Conference vicki::boats

    
    What brand and model is the filter housing?
    
    Overton's lists a Quicksilver (Merc) replacement filter cartridge
    for $4.95.
    
    Boat/US lists about 6 or 7 different models of Fram and Racor filters
    and replacement cartidges.
    
    Supply a model number and we'll fix you right up!  
    
    Rick W.

    
    Some of the filter manufacturer's (Fram, etc) make a replacement
    cartridge for the Merc Fuel filters- I gave my local auto parts store
    the Mercruser part # and they cross- referenced it.
    
     I will be changing out to the new filters with the built in water
    separator/drain- water has been my biggest problem  and I like the idea
    of the water filter/drain.
    
    BLiss Marine in Dedham and Boat/Us have the filter cartrideges that fit
    the merc filters in Stock- make suyrte you get the # of your filter and
    element.

    
    
                      -<cut me some slack,here>-
    
      I guess I didn't describe this filter very well,so let me try
    again.  First of all,it's about the size of a standard oil filter.
    It has no markings on it what-so-ever,hence my problem in identifying
    it. There are no drains on it, so it may be only a gas filter and
    not do any water separation.It's mounted in-line between the tank
    and fuel pump. My service manual parts breakdown shows it, but doesn't
    list it. Also, it's a spin on type...no clamps or otherwise hold
    it in place.
    
     Not a very technical description, eh?
    
    
    Andy

    
    To get the model number, check the filter *housing*, not the filter
    cartridge. Once you know the model no. it's a simple matter of looking
    up the replacement cartridge number.
    
    RE: cut me some slack
    We're only trying to help, not getting on your case.  And we can't help
    without a model number.
    
    Rick W.
    

    Real easy.
    
    1. close the shut-off valve prior to the filter.
    
    2. remove the filter.
    
    3. get in vehicle.
    
    4. drive to Merccruiser dealer.
    
    5. show them old part.
    
    6. they locate one you can use.
    
    7. pay for it, get reciept, leave.
    
    8. return to boat, install, turn fuel on, chech for leaks, start
       engine, check for leaks again....
    
    9. use boat.
    
    
    
    JIm.

    
    Re.3 - All the other replies are still valid. If you can figure
    out what Mercruiser filter element it is *OR* what Mercruiser
    filter housing it is, there are a number of very good brands of
    spin-on fuel filter/water seperator *elements* available that should
    fit it.
    
      Boat US has Racor spin-ons that cross reference to Mercruiser
    and I'm sure others do too, you just have to figure out what you
    *HAVE*!
    
    Try looking on the element or main housing for a name or some numbers
    
    				Kenny

This may sound overly simple...but my Mercruiser 230 also has such a filter. It
is a combination water separator/fuel filter.  There's also another little-tiny 
in-line fuel filter right where the fuel line hits the fuel pump.

When I visited my local Mercruiser dealer and said "I have a 1986 Mercruiser 230
and need the fuel filter/water separator", they said "here". 

They only had one size.

it fit.

Jeff

    
    
                           -< thanks >-
    
    
     I got the Mercruiser part number and went to a NAPA store. They
    were able to cross it to one of their own.  The reason I didn't
    want to take it to a 'marine supply' is that the word 'marine' 
    generally adds two to three times the cost of the part.
    
     Thanks for the input, though.
    
    Andy

    Interestingly enough, the word 'marine' doesn't *always* mean more
    expensive.. for example, if you wanted a 30A twistlock power connector,
    Maynard Supply will charge you twice as much as BoatUS, and you get a
    *much* better connector from BoatUS.. 
    
    Sort of the reverse of shopping at Spag's: Most things are cheaper at
    spag's, but not quite everything..
    
    ...tom