Optimax fuel filter replacement

[tripplek123]

I was winterizing my 250 Optimax a month or so ago and tried to remove the fuel filter part #8M0020349. The book says to use a screw drive between the flanges to start it turning. This filter was so tight that I all but destroyed the flanges leaving only two or three in place.

Any idea what I did wrong (other than spin the wrong direction)? Also what can I do to prevent this? Is there a better tool? :huh:

[Hot Runr Guy]

You bet! For $4 you can get the silver thing you see in the photo, it fits on a 3/8" drive breaker bar or ratchet, and engages ALL the filter tangs. That screwdriver idea never works!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mercury-Verado-Optimax-Red-Fuel-Filter-Tool-91-896661_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem20af3a2819QQitem Z140378777625QQptZBoatQ5fPartsQ5fAccessoriesQ5fGea r

HRG

[chitterchad]

Tripplek123,

I have a 2005 Optimax 115 and I've changed my filter every 100 hour and mine came out fairly easy with a screw driver. Was it really cold that day, maybe it was frozen in, I'm just guessing here.

HRG,
That tool looks like that's the way to go I'm going to order one right now, for $3.95 plus shipping how can you go wrong. I never knew that they made a tool for it, I even asked the dealer and they said they just use a screw.

[ohiojmj]

On a warm day last year, the plastic tabs on the filter were quickly damaged with a large srewdriver shaft. I got the $4 spoked socket attachment from eBay and used it yesterday on my Opti 90. It came off easily, although it takes a good amount of torque to loosen it and tighten it with the two tight fitting o-rings.

[tripplek123]

Outstanding I will be ording the tool as well. My only issue now is that i only have about 3 tangs left. This one may take some other manuvering. By the way it was very cold that day. The plastic was likely brittle. Thanks for the info.

[ohiojmj]

The $4 tool has 6 tabs so if you clear deformed material you might get it off. I lubed the o-rings with DFI oil, but it still a lot of torque on a plastic POS to tighten down.