Replacing Water Separating Filter on Optimax

[bigbasser54]

Don,

I was looking to replace my water separating filter on my 03 225 Opti. Would you mind walking me through this procedure? Also if you give me a price quote on the parts I would need it would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Nick

[EuropeanAM]

Don,

I was looking to replace my water separating filter on my 03 225 Opti. Would you mind walking me through this procedure? Also if you give me a price quote on the parts I would need it would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Nick

-Remove cowling

-With a flatblade screwdriver, CAREFULLY separate the TPS link arm from the TPS (you're disconnecting the ball and socket joint at the TPS). Set the arm out of the way.

-Utilizing a 896661 Filter Removal Tool (or as an alternative, a screwdriver through the plastic tabs... be careful they can break), unscrew the filter COUNTER CLOCKWISE while looking from the TOP of the VST and remove the filter.

RedCapFilterTool.jpg

-With a bright flashlight, look down inside the chamber. You'll need to drain any water present, and clean out any debris which might be sitting at the bottom. If you need to drain the chamber, use the "u-shaped" hose that's provided at the bottom. To drain, look at the FRONT/BOTTOM of the VST for an ALLEN SCREW or FLAT-SCREWDRIVER DRAIN SCREW (loosen screw several turns to allow draining). Retighten drain screw when finished.

-Lightly lubricate BOTH o-rings on a NEW 8M0060041 filter with 2-4-C (or petroleum jelly/vaseline if 2-4-C is not available). Clean off any excess that is outside the o-ring area.

RedCapFilter.jpg

-Install filter... turn it CLOCKWISE until firmly seated.

-Using TWO FINGERS (or as an alternative, a pair of pliers), squeeze the ball and socket joint for the TPS link arm back together. Be careful not to "pry against" the TPS itself... this can damage the TPS unit (hence the recommendation of two fingers or a pair of pliers to squeeze it together).

-Pump the primer bulb until it's FIRM.

-Verify no fuel leaks present at VST or filter.

-Project Complete.

This post has been added to the "Commonly Used Sticky" at the top of the forum for "future reference".

PS: You've got an IM.

[Kenny3Times]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by EuropeanAM &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">

-Lightly lubricate BOTH o-rings on a NEW 8M0020349 filter with 2-4-C (or petroleum jelly/vaseline if 2-4-C is not available). Clean off any excess that is outside the o-ring area.


</td></tr></table>

Is the same filter used for a 2005 Pro XS serial:1B162522? How do I identify the TPS (where is it).

Should this process be done prior to putting it away for the winter or can it be done in the spring? I am storing in a heated garage.

Also, could you send me a PM with the price for this?


Thanks,
Kent

[EuropeanAM]

Same filter- same proceedure.

If you were to loosen the filter.... and attempt to lift it out of the housing, you would be prevented from doing so by a metal linkage located directly above the filter. This linkage attaches at the "rear" or aft end to a black, square device.

That black, square device is the TPS.

[Tennessee Top]

I'm confused.

Read in another post Don said Mercury does not recommend water separators as they may affect fuel flow.

I was going to have a water separator installed on my new rig but based on that did not.

[EuropeanAM]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Tennessee Top &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">I'm confused.

Read in another post Don said Mercury does not recommend water separators as they may affect fuel flow.

I was going to have a water separator installed on my new rig but based on that did not.

</td></tr></table>

Mercury does not recommend the installation of ADDITIONAL filters.

According to Mercury: "Your engine is already equipped with an adequate level of filtration".

In your case.... there is a water separating filter UNDERNEATH the engine cowling. Yours, however, is different from the type described in this post.

[Kenny3Times]

Just got around to replacing mine last night. Thanks for posting the instrucitons, it was a very easy project with your instructions. Also thanks Don for reccomending the 896661 Filter Removal Tool, it would have been a major headache without it.

The only step I didn't follow was the part about draining the water so I just sucked it out of there with a turkey baster

Thanks!

Kent

[Jdub75803]

Ok so i did this but i took the 3 5/16 bolts out to move the arm blocking the fuel filter from coming out. Took boat out doesnt run smooth, also if i give it more than say half throttle it starts a continuous beep. Was it something i did wrong or?

[rchavis]

You may have ..didn't read take out 3 bolts ...but to use a screw driver and remove TPS link arm from the TPS housing .

[Nova Kaw 650]

Ok so i did this but i took the 3 5/16 bolts out to move the arm blocking the fuel filter from coming out. Took boat out doesnt run smooth, also if i give it more than say half throttle it starts a continuous beep. Was it something i did wrong or?

Not an outboard tech, but...... the motor was running good before the filter change?
Check carefully for fuel leaks around the filter.
Did the TPS (thing held on with the three bolts) have adjustment slots, or anything that would allow it to not have gone back in exactly the same position?
A wire or plug to the TPS hasn't come undone?

[EuropeanAM]

I'm going to guess one of the following:

-Shards or shreds of old filter dropped in housing

-TPS link arm not properly installed

-Pulse hose kinked over behind VST (or completely disconnected).

NO NEED to remove bolts from the VST during filter replacement.

[jackal]

Ok so i did this but i took the 3 5/16 bolts out to move the arm blocking the fuel filter from coming out. Took boat out doesnt run smooth, also if i give it more than say half throttle it starts a continuous beep. Was it something i did wrong or?

I did these same steps, based upon a youtube video I watched before hand. I ended up with the same problems, rough slow idle and steady beep at anything past 3000 rpm. I tried taking the TPS off and making sure it was connected properly. Not much luck so far. Wish I had known that the black box was a sensor before hand.

[Legend Chris]

Don do you have part number for this same filter on a 2008 250 Pro XS?

[Savage]

http://www.bbcboards.net/mercury-3-l...cessories.html

[EuropeanAM]

http://www.bbcboards.net/mercury-3-l...cessories.html

+1... that's a good reference for Parts Ordering or Lookup of parts by Engine Serial Number. Filter is located in the Vapor Separator Section of the Parts Catalog.

8M0060041 is the Part Number for the "Red-Capped" VST Water Separating Filter.

You would also be wise to purchase Part# 896661 Tool (to remove and re-install the filter).

NEVER remove the screws for the TPS simply to replace the filter.

And strongly recommend AGAINST using "Tube" videos for service techniques... many of them are RIDDLED with errors, such as this, by well-meaning "DIY'ers" or "mechanics".

[BOW4UM]

Get the tool. My filter cracked and was a mess getting out. The tool is cheap and works great and you will use it every year :)

[basscatpuma]

Is this the same filter for a 2011 250 pro XS

[Wicked920]

I could be mistaken, but I think its the same filter. And after rereading this thread, I may have messed up. I didn't have any 2-4-C or Vaseline (and didn't think KY Jelly was a good alternative) so I used a very light coat of engine oil on both O-rings. All in all it was a very simple procedure.

[Reel Life]

Don, in post #11 I think he was referring to the 3 bolts holding the TPS not (VST) and has probably incorrectly reinstalled the TPS...this is causing the alarm.

[Savage]

Don, in post #11 I think he was referring to the 3 bolts holding the TPS not (VST) and has probably incorrectly reinstalled the TPS...this is causing the alarm.

Agree.