After talking with Don today and cursing the fuel filter on the newer mercs from cutting my hand up using a screw driver he had a simple suggestion. Instead of giving up or risk mangling the new filter; use a star washer. We took his advice for a cheap and easy tool to use. Use an older Merc star washer for your prop and a socket. After making the run to get my spare for my motor it was a simple in and out process that took about two minutes. I know a lot of guys are doing their own maintenance to spare costly labor bills but most will avoid it because of the lack of specialty tools. I know a lot of guys already know this as well but for those who don't here you go. Thanks for the tip Don! I'm sure the actual tool is at least an $18 tool.
Here's what you need, a star washer from older Merc and a 1 1/8" socket.
This saved a lot of head and hand ache, time and MONEY!!!
The star washer fits perfectly into the fuel filter and don't be afraid to knock the washer into the socket with a hammer as it may have lost some shape from torquing down the prop. Even if you don't have one this is a much cheaper alternative to buying the tool as the fat shafts don't have need them.
Modified by arjone01 at 4:09 PM 6/3/2009
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