"Cool Fuel" or "VST" model? (MAG MPI)

[Luna Sea]

Mercury MerCruiser<br />2000 350 Mag MPI Horizon<br />Serial # 0L673252<br /><br />MIE (350 HORIZON MPI 71C BOB FWC)<br />Serial Number: 0L673252 Model Number: 3F4107JM1<br /><br />A few weeks back, member "garycinn" posted this updated winterizing bulletin from Merc. <br /><br /><br /> winterizing service bulletin from Merc <br /><br /> Can anyone tell me if my engine is the "Cool Fuel" or "VSI" model? Or what the differences are? <br /><br />Thanks

 

[Don S]

Re: "Cool Fuel" or "VST" model? (MAG MPI)

You have the cool fuel system on your engine Mike.<br /><br />PS: The VST (Vapor Seperator Tank) was only on some of the TBI systems, not MPI's.

 

[Don S]

Re: "Cool Fuel" or "VST" model? (MAG MPI)

Don't recall that bulletin right off, I'll have to check it out next week when I go back to work. <br />Did they give a reason for the 12 hr wait? Sounds a bit odd, not like the water is going to move around for 12 hours before it settles to the bottom of what ever it's in.<br />We don't see too many big block Merc MPI's up here, so wouldn't know which ones had it and when. I do know for sure his serial number is CF though.

 

[muc]

Re: "Cool Fuel" or "VST" model? (MAG MPI)

I remember working on some early 502 MPI’s that used the VST system. Not sure but I think some of the 454 MPI’s used it also. But I’m pretty sure that all the 350 MPI’s used cool fuel.<br /><br />Don, Have you seen MCM service bulletin 2004-06? It is on the Gen 3 cool fuel. It says that Mercury Mercruiser recommends waiting 12 hours after engine was last run before servicing the fuel filter! Try telling your customer you can’t check his fuel filter for water until tomorrow! Must have been a lawyer that came up with that

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: "Cool Fuel" or "VST" model? (MAG MPI)

Don S and muc,<br /><br />Thank you for your replies. <br /><br />Where do you find these "bulletins". I'd be interested as this is the newest engine I've ever owned. I do have the big thick service manual but any more info is always appreciated.<br /><br />Enjoy your Thanksgiving holiday!<br /><br />I'm heading to the Airport shortly.........

 

[Don S]

Re: "Cool Fuel" or "VST" model? (MAG MPI)

Service Bulletins are sent to dealers (I work for one)as they come out, but are not released to the general public. You can find the bulletins that have been released to the public at the link below. If you here about a bulletin here, you can always go to your local Mercruiser dealer, they will usually allow you to read it.<br /><br />Service Bulletins

 

[rodbolt]

Re: "Cool Fuel" or "VST" model? (MAG MPI)

hello<br /> the reason for the wait is the filter is under pressure. be aware that some, when you spin them off or remove the portable tank with the fogging mixture, will spray fuel about. I never wait but I do wrap it up nice with rags and relive the pressures best ya can .

 

[muc]

Re: "Cool Fuel" or "VST" model? (MAG MPI)

Don’t know the reason for the 12 hour wait. Don’t think it has anything to do with pressure because they still tell you to relive pressure by disconnecting the fuel pump electrical connector and cranking before disassembly. Only thing I can think of is has to do with heat and possible fire. Will be something I ask about at school this winter. I’m thinking I’ll go to Alpha and Transoms this year (been about 4 years since I’ve had any Alpha training). The instructor at Detroit Lakes, MN is very good!<br />P.S. Rodbolt, The Gen 3 Cool Fuel doesn’t use a spin on, it’s a cover held on by 3 screws and sealed with an o-ring over a paper filter by the looks of the service bulletin.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: "Cool Fuel" or "VST" model? (MAG MPI)

ok<br /> dont belive me<br /> I did it on one last year. when I removed the hose that I had on the suction side of the fuel cooler ya shoulda seen the fuel spray but the marinas I contract for make me read and initial every bulliten they recieve. that way we are all on the same playing field <br /> but that is the reason for the wait, removing rail pressure wont relieve the filter pressures.<br />they had another bulliten for a similar system in 2003. seems they are concerened that consumers and service personnel may remove it after a run time and cause a fire or injury.

 

[muc]

Re: "Cool Fuel" or "VST" model? (MAG MPI)

Hi Rodbolt, Can you help me out with 2003 service bulletin # that talked about a “similar system”? I can’t think of any reason that a spin-on filter could hold pressure after relieving the fuel rail. I sure don’t remember anything about waiting 12 hours to R&R a fuel filter!

 

[newport dave]

Re: "Cool Fuel" or "VST" model? (MAG MPI)

Gen 3 Cool Fuel Module<br />