Fuel Filter Change

[mikebmaxum3000]

I'm trying to change my fuel filters on my 2000 3000 SCR. The engines are Mercruiser 5.0 L, carbed. The filters are of the spin-off variety. After I get the filter loosened gas starts to pour out of the top. I doesn't seem to stop coming. I think I drained half a quart or more before I tightened it back up. Do I need to kill all the power to he engines first or does it tend to want to drain the lines. seems like an excess amount of fuel. Any ideas??

[biggerseagar]

Are you talking about the water separater filters or the gas filter that is in the carb when you unscrew the gas line?

Roger

[mikebmaxum3000]

Hi Roger,
Water separator filters.

[biggerseagar]

The engine is not running and the key are in the off position right....I always wait a few minutes then unscrew them off. I might get a couple drops but it should not be pouring down. Get a empty milk jug and cut it in half to catch the spill and take the old one off and put the new one on.

Or just wait to see how long the spill last.

Then put the new filter on.

I have an 01 3000 and mine doesn't even dribble when I change mine. Fuel pump still running? huummm?

Roger

[mikebmaxum3000]

Hi Roger,
Keys were off and engine had not been run in a day or two. Someone suggested there may be some stray voltage engaging the fuel pump. I'm going to try and disconnect shore power and turn the battery switches to off and see if that helps. With my prior boat I was able to just spin them off with no leakage. I'll let you know, although I'm about to come out of the water and may not get to it for a bit. Thanks for your thoughts.

Mike

[mmwjr]

The fuel pump is after the filter/separator additionally with the engine off the pump cannot be running.

When I remove mine I get clove to a quart of gas, use a catch pan.

[mikebmaxum3000]

Thanks Mike for your insight. Now that I know it isn't unusual, I will give that a try. I appreciate your thoughts.

Mike

[shrew]

Shore power wouldn't be affecting this. Shore Power is 120VAC and the fuel pump is 12vDC. The only cross-over in those systems would be if you had the battery charger circuit turned on. All you should need to do is shut the battery switch(s) off. To be safe, shut the battery charger switch off AND the battery switches themselves and the entire 12V system shut be off.

[mikebmaxum3000]

Thanks Shrew. I'm out of the water now and will shut everything off and attempt again in a couple of weeks. I appreciate everyone's help.
Mike

[jamanati]

Do you have a fuel shut off valve?

[mikebmaxum3000]

Don't know. I'm guessing that there may be one somewhere. Good thought.

[mmwjr]

Originally Posted by mikebmaxum3000

Don't know. I'm guessing that there may be one somewhere. Good thought.

If you have on it will near the gas tank feed, I do not have one on my Maxum.

[mikebmaxum3000]

I looked in the engine compartment and didn't see one. Perhaps there is one behind the wall near the tank.

[mmwjr]

Originally Posted by mikebmaxum3000

I looked in the engine compartment and didn't see one. Perhaps there is one behind the wall near the tank.

Start at the tank on the fuel line that goes to the engine and trace it ti the engine, if not one before the filter then none. BTY I think the gas coming out is draining back down the fuel line from the carb, hard to believe it will flow up from the tank.

[mikebmaxum3000]

I would tend to agree Mike, however there seemed to be a lot more coming out than I would have thought would have been in the fuel line & carb.

[mmwjr]

Originally Posted by mikebmaxum3000

I would tend to agree Mike, however there seemed to be a lot more coming out than I would have thought would have been in the fuel line & carb.

The filter holds about a quart of gas and is filled to the brim which causes it to slosh out very easy. I still think a catch pan under it and you will be fine.

[mikebmaxum3000]

I think you're right Mike. I'll just turn off the batteries and get a good sized catch can and go for it.
Mike