Water Separator Filter Removal

[TheAlfredo]

Anyone have any tips or idea how to remove the filter from an MEP803a. It really is stuck on there.

 

[rcamacho]

Take the top/side panel off and use a very good quality strap wrench. Expect to need a lot of force....

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[Light in the Dark]

Above is the ONLY way to do it. Unless you are trained in the use of plastic explosives, but that might have other ramifications to the machine.

 

[Guyfang]

There are about 2000 threads on this subject.

 

[America]

Anyone have any tips or idea how to remove the filter from an MEP803a. It really is stuck on there.

The answer is just to turn it harder, Use a cheater bar and a strap wrench or similar. You might as well get a hole set of heavy duty strap wrench’s if you don’t have them. Don’t buy the ones at the big box stores they are too weak.

 

[rtrask]

Strap wrenches are OK, but the vice grip chain style works a lot better for me.

 

[BobbyT]

I just went out of my comfort zone of lots of filtration (and listening to @Guyfang about filters) on my 802a and just removed all the filters and replaced it with a single Racor water separating filter. I kept the 10 micron on it for the initial run after i went through everything, but have the 2 micron on it now. I moved the crank switch up to allow the new filter to mount in an easy to view/access spot. I just bent, cut and flared the original hard line and made all new rubber hoses from there on with Gates 1/4" hose and fuel injection clamps.

I think it should be plenty of filtration and now that its easy to see, drain or change, is a lot better than the original setup as far as user friendliness.

I'm all about making things simple and easy.

 

[Light in the Dark]

Will this filter keep up with the flow rate of the primary fuel pump?

 

[BobbyT]

They are rated for 15 gph, so it should be ok. I think the pump is rated at 25gph free flow. Seems to work good so far and has plenty of return flow to the tank. But i will keep an eye on it and can switch to the R20 series that's rated for 30gph if needed.

 

[rcamacho]

Nice solution


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[Guyfang]

Its what the military should have done in the first place.

 

[jstew0903]

Changed mine yesterday. Went with a WIX 33472. The one issue I had is that the drain pepcock threads didn't seem to be the same on the factory filter as on the WIX. I was able to cheat thread it on and it seemed to seal bit I'd rather have the correct one. Does anyone know where I can get the correct one for the WIX? I did a fair amount of searching and came up with nothing.

Getting that original filter off was a pain. Ended up using a very large set of Channel locks.

 

[Light in the Dark]

When you go with the Wix you lose the factory drain line.

 

[Light in the Dark]

The OEM filter used to be available from time to time on eBay, etc. The drain line is immaterial to me, the Wix is fine for me.

 

[jstew0903]

Thanks for the replies.

So do you just use the little plastic threaded plug to drain it? The little plastic plug doesn't seem functional/sturdy.

I think I might go the Marine style with the glass bowl. I'll have to figure out converting the hoses over.

 

[Light in the Dark]

Yes just loosen it, and put a coffee can or similar underneath to catch the contents.

 

[Guyfang]

Or maybe find a metal fitting? I have never seen the plastic fitting not work. Or be damaged. The filter? Oh yeah.

 

[jstew0903]

I was just making the point that in my opinion the plastic plug in the threaded hole wasn't likely meant to be a permanent fixture. It's split down the middle on the threaded side. I think it's there to keep the paint out. I'm going to search for a pepcock that will work. I'll report back if I find one.

As always appreciate this group and it's knowledge.

 

[Light in the Dark]

If yours is split, its because its damaged. It is the drain, not a cover.

 

[winterton1]

a dumb question ive replaced the wix 33472 fuel separator before but i cant remember what the small black washer is for?