I've changed fuel filters before. This is the 1st time on a Universal M-18 (Other models are similar or the same). In the past, I've had it done by the yard. These are the details learned, some of which are not in the service manual or elsewhere:
The Racor cover gasket and T-handle gasket are included with the Racor filter. They're hidden in a sub package.
The fuel drain at the bottom of the glass is clogged, or there is a vacuum, if the fuel does not start to drain immediately when loosening the drain.
No fuel escapes from the top of the racor, if the fuel shutoff valve is closed. However, fuel will be in the nooks in the cover, so remove with a rag. Also, fuel may not drain out of the glass if the fuel shutoff is closed and the cover is on. Loosen the cover 1st then open the drain. If it hasn't been drained, still no fuel will escape at the top when you open the cover, but the fuel will be at the brim.
If you have an older filter in the Racor, there may be a rubber spacer on the bottom that needs to be discarded when using the new style filter.
The old filters had a colored body, indicating the mic rating. The new ones have colored lettering indicating the rating. All the bodies are now tan.
Keep a coffee can or other receptacle under the Racor apparatus, in case fuel escapes or dribbles from the drain after closing.
The new filter is a tight, precise fit. Don't force, it will slide on easily with the right vertical angle.
On the engine, the spin-on filter looses about a tablespoon of fuel when you unscrew it level. Keep a rag under.
There is a lot of air in the system after everything is buttoned up. It takes about a full minute with the electric fuel pump on to bleed. You can hear the air escaping.
The bleed bolt at the injector pump did not bleed any air. Fuel escaped immediately following breaking the bolt loose.
The engine started right up with no issues, as if there had not been a breach of the fuel system.
I didn't spill a drop. It all went into the coffee cans and\or rags. Although, I can see where fuel could easily escape into the bilge if not anticipated.
It took 2 hours of analyzing, reading internet, the service manual, etc. Hopefully these notes will help another to do it faster
The Racor cover gasket and T-handle gasket are included with the Racor filter. They're hidden in a sub package.
The fuel drain at the bottom of the glass is clogged, or there is a vacuum, if the fuel does not start to drain immediately when loosening the drain.
No fuel escapes from the top of the racor, if the fuel shutoff valve is closed. However, fuel will be in the nooks in the cover, so remove with a rag. Also, fuel may not drain out of the glass if the fuel shutoff is closed and the cover is on. Loosen the cover 1st then open the drain. If it hasn't been drained, still no fuel will escape at the top when you open the cover, but the fuel will be at the brim.
If you have an older filter in the Racor, there may be a rubber spacer on the bottom that needs to be discarded when using the new style filter.
The old filters had a colored body, indicating the mic rating. The new ones have colored lettering indicating the rating. All the bodies are now tan.
Keep a coffee can or other receptacle under the Racor apparatus, in case fuel escapes or dribbles from the drain after closing.
The new filter is a tight, precise fit. Don't force, it will slide on easily with the right vertical angle.
On the engine, the spin-on filter looses about a tablespoon of fuel when you unscrew it level. Keep a rag under.
There is a lot of air in the system after everything is buttoned up. It takes about a full minute with the electric fuel pump on to bleed. You can hear the air escaping.
The bleed bolt at the injector pump did not bleed any air. Fuel escaped immediately following breaking the bolt loose.
The engine started right up with no issues, as if there had not been a breach of the fuel system.
I didn't spill a drop. It all went into the coffee cans and\or rags. Although, I can see where fuel could easily escape into the bilge if not anticipated.
It took 2 hours of analyzing, reading internet, the service manual, etc. Hopefully these notes will help another to do it faster
