT 40

turn the canister counter clockwise. some of them are a real pain. that is why they changed them in 2005. you might want to slide a pipe or something over the handle of the oil filter wrench to get a little more leverage. once it is off, don't forget to change the o ring and then put grease all over the threads to help it come off easier the next time. i think there was a guy that was getting his butt chewed for a fuel leak and he put some of them on so tight so that he wouldn't have an issue!

[NCH2oSki]

RE: Removal of Fuel Cell GT 40

Get a giant set of Channel lock pliars, adjust them properly to fit the cell and remove, its that easy with them. It was also the only thing that would remove mine. I tried the strap wrench with a large ratchet, then added a breaker bar. It started twisting the mount. The channel locks took almost no effort. Much better leverage and grip with them.

[lakers5]

RE: Removal of Fuel Cell GT 40

Thanks for the suggestions. I am pulling counter-clock-wise (toward the bow) I just went into to town and bought a really heavy filter wrench and strectched it...I will try the suggestion of a channel lock pliars. Thanks for the help, it is appreciated.

Tom

[Miljack]

Tom,
I had to resort to removing the FCC from the engine. I then mounted the "bowl" in a vice, use some longer mounting bolts which I threaded completely into the top part with the fittings. BE CAREFUL of your fittings on top! I then used a pry bar to remove the top from the bowl, it does still take some pretty good force to remove this way.
I was able to protect the bowl from scratches with a "soft jaw" for the vice.
Jack