1997 MerCruiser 3.0LX fuel-water separator.

[mike1266]

Hello, I was doing some spring maintenance on the boat today and was trying to replace the fuel-water separator. After wrestling with the upside-down bolt in a super tight spot for 45 mins, I finally loosened it. As I loosened it more and more, I started smelling gasoline and panicked. I ended up just tightening the screw back. So here are my questions:

1. Is this normal? Did i miss a part where I have to shut off a fuel valve or something? or just residual gasoline?

2. I now have a small amount of gasoline in the bilge... Would it be safe for me to wipe it up with a towel and start the engine after I let it air out a bit? I'm afraid of the fumes in the bilge from the gas.

3. Is it advisable to just leave that part for next season? I feel like since it was a pain in the a** to unscrew it it will be more pain to replace the filter inside. Maybe if the fuel wasn't supposed to leak there is another problem brewing...

As always, I really appreciate any input. I'm learning more every day, thank you to all the contributors!

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,...... Ya, usually there's abit of spillage from the filter,.....

I slip a freezer baggie 'round it after I crack it loose, to contain as much as possible,.....

Yes,.... Wipe up the spill, 'n air out the bilge,.....

'n Yes, change it at least once a year,..... more often if ya get a load of crap, causin' runnability issues,.....

 

[alldodge]

1) It is normal for some fuel to run out. The filter container may spill out, can have a container to catch it or several rags. It should not be a lot unless the anti-siphon valve is stuck open or is missing. Disconnect the fuel line at the tank

2) Yes wipe it up and run your blower as usual before starting

3) Always good to do maintenance. If the filter needs to be replaced this season I don't know, depends on when was the last time it was done

 

[Alumarine]

I'm only familiar with the fuel/water separators that have a screw on canister filter.
Did some models come with a replaceable cartridge type filter?

 

[alldodge]

I'm only familiar with the fuel/water separators that have a screw on canister filter.
Did some models come with a replaceable cartridge type filter?

Most the 3,0 used the replaceable filter media

https://www.mercruiserparts.com/bam/subassembly/30918/1604/110

 

[Alumarine]

I thought those were just a fuel filter, not a water separator as well?

 

[alldodge]

They separate by water being heavier then water, same as canister. The older ones use to be mounted up side down, so they couldn't do it

 

[Alumarine]

They separate by water being heavier then water, same as canister. The older ones use to be mounted up side down, so they couldn't do it

Good to know, thanks.

 

[mike1266]

Great, I was able to use a baggie under it to catch a bit of fuel and changed it successfully after wrestling with it for about an hour. Thank you all for your help!!