Fuel Filter change in GT-40

Hi i am relatively new although been a member for some time. I would like to say, that i have gained an extensive amount of knowledge from this site. I am about to do a spring tune up as we are heading into simmer down in Australia. I have never changed a fuel filter myself and am just inquiring is it an easy change over. i.e unscrew, replace filter and seal and fasten? I was also going to change the impeller while i am at it, was wondering if anyone could let me know some steps or point me in the direction of a relevant post, and thank you.

This article is pretty good for impeller replacement:
Aquaskier Impeller Link
Ignore the very first sketch, because that looks to be an Indmar pump, all the rest of the pics are applicable.

I liked this kit here because it comes with the round rubber o gasket as well as paper gaskets for the two halves of the housing:
Impeller kit

It's a good idea to lube the new one with a little something until it can get new water up there, I used Babe's Boat butter, because the boat was already in the lake and I didn't want a trail of dish suds following me.

I also used an empty coke bottle to pour water into it from above before I reconnected the hoses. This is just to minimize the amount of time it runs without water/unlubed. Not a huge deal, but it's not good to run them try.

Overall, it was easier than I thought. The most important thing is to make sure the set screw is facing the same way when you put it back together as it was when you took it apart. The pump, itself, is designed to pump water either way it turns, but only one way is correct for your particular engine.

Well, I find there's a lot of info if you google this site rather than using the built in search. I'm not sure how many step by step tutorials like that there are though.

I find sometimes the parts sites have some good info. For example if you look at SkiDim,under Spark Plugs, you'll find your plugs are a little different for a GT-40 than for a typical Ford 351.

BTW, I've found, after two oil changes, that the oil filters that go on these motors have a peculiar tendency to leave their gaskets behind, not sure why that is. I've done hundreds of oil changes on cars and rarely encounter this.

So, before you put a new oil filter on, make sure the gasket from the old one is removed. Otherwise, oil changes are really straightforward, especially if you have the little hose that you can fish through the drain hole. That is of course, if the boat is on the trailer.

Edit: The drain hose is easy to use if the boat is "ON" the trailer. Won't work if it's in the water

No problem

Try a pair of oil filter wrenches, brace your foot against the riser and lean toward the driver's seat. Don't yank it, but apply steady, even force to both wrenches. If all else fails, I have heard of people removing it all, putting it in a vice, and wrenching the fcc off.

When I was talking about this with Roy from PCM at the NE reunion, he said quickest solution is to take it off and put it in a vice. I need to do mine next month so I am looking forward to hearing what works best.

Would a chain wrench damage the FCC?

Does it matter if he damages the cell? Would seem the chain wrench and channel lock would beat up the cell - does it matter?

thanks Joel I didnt realize that. I figured it was an oil filter type material.

Fl Inboards wrote: Get a very large pair of channel locks. The vise works also but the channel locks work even better. http://www.amazon.com/Channellock-480-2-Inch-Capacity-20-Inch/dp/B00004SBCX/ref=sr_1_6?s=power-hand-tools&ie=UTF8&qid=1285353229&sr=1-6

Best advice ever. I've used a strap wrench for years and it finally gave up on me yesterday. Got the 4 1/2" GIANT Channellocks at Lowes (22.50). The FCC submitted to the pilers INSTANTLY. Zero fight. Instant off, instant on. Never again will I screw around with a strap wrench on these.

gcarbone wrote: Hey Joel, Did you need to take the FCC off, put it in a vice AND THEN use the pliers or where you able to leave everyting in place to get the canister?

Pliers right in place on the boat. No FCC can resist the pliers, it's instant-off.

The huge Channellocks are also GREAT for pushing back brake caliper pistons when you do disc brake jobs. Total bonus use for the tool.

The work great for stuck oil filters and the older Fram fuel filter housing too.

Curved or V-Jaw will give you a little extra grip.

lewy2001 wrote: Channel locks = Multi Grips I think Stilsons would be even better for this job.

Mark,
I think the jaws on the Stilsons are too large and would get in the way. It's pretty tight down there. I'd go with the water pump pliers. I think Billy would concur on the water pump's.

those pliers are called "pico de loro" (parrot beak) down here!!